As someone who has spent a significant part of my life immersed in the world of storytelling, I find myself captivated by the intriguing premise of “Costiera”. The narrative seems to resonate with a universal longing that many of us harbor – the yearning for something more, the grass always seeming greener on the other side.
On Monday, Fremantle will unveil a promotional preview of the cheerful action-drama “Costiera” to Mipcom attendees, with star Jesse Williams (“Only Murders in the Building,” “Your Place or Mine”) and Emmy award-winning director Adam Bernstein (“30 Rock,” “Fargo”) present. Bernstein collaborated on the show’s direction alongside Giacomo Martelli.
Prior to the upcoming presentation, EbMaster engaged in a discussion with Williams and Bernstein regarding the forthcoming show. This production will be accessible on Prime Video next year, not just in English-speaking regions such as the United States, but also in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. Moreover, Fremantle is responsible for sales in all other territories worldwide. It’s a joint venture between Amazon MGM Studios and Luca Bernabei for Lux Vide, which is itself a subsidiary of Fremantle.
The story revolves around Daniel De Luca (Williams), an ex-US marine with Italian roots, now residing in Italy – his childhood home. In this lavish hotel overlooking Positano’s breathtaking coastline, he serves as a fixer. Apart from managing the issues of the hotel’s affluent patrons, Daniel is also investigating the mysterious disappearance of Alice, one of the hotel owners’ daughters, who went missing a month ago.
Williams portrays Daniel as a man stuck in a transitional phase at the start of the series. He explains that “Daniel has always held leadership roles, a former career military officer who was discharged and is now recuperating from his experiences. With no partner or immediate family left, he returns to his homeland, healing and searching for direction in life. Initially, he seems content with just pausing and reflecting on the future. However, events unfold that thrust him into one adventure after another.
In my opinion, he seems somewhat spontaneous and troubled, struggling to rediscover himself. This journey often brings about its own set of challenges, especially since he possesses skills and independence, yet finds himself adrift in what ought to be familiar territories.
Daniel possesses unique abilities as well. “He holds a distinct array of talents that prove useful throughout life, and he demonstrates exceptional leadership skills when managing teams,” Williams notes. “He’s meticulously organized and resourceful in his memory recall, which enables him to adapt effectively under any circumstances.
He possesses a witty, dry humor, maintains composure during turbulent times, and remains unfazed by minor distractions, be they people or potential pitfalls in life. I believe he boasts a mix of strengths and weaknesses, which can fluctuate as he navigates through a place that he is familiar with yet no longer truly belongs to. He considers it his own, but it’s not his home anymore. So, where does he belong? He’s American, yet he also has Italian roots. He embodies both identities, yet neither fully defines him. This ambiguous ground can sometimes make finding solid footing challenging for him.
Bernstein notes: “One topic Jesse and I discussed initially was how he’s spent several decades in the military, achieving great success, only to find himself in an environment without much structure. He was used to having a structured life, but now he operates independently with few rules guiding him. This lack of structure could leave him vulnerable to impulses, especially if he occasionally gives in to them.
In this situation, it’s crucial for him to identify reliable people, and fortunately, he has a circle of friends ready to help him unravel mysteries.
According to Bernstein, there’s a fellow named Bignè, a childhood friend from Naples who had a troubled past. He moved to Positano to escape trouble and start anew. This is what attracted Daniel to Positano as well. Additionally, they both made connections with other individuals: Jenny, a globetrotter who settled in Positano after a series of failed relationships and professional ventures; and Tancredi, a British individual known for his eccentricity. The Tancredi family has been vacationing in Positano for centuries, representing what is often referred to as aristocracy with real estate limitations. They might have sold their baronial estate in England, and all they have left is the villa in Positano, possibly living off an allowance from his mother.
As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “Of course, those are the folks he can count on, the ones he brings into the fold when he needs a hand in tricky scenarios.
I can certainly relate to that! We’re more like a motley crew, brought together by a venerable institution. There’s a definite culture shock as we navigate through the methods and mechanisms of this establishment, often resulting in humorous situations.
The cultural atmosphere of Southern Italy significantly influences the plotline. Bernstein explains: “Daniel was raised in Naples and as a child, he was a scugnizzo, or street urchin, belonging to a group of kids you can still encounter in Naples. We utilized this contrast in the tales between Positano, a popular destination for jet-setters and affluent Italians, and the wealthy, yet it’s only a short ferry ride from Naples, which is often referred to as the ‘New Orleans of Italy.’ It is a vibrant, chaotic, energetic, and culturally rich environment. In several episodes, Daniel makes trips to Naples to investigate cases or find people.
Williams notes: “There’s a blend of cultural codes occurring between these two cultures, with varying levels, but also strong familial bonds, right? In Italy, family is highly valued. This value is expressed differently in different contexts, such as Neapolitan culture versus coastal culture, versus someone who has lived in America or served in the military, which are often considered like families until they no longer serve that purpose. Therefore, these various factors are constantly shifting.
Daniel exhibits a chameleon-like quality in his character. He seamlessly switches between accents, languages, styles, physical appearances, and sensual expressions, adapting what feels right, tactical, or instinctive at any given moment. It’s intriguing to observe this dance between these different aspects of his persona. Having such a dynamic interplay between these facets is quite fascinating.
From a narrative standpoint, positioning the series within a hotel environment offers certain benefits, as it allows for the natural ebb and flow of characters entering and exiting, creating an engaging, dynamic atmosphere.
As a movie enthusiast, I wholeheartedly agree that a story’s core cast is essential, but it’s also intriguing to introduce fresh elements, such as new challenges, betrayals, or characters seeking loyalty and understanding. Sometimes, these newcomers can fill gaps that were previously unnoticed. If the narrative doesn’t resonate with me initially, perhaps another viewer might grasp it better. The question then arises: What is the nature of this connection? Are you here for the long haul or just passing by? Can you invest emotionally and engage with characters who are transient by nature? They know their time is limited, they have tickets for departure booked. But is the investment of my time and emotions worth it when their stay is temporary? This scenario also presents an exit strategy if one has been involved in some questionable activities.
In certain relationships, there’s often tension, making us value even more those individuals who persist or opt to persist, knowing full well they were never originally intended to be a part of the picture.
I was initially just intending to spend a few months there, regroup, and make some decisions. But I find myself deeply entwined and unwilling to leave. What’s happening here? Is this a setback or a step towards a new phase in my life? Am I okay with this? Is it acceptable? These questions are swirling around me amidst the turbulence of my surroundings, as I delve into introspection.
Bernstein mentions: “Yes, Jesse pointed out that there’s a continuous stream of characters coming in and out of the hotel. However, Daniel is not just a guest; he’s connected to the hotel’s owning family. He shares a close bond with Augusto, the owner, and his two strikingly attractive daughters. The longer storyline of the series revolves around one daughter who has vanished, leaving us unsure if she’s in danger. There’s another daughter who manages the hotel, and her relationship with Daniel is playful yet challenging. He seems to be encroaching upon her father’s favor a bit.
“Adele, the elder sister, has been given the responsibility of managing the property, whether she’s happy about it or not. She dreams of freedom, yet finds herself tied down to this place, which brings both blessings and burdens. On the other hand, Alice, the younger sister, seems more carefree and unrestricted, even if her lifestyle is not necessarily by choice. This sense of longing for something beyond one’s current situation is present among all three characters, including Daniel, as they grapple with uncertainty.
The show has its moments of comedy intermingled with the action and drama.
According to Williams, these episodes contain both serious and humorous moments. There’s an abundance of delightful, jubilant, splendid comedy alongside intense situations filled with tension and action. You’ll find speed boats, motorcycles, and luxury cars like Maseratis. Moreover, the characters are deeply emotional and precarious in various ways, facing genuine challenges that keep you engaged. However, there’s also a sense of levity, a unique blend of Italian and British humor that I adore, and we’ve gathered some truly talented actors for these episodes.
Bernstein notes: “A significant portion of the humor arises from Daniel’s close-knit circle of friends and the contrasting characters of Tancredi and Bigné, who can be likened to fire and ice.
I’ve found myself in agreement with Williams’ perspective. Not all villains are truly evil, and not every tough character embodies the same level of strength. These nuances in portrayal and motivation create an intricate tapestry that makes this production a global spectacle. We have characters from Italy, Spain, France, and English-speaking nations, each bringing their unique cultural influences to the table. This leads to fascinating cultural clashes and misunderstandings that sometimes ignite the storyline. Furthermore, we skillfully balance intense moments with lighter ones that bring a touch of humor and lighten the mood, making it an enjoyable experience. All in all, it’s been a captivating dance between drama and comedy.
According to Bernabei’s concept, the six-episode series is penned by Elena Bucaccio, Matthew Parkhill, and Francesco Arlanch. Williams collaborates with a diverse ensemble of Italian and global actors, including Maria Chiara Giannetta, Jordan Alexandra, Antonio Gerardi, Sam Haygarth, Tommaso Ragno, Amanda Campana, Pierpaolo Spollon, Alejandra Onieva, and Jean-Hugues Anglade.
Bernabei, Lux Vide’s CEO and creator of “Costiera,” remarks in a statement: “English author Osbert Sitwell once said that ‘those who haven’t visited Amalfi haven’t truly experienced Italy.’ In our series ‘Costiera,’ the breathtaking Amalfi coast serves as the backdrop for a tale where Italian charm intertwines with American entrepreneurial spirit.
By adopting a pioneering business strategy, Amazon Prime Italy delved into its initial collaboration on a global series production. The result is a captivating series that breathes new life into the traditional procedural format, offering a contemporary, energetic, and engaging spin.
In order to accomplish this task, we assembled Jesse Williams, a prominent American actor with a passion for Italy, Adam Bernstein, an exceptional American director fluent in Italian, along with gifted Italian and British authors like Matthew Parkill, Elena Bucaccio, and Francesco Arlanch.
The Italian ambiance, charm, and stunning scenery transform this action-packed drama into an attractive snapshot, vividly showcasing the numerous beauties our nation possesses.
Jens Richter, CEO of Fremantle’s commercial and international division, stated: “The series ‘Costiera’ is an exciting, sky-high crime thriller that takes viewers to the stunning Italian coastline of Amalfitana. It’s a lively, top-tier production that provides a truly captivating escape. With Adam Bernstein’s remarkable creativity and an outstanding international cast, headlined by Jesse Williams, we are convinced audiences worldwide will be captivated.
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2024-10-21 08:24