Bold, close-up, socially relevant. Infrarouge shows the reality behind the headlines — no voyeurism, but no whitewashing. Socially critical gaze that takes those affected seriously and gives them space. Tone is direct, sometimes confrontational, but never sensationalist. Emotionally grounded, not sentimental. Provocation is allowed when substantively justified. Empathy, not pity.
What this format covers
●Social fault lines: precarity, exclusion, social inequality
●Justice and incarceration — the system behind the cases
●Migration, integration, identity in French society
●Healthcare system, psychiatric care, nursing
●Gender relations, sexual violence, domestic violence
●Changing world of work: uberization, burnout, precariat
●Youth, banlieue, social mobility
What this format does NOT want
●Travel formats or lifestyle documentaries
●Historical retrospectives without contemporary relevance
●Purely scientific or technical subjects
●Wildlife films or nature documentaries
●Light entertainment or feel-good formats
●Films without clear socio-political relevance
Visual expectations
Documentary proximity is decisive. Observational camera, long takes, intimacy. No overproduced television — reality must speak. Authentic locations, real situations. Handheld camera allowed and desired when it creates closeness. Talking heads only in moderation. The film must tell visually, not just verbally. Reference: Raymond Depardon, Cinéma du réel.
Expected exposé structure
Titre + sous-titre (title + subtitle)
Synopsis courte (short summary, 5–10 lines)
Note d'intention (director's intention, why this subject, what approach)
Personnages (protagonists/access figures with short portraits)
Repérages (research status, material already shot)
Budget estimatif et plan de financement
Société de production, réalisateur, CV
Example productions
Les Femmes du Bus 678 (Infrarouge, 2014)
Femmes de chambre — Hôtel de luxe (2018)
À l'école des chances (2019)
Adolescentes (Sébastien Lifshitz, 2020)
Les Enfants du 209 rue Saint-Maur, Paris Xe (2018)
Infrarouge: Sous les radars (2022)
European perspective required
Editorial notes
Infrarouge is the late-night documentary slot on France 2 — the audience is demanding and expects depth. The slot allows bolder subjects than prime time. Co-productions with European partners are welcome, especially when they include a French perspective. CNC funding (Fonds documentaire) is part of the financing for most productions. The commissioning desk values directors with a clear signature and personal access to the subject. Slot is occasionally moved to Tuesday or Wednesday.
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