As a seasoned writer and storyteller myself, I find it truly captivating to delve into these intriguing projects that are currently in the works across Europe. Each one offers a unique perspective, a fresh take on familiar genres, and a rich tapestry of characters that promise to keep viewers engaged.
10 series in development have been chosen for the TV Beats Co-financing Market in Tallinn, including “Fata Morgana”, a Hungarian revenge period drama from AMC and Oble Studios, executive produced by Bela Tarr; “The Reluctant Contact”, an Irish/Canadian spy thriller written by Stephen Burke; and “The Code of Thule”, a fantasy thriller from Estonia, Switzerland, and Denmark. These details were exclusively learned by EbMaster.
Some notable dramas that could attract additional investors include the Icelandic/Danish crime series “The Noröna Murders,” the Finnish production “The Women I Think About at Night” (based on Mia Kankimäki’s popular novel), and the Slovenian psycho-thriller “Bunker,” starring Zlatko Burić, who was also in “Triangle of Sadness.
The two-day co-production pitching event, taking place in Tallinn from November 19th to 20th, is the main attraction of TV Beats, a part of the five-day Industry @ Tallinn & Baltic Event. This event runs concurrently with the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (from November 8th to 24th). For the first time, this series strand is being organized by Petri Kemppinen and Roosa Toivonen, who are senior executives in the audiovisual field.
Kemppinen and Toivonen, fresh from their association with Aurora Studios and Finnish Impact Film Fund, expressed excitement about rejoining efforts. They noted that the A-festival in Northern Europe, where they’ll be taking the lead this time, is widely recognized, and TV Beats has become a significant gathering spot. This inaugural event under our management will primarily delve into the current issue of financing. They are thrilled to collaborate once more.
Since 2018, TV Beats – encompassing a Forum and a Screening Day – has transformed into an essential gathering for European creators and producers of TV dramas boasting international appeal, seeking financing partners and networking chances with peers from the Baltics, CEE (Central and Eastern Europe), and Nordic territories. For professionals hailing from the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, who have witnessed a spike in filming and production service activity in recent times but are yet to catch up financially with local content, TV Beats’ co-financing market presents exclusive prospects.
In creating TV Beats, our primary aim was to shine a light on series from the Baltic region, as this area had been largely overlooked by the global TV community. It’s like saying the gods abandoned us forever, leaving us with a void. Our ambition was to fill that void, and amazingly, we’ve managed to do so. We hope that TV Beats will continue to thrive and be a permanent fixture. This is Tiina Lokk, director of the Black Nights Film Festival (also known as PÖFF) and industry consultant, expressing her thoughts.
2021 signifies an advance in Tallinn’s leading position in the global TV Beats arena, as all titles chosen for the Co-Financing Market will compete for the prestigious Eurimages €50,000 ($55,000) Series Co-Production Development Award – a first-time occurrence.
Toivonen, originally from Finland, expressed immense excitement and pride as they announced the arrival of the Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award in Tallinn. This recognition holds significant value for the smaller ecosystems within the Baltic region’s media industry. Toivonen was impressed by how Estonia, along with other Baltic states, have transformed from post-Soviet entities into a vibrant and innovative minor powerhouse in the global audiovisual sector, through co-development and co-production efforts.
In light of difficult times affecting both established ecosystems and larger markets, it’s truly remarkable to observe how the Baltic countries are meeting these challenges. They’re doing this by not only creating and manufacturing their own intellectual properties but also by generating income through extensive service production expertise,” she pointed out.
In a conversation about the TV Beats Co-financing slate, Toivonen stated that the ten chosen projects hail from nine European countries, including two from Estonia. Out of 45 applications, these were selected predominantly from the Baltic states, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Nordics.
As per Toivonen’s report, the chosen projects that sparked intense discussions within the selection committee due to the large number of impressive applications and diverse genres were started by both newcomers and long-standing professionals in the industry. Interestingly, these projects were created by a mix of individuals, with women accounting for 44% and men making up 56%. Kemppinen expressed his delight over this gender balance, stating that they had to verify the numbers.
In terms of subject matter, the lineup spans a broad range, encompassing “a variety of family dynamics, fierce female avengers, stories centered around historical figures, and let’s not forget the ever-popular crime dramas that have been the mainstay of broadcasting and streaming for years,” explained Toivonen.
The announcement for the victorious team in the Series Co-Production Development Award is scheduled for November 19th, taking place in Tallinn.
Here is a rundown of the ten series projects:
Six-episode psycho thriller titled ‘Bunker,’ hailing from Slovenia, is a production by Lija Pogačnik and Vlado Bulajić for December Films (‘Inventory’). It’s also being made in collaboration with Jure Bušić of Croatia’s Jaka Produkcija.
Ivica Djikić, the brain behind Netflix’s popular Croatian series “The Paper,” collaborated with Goran Vojnović and Marko Šantić in its creation. Prior to this, Vojnović and Šantić had worked together on the critically acclaimed local film “Zbudi Me,” which also garnered recognition at PÖFF and was named Critics Pick. In addition, it was Marko Šantić who directed the series.
Confirmed among the leading stars are Zlatko Burić (from “Triangle of Sadness”), Snežana Bogdanović (known for “Kuduz”), and Špela Rozin (“Personal Baggage”).
The narrative revolves around Marina Sabo, a psychotherapist who was once an actress, as she encounters Boris Herman, a media mogul and her ex-lover, in her practice. Their interaction sets off events that take an unexpected turn. As for Djikić and Šantić, they’ve noticed little change in the area encompassing former Yugoslavia, from the days before independence in 1991 up to now. They find it intriguing how past transgressions continue to influence our current lives and politics. The question arises as to whether there can be redemption, a chance to atone for past wrongs, and if it’s possible to truly leave the past behind and forge ahead.
“Fata Morgana” (6X50′, Hungary)
A revenge thriller titled “Winter Palace,” produced by Lydia Kali for Oble Studios (in association with Netflix) and overseen by Gabor Harmi as showrunner for Queenside Pictures, is being co-produced along with AMC Networks Central Europe. Notably, the esteemed Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr is serving as an executive producer on this production. The series is jointly written by Zsofi Ruttkay, Gyorgy Palfi and Gabor Papp.
In an exclusive announcement made on EbMaster, the gritty revenge tale is grounded in authentic legends from Central Europe. As stated by showrunner Harmi, “This series takes us into a brutal, revolutionary period post #metoo, where fear has indeed changed hands.” The series “Fata Morgana” follows the journey of a Hungarian woman battling a oppressive patriarchal system, but it transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, representing all women from every corner of the globe throughout history. This gripping drama fearlessly confronts poignant and universal themes such as immigration, assimilation, misogyny, emancipation, obedience, and ethics.
“In Paradise” (8X45′, Germany)
Dramedy produced by Marco Gilles and Lutz Heineking for eitelsonnenschein GmbH.
Written by Corinna C. Poetter, nominated for the 2024 International Emmy for the KiKA life action children’s show “Gong! My SpectRakular Life.” The main characters are played by Denis Moschitto (as Chiko) and Anne Ratte-Polle (from the series “I Was, I Am, I Will Be”). Poetter describes “In Paradise” as a family series with an intriguing beginning: the sudden fall of a family from the comfortable middle class into a precarious situation. It’s not about aristocrats or the extremely wealthy but about the comfortable suburbs of the educated middle class. People who have investments and retirement plans, where their financial concerns range from buying an electric SUV to planning horse-riding vacations for their children.
“Ladies” (8X30′, Turkey)
A comedy film created by Diloy Gulun and Beste Yamalioglu, under the production house Karma Films (also co-producers of “The List of Those Who Love Me”), was showcased in competition at Tallinn in 2021. Sefa Ozturk (“Trust”) is responsible for writing and directing this production.
The film “Ladies” narrates a woman in her 40s’ personal evolution as she discovers her genuine wants and aspirations. According to Yamalioglu, this comedy playfully undermines traditional beliefs about femininity and women’s societal roles that we have been accustomed to. Yamalioglu’s project won the award for best pitch at Istanbul’s industry showcase, Meetings on the Bridge Series.
“Let it Snow” (6X45′, Estonia)
A blend of light crime and humor, a production by Jevgeni Supin from Zolba Productions, in collaboration with Take Two Studios of Finland, is streaming on the leading Baltic platform Go3 (“Dirty Snow”).
Screenwriter Mihkel Seeder and director Ain Mäeots (“Demons”) have collaboratively scripted the tale of an unconventional Estonian family man who inadvertently assumes control over the entire cocaine trade in Helsinki. This is a distinctive venture that merges reality with fiction, as it’s based on actual events. It chronicles the journey of an ordinary man, his decisions, bravery, rise, and ultimately, his downfall. However, at its core, it delves into themes of loneliness and love, the yearning to be with one’s family and to safeguard them.
“Mercy” (6X50′, Portugal)
A true crime drama titled “Dreaming with Lions,” was created, led by Justin Amorim (“Leviano”), for Promenade. This production won the Script Pool Award at Tallinn 2021. Alongside Amorim in writing this film were Joana Patrício, Rui Cardoso Martins, and Felícia Cabrita.
This drama/crime thriller is inspired by real events that took place in Portugal in 2002. The story revolves around journalist Felícia Cabrita, who bravely investigates a pedophile ring within Casa Pia, a child protection institution, despite facing threats and deception. Young Tomás becomes a victim of this network, while newly appointed ombudswoman Catalina Pestana struggles to rebuild the institution, sparking a tense battle for justice. The Casa Pia case caused an increase in sexual abuse reports in Portugal and prompted significant changes within the justice system, as stated by Amorin, who spent six years studying the scandal and aimed to shed light on “the frequently neglected personal stories of survivors and whistleblowers.
“Norröna Murders” (6X50′, Iceland)
A crime-mystery-thriller, developed by Hördur Rúnarsson and Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson through Act4, a company jointly established with “True Detective” actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and Birkir Blær Ingólfsson.
In the creation of the critically acclaimed football documentary “The Home Game,” head writer Rúnarsson collaborates with writers Stephanie Thorpe and Smari Gunn. This esteemed team’s work has garnered numerous awards. The series, commissioned by Iceland’s streaming service Síminn, is being jointly produced with Denmark’s Nordisk Film Production.
In a new case, socially timid detective Adam finds himself investigating a grisly double murder aboard an isolated ferry. As he aids an old flame who stands accused, he risks revealing his own life-altering secret. Director Rúnarsson explains, “By gathering characters of various nationalities in this secluded setting and allowing them to express their unique perspectives on solving the crime, we delve into their hidden realities and uncover what lies beneath their facades.
“The Code of Thule” (8X45′, Estonia)
A mystery drama or fantasy thriller, produced by Helen Lõhmus from Oree Films, is the upcoming project that emerged victorious in last year’s TV Beats co-production project titled “Behind the Iron Curtain.” The Danish producer René Ezra (“Queen of Hearts”) will be collaborating on this production along with Stikling Film. Additionally, Switzerland’s Uwe Lützen, who is also a writer for the film, will be joining forces with Leana Jalukse, Rein Pakk, and Peep Ehasalu in co-production.
Lõhmus describes the high-concept series as a blend of widely appealing genres – mystery, drama, fantasy, and thriller. It incorporates fascinating aspects such as unexplained phenomena, future scientific advancements, and global politics. The narrative centers around two teenage girls uncovering their (ancient) lineage. Essentially, it delves into the eternal quest for self-discovery and truth, unfolding in a world where the ordinary merges with the extraordinary.
“The Reluctant Contact” (6X60′, Ireland)
A chilling Cold War espionage thriller is being developed by Jane Doolan, known for “Wolf” and “Into the West,” along with James Mitchell of “Hidden Assets” from Soho Moon, in collaboration with Christina Jennings from Canada’s Shaftesbury Films.
Veteran author and filmmaker Stephen Burke, who has won the Monte-Carlo Golden Nymph for “Maze,” will be transforming his own written work into a screenplay.
Burke mentioned that the series explores themes of love, deceit, and self-discovery within the distinctive backdrop of a Soviet mining town nestled uneasily within a NATO nation, Norway. The raw arctic atmosphere and societal paradoxes will be utilized to create an unsettling, asymmetrical mood with elements of stylized espionage and a lively rhythm.
“The Woman I Think of About at Night” (5X45′, Finland)
A comedy-drama/adventure film, produced by Liisa Karpo and Marianne Mäkelä from napafilms (“Golden Land”). This production is an adaptation of the widely popular novel with the same title by Mia Kankimäki, which has been sold to over 20 territories. The screenplay was written by Anna Ruohonen, known for “Downshifters”.
As a passionate cinephile, I’m excited to share that the upcoming animated series, “Stars Above,” co-directed by Saara Cantell and Anu Kuivalainen (“Aranda”), promises an extraordinary journey. This captivating tale follows a 40-something art teacher embarking on a transformative global adventure, inspired by legendary women from history’s pages. The series, blending 2D animation with AI technology and archived footage, aims to provide viewers with a heartwarming escape from the gloom of our current world, as described by Karpo.
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2024-09-26 11:18