Channel 4 broadcast first ever ad break in French

Channel 4 today announced it will broadcast an exclusive themed ad break of French adverts with subtitles in the first episode of its much anticipated new French zombie drama, The Returned, coming to Channel 4 on Sunday 9th June at 9pm.

The major brands interested to feature their French ads in the one-off 3’ 30’’ break include L’Oreal, Renault, Bel Boursin and Emirates – and for extra authenticity, each ad will carry its own subtitles. This themed premium break will be first up in the first episode of the series at approx. 9.10pm – and will be introduced by a French voiceover which will also carry subtitles. This is the first time a UK broadcaster has ever broadcast an entire break of French language adverts – and with subtitles.

Jonathan Allan, Sales Director at Channel 4 said: “We’re really excited to bring the first entirely French ad break to Channel4 to herald the arrival of our eagerly awaited new zombie drama series – it should really make the ads fit within the context of the show and surprise the viewer, cutting through to the audience.”

The themed premium break was collaboratively devised and managed by Channel 4 Sales, working with agency partners ZenithOptimedia, MGOMD, OMD and Starcom.

Channel4 acquired the UK premiere broadcast rights for The Returned (Les Revenants) from Zodiak Rights. The supernatural crime thriller, written by Fabrice Gobert, Emmanuel Carrere and Fabien Adda, is set in a small Alpine village and follows a group of men, women and children who don’t yet know they have been dead for several years.