From Beloved Short to Ambitious Series: "Luce and the Rock" Embarks on a New Adventure

Annecy, France – June 19, 2026 – The heartwarming journey of a tiny, spirited girl and her gentle, colossal companion, Luce and the Rock, is set to captivate audiences worldwide with its expansion from a critically acclaimed short film into a full-fledged animated series. Following its impressive international festival run and subsequent viral success online, the beloved duo is poised to return in a brand-new 35-episode series, complete with two special 14-minute installments. This exciting development, spearheaded by original director Britt Raes and producer Perrine Gauthier, with co-director Mathilde Prévost joining the creative helm, will receive its first public unveiling at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

The original short, "Luce and the Rock," a testament to the power of unlikely friendships and the universal language of visual storytelling, garnered over 200 festival selections and resonated deeply with viewers, amassing thousands of online views since its debut two years ago. This overwhelming positive reception fueled the creative team’s desire to explore this rich, yet simple universe further, promising a new chapter filled with curiosity, kindness, and the enduring magic of connection.

The Genesis of an Endearing Friendship: From Sketch to Screen

The seeds of "Luce and the Rock" were sown in the creative mind of Britt Raes. "The initial short film originated from dozens of sketches I made of a tiny human and a giant creature," Raes recalls. "I loved the contrast between them and wondered how two very different characters would become friends." This core concept, exploring the dynamics between disparate beings, formed the emotional bedrock of the short. While the film successfully answered that initial question, Raes and producer Perrine Gauthier recognized the untapped potential within their creation.

"Initially, we had imagined developing a collection of shorts taking place in the same universe, the Lovely Land," explains Gauthier. "But we quickly realized how attached we had become to ‘Luce and the Rock,’ and that a series format would be a great opportunity to continue exploring these characters and their unique bond." This shared sentiment marked a pivotal shift in their creative vision, transforming a successful short into a springboard for a larger narrative endeavor.

Building a World: The Collaborative Journey to Series Production

The transition from a concise short film to an expansive series demanded a robust and collaborative development process. In the summer of 2022, Raes began crafting a wealth of story ideas, penning 30 short adventure concepts that she eagerly shared with Gauthier. "We were both excited to further explore the world of ‘Luce and the Rock,’" Raes states, emphasizing the shared passion that fueled their efforts. "And I also took the opportunity to explore themes and values such as curiosity, open-mindedness, and empathy that matter to me and to us as a team." These underlying values are not merely narrative embellishments but are integral to the series’ thematic core, promising a positive and enriching experience for young viewers.

The existence of the short film served as both an asset and a challenge during the development phase. "On one hand, they had tons of visual assets that helped them present the project and convince partners," Gauthier notes. This existing visual language provided a strong foundation for pitching the series and securing crucial backing. However, establishing a distinct identity for the series, separate from the established aesthetic of the short, required meticulous attention.

Gauthier elaborates on the strategic approach taken to solidify the series’ identity: "First internally, then by bringing partners on board, and later with the support of VRT-Ketnet, France Télévisions, the series’ international distributor CAKE, and several subsidies. This is how we launched production in September 2025, with a strong set of creative materials." This phased approach, involving internal development, strategic partnerships, and securing financial backing, was instrumental in bringing the ambitious project to fruition.

A Harmonious Partnership: Directorial Synergy and Artistic Integrity

To support Raes in this significant undertaking, Gauthier sought out Mathilde Prévost, an accomplished storyboard artist and ECV alum. Prévost’s experience in television series production proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of serial storytelling. "Britt and I clearly matched, and based on our different experiences, her making independent short films and me working on series productions, we started to determine how we could support each other on this project," Prévost explains. "For a while we called each other every morning, but now that the series is in full-blown production, it’s sometimes trickier to find the time."

Despite the demands of a full production schedule, the directorial duo maintains a remarkable synchronicity. Their complementary skill sets ensure that the artistic integrity of the original short is not only preserved but also thoughtfully expanded. "The artistic elements that people loved in the short film are preserved in the series," Raes underlines, "including the visual style, playing with shapes and colors, the use of split screens, limited dialogue, quality sound design and music, etc." The series will retain these signature stylistic elements that contributed to the short’s charm and accessibility.

However, adapting to the demands of a series format necessitated careful consideration. "But for a series format, the pipeline is different, of course, so we took time to explore how to keep what we like and what it means when creating new elements," Raes adds. This thoughtful approach ensures that the new material feels organically integrated rather than tacked on.

Championing Female Talent: A Producer’s Vision for Inclusivity

A significant and commendable aspect of the "Luce and the Rock" series production is producer Perrine Gauthier’s deliberate commitment to assembling an all-female creative team. This initiative stems from Gauthier’s broader vision for fostering diversity and representation within the animation industry. "As a producer, I’m committed to creating space for diverse voices and worldviews," she states. "Supporting projects led by women creators and directors, such as Britt and Mathilde, is one way of doing that."

Gauthier’s commitment extends beyond the directing duo. "Beyond that, we at La Cabane want to contribute to the growing representation of women across all departments and levels of responsibility in animation," she emphasizes. "So on ‘Luce and the Rock,’ female presence behind the screen extends well beyond the directing team, with key leadership roles at every stage of production." This proactive approach to inclusivity promises a richer and more nuanced creative environment, potentially leading to innovative storytelling and a broader range of perspectives.

Refining the Narrative: Enhancing Comedy and Pacing for a New Format

The shift to a series format also allowed for a reevaluation of the storytelling and pacing. "The series’ episodes are shorter than the original 13-minute film," Raes points out, "which has an impact on the pacing. We also made a conscious decision to enhance the comedy in a way that fits the style and supports the storytelling." This focus on comedic timing and its integration into the narrative fabric is a key element of the series’ evolution.

Prévost’s extensive experience in storyboarding comedy series proved particularly beneficial in this regard. Her insights have been crucial in developing a distinctive tone and pace that balances heartwarming moments with genuine humor. "Citing ‘Little Amélie’ and ‘Le Collège Noir’ as inspirational works from fellow French animators, Prévost says she also draws a lot of inspiration from what she calls underground DIY artists," the article notes. This blend of established influences and independent artistry informs the series’ unique comedic sensibilities.

Prévost further elaborates on her inspirations: "In this era where we are drowning in content (sometimes not even made by humans), going back to making art with little to no means, embracing imperfections and authenticity, feels powerful and moving." This philosophy resonates with the core message of "Luce and the Rock," which champions genuine connection and heartfelt expression. She points to works like Émilie Tronche’s "Samuel" and Manon Tacconi’s "Bitches" as examples of how compelling stories can be told with authenticity and resourcefulness, regardless of budget size.

Unveiling at Annecy: A Glimpse into the Future of "Luce and the Rock"

Currently in full production, "Luce and the Rock" is set to make its grand debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The team will be presenting the first completed episodes to partners and potential buyers during an exclusive Mifa screening on Tuesday, June 23rd. This highly anticipated event marks a significant milestone, offering the global animation community a firsthand look at the series’ potential.

Alongside their international sales partner CAKE, the production team is eager to welcome additional broadcasters and platforms to join the already impressive roster of major players. These include France Télévisions, VRT-Ketnet, RTBF, RTS, DR, and TV5MONDE, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm and confidence in the project.

"Sharing the work we’ve been doing is rewarding for the whole team and encouraging for the rest of the production," emphasizes Gauthier. "We can’t wait to hear the reactions. I sincerely feel we’re making a very special show, one that will resonate strongly with children and families. A feel-good series featuring endearing characters, driven by curiosity and kindness. All things the world very much needs right now."

The expansion of "Luce and the Rock" from a beloved short into a full-fledged series represents a triumph of creative vision, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to meaningful storytelling. As the team prepares to share their work at Annecy, the anticipation is palpable for a series that promises to bring joy, warmth, and valuable life lessons to audiences around the globe. The journey of Luce and the Rock is far from over; it is, in fact, just beginning its most exciting chapter.