Production of Cinquième Etage Sans Ascenseur by Renaud Cohen.

After studying law, Laurent Lavolé decided to launch a career in cinema. In 1991, just a few months after obtaining his diploma from the production department at FEMIS, he created Gloria Films Production with Isabelle Pragier, a student from the same graduating year. A well-balanced, complementary team, they went on to produce short fiction and documentary films, many of which were broadcast by Canal+, among other channels, and selected for film festivals. Laurent then launched himself on a new adventure by producing his first feature-length film, Cinquième Etage Sans Ascenseur by Renaud Cohen. “It’s a beautiful story, an appealing, humorous take on the ups and downs of relationships between people living in the same apartment block.” Laurent knew the young director well, having already produced his films at FEMIS. Supported by the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation, they were able to start work on their project and to experience what they themselves call “an exhilarating adventure.”

Achievements since winning the grant

Laurent Lavolé has been a member of the ACE (European Cinema Workshops) since 1998. He also chaired the CNC (French National Cinematographic Centre) short-film selective-support committee between 2002 and 2003.
In 2001, Quand On Sera Grand (formerly Cinquième Etage Sans Ascenseur) by Renaud Cohen, the project selected by the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation, was released in cinemas and received awards at numerous festivals.
In 2003, Mille Mois, a short film by Faouzi Bensaidi, was chosen for the Cannes Film Festival, where it was part of the official selection (Un Certain Regard, Prix de la Jeunesse and Prix Premier Regard).
In 2004, Laurent produced Clara et Moi by Arnaud Viard and No More Bets by Stephen Dean.
In 2005, he produced La Petite Jérusalem, a feature-length film by Karin Albou that won the SACD prize at Cannes, as well as Bloco by Stephen Dean.
In 2006, he produced What a Wonderful World, the second feature-length film by Faouzi Bensaïdi, which was selected for the Venice Film Festival, as well as a feature-length film by Gaël Morel, Après Lui. The same year, he produced Sang Froid by Sylvie Verheyde, and L’International by Renaud Cohen.
In 2007, Laurent Lavoole produced La Clinique de l’Amour by Artus de Penguern, scheduled for release in cinemas soon.