PARTNERS
Partners of the interpretation site
As mentioned in the making-of, La Vaux-Marie 1914 required nine years of work. INNOV’Stories, represented by Clément MENUSIER, brought together more than a hundred people to work on this project at all levels of creation, from historical research to filming and the installation of signage.
Among them are major partners who, without their financial, technical or logistical help and contribution, would not have been able to bring this great and beautiful project to fruition, which pays tribute to the combatants of this battle, whether French or German.
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TotalEnergies Renewables Solutions
TotalEnergies Renewables Solutions, financier of the La Vaux-Marie 1914 project, asked INNOV’Stories to create this major and innovative interpretation site. All the production stages were validated by INNOV’Stories. Without its financial contribution, the project would never have seen the light of day in this form.
Find out more about TotalEnergies Renewables Solutions’ involvement in this project,
Mémorial de Verdun
In order to produce the docu-drama series, INNOV’Stories approached the Verdun Memorial and its teams to get their experts’ approval of the script, in particular that of Nicolas Czubak, Head of the History, Collections and Mediation Department.
Exceptionally, we were also given permission to borrow a 1907 Saint Etienne machine gun from the permanent exhibition so that we could make video recordings for the docu-drama.
Dominique DI CEGLIE
Dominique DI CEGLIE has been directing for more than 20 years, is an expert in special effects and is a graphic designer. He joined Clément MENUSIER in this wonderful adventure in 2018. They met through a mutual friend. And what a meeting it was! Thanks to their collaboration, the ‘La Vaux-Marie 1914’ interpretation sitewas born, as was a friendship.
This isn’t Dominique’s first foray into the world of history : alongside our project, he has produced a digital and memorial trail entitled ‘The trail of the destroyed villages’, focusing on the villages around Verdun that died for France in the First World War.
Docteur Mickaël MATHIEU
A member of the Centre de recherche universitaire lorrain d’histoire (the history research centre based at the University of Lorraine in Nancy), Dr Mickaël Mathieu is an expert on the Battle of Vaux-Marie. In 2018, he published his thesis on the subject, entitled ‘Revigny-sur-Ornain, Vaubécourt et la Première Guerre mondiale : Histoire et mémoire dans deux cantons ruraux de la Meuse (1914-1918)’.
For INNOV’Stories, it was an obvious choice to call on his expertise in historical research, as well as his participation in the docufiction series as a speaker.
Le Poilu de la Marne
Based in Epernay, this French association was set up in 1991 and brings together over a hundred re-enactors from all over France. Its aim is to keep alive the memory of the men and women who were, by force of circumstance, involved in the last two world wars. The group takes part in parades, re-enactments, exhibitions… and when requested, they act in video clips, documentaries or films for cinema or TV.
Under the guidance of Henri Desbordes, their chairman, the members of Poilu de la Marne took part in the various shoots of the docu-drama series. Experts in re-enactment, they also gave invaluable advice to ensure that the docu-drama lived up to the expectations of Clément MENUSIER and Dominique DI CEGLIE.
Darstellungsgruppe Süddeutsches Militär e.V. (DSM)
Based in Bavaria, this German association brings together 60 re-enactors. Its aim is to depict the everyday life of the ordinary soldier during the period from 1870 to 1918. The association focuses on the representation of a troop in the field, wearing authentic uniforms and equipment for the period in question.
As part of Vaux-Marie 1914, DSM members took part in the filming scenes. They were also meticulous technical advisers to ensure that the gestures were reproduced as they would have been in battle. They also helped with the translations.
Traditions Meusiennes
Based in Dieue-sur-Meuse, this non-profit association was set up over 50 years ago to promote and pass on the culture, popular arts, skills and customs of the Meuse region, while preserving its cultural and material heritage.
As part of La Vaux-Marie 1914, They loaned the civilian costumes and farming tools worn by the two main characters in the docu-drama series.