G?teborg TV Drama Vision Unveiled: Paramount Global’s Horror ‘The Cruise,’ Newen Connect’s ‘We Come in Peace’ in Works in Progress (EXCLUSIVE)
The eagerly anticipated TV Drama Vision showcase in G?teborg has unveiled its 2025 program, where 50+ series from some of the best Nordic and European creatives will be showcased over Jan. 28-29, next to a full program of inspiring talks.
“Our curated program is a true team effort. We’ve worked hard and enjoyed every bit of it and I hope our 700+ industry delegates from 30 countries will enjoy it,” said Cia Edstr?m, founder and head of Scandinavia’s biggest drama market.
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Shortlisted by TV Drama Vision’s strong selection committee, a record high number of series in development from 14 countries were selected, and the nine series in the works in progress were picked “from the most relevant and captivating stories coming up,” said Edstr?m.
Host country Sweden is out in force, with four projects in post-production, backed by top-tier platforms and broadcasters and stellar talents on both sides of the camera.
In the horror show “The Cruise” handled by Paramount Global Content Distribution, chaos hits a cruise ship stuck at sea between Sweden and Finland when vampires are on the loose. The A-list cast led by Tuppence Middleton (“Downton Abbey”), Jessica Grabowsky (“Top Dog”), Bj?rn Bengtsson (“The Last Kingdom”) and Kolbj?rn Skarsg?rd (“Clark”) is helmed by “World of the Worlds” Jonas Alexander Arnby.
Alexander R?nnberg from Northern Fable and Will Tennant from Imaginarium Productions (co-founded by “The Lord of the Rings”’ Andy Serkis and seasoned producer Jonathan Cavendish) are producing, in collaboration with SVT and CBS Studios.
In the grounded sci-fi “We Come in Peace,” toplining Fares Fares (“Cairo Conspiracy,” “Westworld”) and Evin Ahmad (“Snabba Cash”), chaos erupts in Stockholm when strange jellyfish-like objects appear in the sky. The show, created by Lars Lundstr?m (“Real Humans”), is produced by Piodor Gustafsson (“Border”, “The Lamb”) for TV4 and ZDF. Newen Connect handles sales.
Another extreme vision of our world is given in Amazon Prime Video’s futuristic thriller “Paradis City” based on “Snabba Cash” author Jens Lapidus’ eponymous novel, where large prison-like walls separate groups of society. Lapidus’ own shingle Strive Studios is producing.
In the prestige European series “A Life’s Worth,” produced by Yellow Bird for Arte France and Viaplay Content Distribution, the story is set during the 1990s Balkans war. It centres on a heroic group of UN soldiers and their commander, battling the complexity of war. Toplining the cast are “Edvin Ryding (“Young Royals”) and Maxwell Cunningham (“Top Dog”).
Iceland is the setting both for the crime thriller “Reykjavik Fusion” backed by Channel 2 Iceland and Arte France, and the romantic comedy “Everybody Loves Horses” ordered by pubcasters Yle and RúV, while a small Sámi community in Norway is the focal point of NRK’s “Heajastallan-A Sàmi’s Wedding.” The show, repped by REinvent, will also be pitched at the Berlinale’s Series Market Select.
In “Nepobaby”, the story of a young woman who discovers she is an heiress, Norwegian showrunner Henriette Steenstrup is reunited with her co-star from “P?rni”, Vivild Falk Berg. The TV2 Norway show is handled globally by Oble.
One non-Nordic project: Belgium’s “How to Kill Your Sister,” pitched last year at TV Drama Vision’s Projects in Development, has made the cut in the works in progress. Jonas Geirnaert directs for FBO and broadcasters Streamz, Play4 and ZDFneo.
G?teborg’s other main series showcase, Series in Development, will feature 13 series from the Nordics, as well as Romania, Portugal, Poland, Québec and Belgium. Titles to watch out for include “The Case Against the Copenhagen Killer,” helmed by “Pusher” co-writer Jens Dahl; Danish drama “Rivals,” penned by Anders R?nnow Klarlund (“Loving Adults”) for Apple Tree Productions; the ambitious European co-production “The Rebel Queen” about legendary Swedish monarch Queen Christina and “The Art of Magdalene” from Polish showrunner Wiktor Piatkowski” (HBO’s “The Pack”).
As always, top commissioners from the Nordics will take centre stage to highlight their next drama bets, including Jenny Stjernstr?mer Bj?rk, VP Content Netflix Nordics and its head of Nordic Series H?kon Briseid who will share the stage with the creatives behind Netflix’s latest hit, the ‘Scandisaster “La Palma.”
Panels, Keynotes
On the conference front, this year’s overarching themes ‘Collaborate, Create, Captivate’ will be the common thread for the dozen panels staged at the Clarion Hotel Draken industry hub.
“These key words came up quite early in the interviews I conducted with industry decision-makers, a process which always serves as backbone for the program,” said Edstr?m.
The sessions will focus on collaboration across all industry players –producers, financiers, broadcasters, writers – the need to find innovative solutions and to nurture talent.
“It’s been very tough in the Nordic industry for the past two years, but the business is picking up, slowly but steadily,” said Edstr?m who made sure her program would focus on “ways forward”, to bring “good energy and hope.”
Highlighting the exceptional quality and number of European delegates in attendance, Edstr?m said she is pleased that many of them will share their knowledge on stage. “Our aim is always to inform and inspire people. We hope fruitful conversations and collaborations will result from those intense two-days,” she commented.
Heavyweight French drama players will be in force to network with their Nordic counterparts at the special French-Nordic Series Connection event. They will be joined by a smaller delegation from Québec and Germany’s MOIN Filmf?rderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein.
Other spotlights include keynotes from French writer/showrunner Fanny Herrero (“Call My Agent”), and Norwegian actor-turned creator/writer Henriette Steenstrup (“P?rni”).
Streenstrup’s production partner Ida H?ndlykken Kvernstr?m of Norway’s Eldorado Content Club, will also sit on the panel Producers of the Now-Agile, Passionate, Original together with Media Res Studios’ Anna-Klara Carlsten and Banijay Finland’s Max Malka.
“Producers in their own right should be considered as talent. These three young female producers are part of a new generation, ready to rejig the industry. I’m looking forward to hearing their views,” said Edstr?m.
Elsewhere, audience engagement will be debated by French executive Emmanuelle Bouilhaguet (The Originals Production), Dutch actor and writer Samya Hafsaoui, London-based Meg Thompson (Worldwide Content Globalgate Entertainment) and Andrew Mcintyre (MHM), while Guy Bisson of Ampere Analysis will deliver crucial facts and figures about today’s fast changing market.
Outstanding drama from the Nordics will be celebrated Jan. 28 with the Nordic Series Awards ceremony where the winners of the Nordic Series Script Award and the Creative Courage Award will be announced.
Works in Progress
“A Life’s Worth” (Sweden)
Genre: drama
Set against the backdrop of the 1990s Balkans war, the story turns on a group of young Swedish U.N. soldiers and their commander as they struggle with the complexities of war. In the title roles are Edvin Ryding (“Young Royals”), Maxwell Cunningham (“Top Dog”), Erik Enge (“Tigers”) and Johan Rheborg (“Solsidan”).Co-written by Mona Masri (“Snabba Cash”, “Copenhagen Cowboy”) and Oliver Dixon (“The Lawyer”); directed by Ahmed Abdullahi (“Top Dog”). Banijay’s banner Yellow Bird Sweden is producing for ARTE France and Viaplay Content Distribution, that also handles sales.
“Everybody Loves Horses” (Finland)
Genre: romantic comedy
An Icelandic horse farmer who hates tourists falls for a Finnish tourist who is terrified of horses. Directed by Inari Niemi (“Light, Light, Light”) from a screenplay by Tarja Kylm? and Hugleikur Dagsson. Produced by Kaiho Republic for Yle in Finland and RúV in Iceland.
“Heajastallan – A Sámi’s Wedding” (Norway)
Genre: drama
Garen, at the bottom of her Sámi community’s hierarchy, sees her son’s upcoming wedding as a chance to lift her status. But wedding plans could hijack her plans. Written and directed by ?se Kathrin Vuolab for seasoned producers Maria Ekerhovd, Eric Vogel (Mer Film, Forest People) and NRK. REinvent handles sales.
“How to Kill Your Sister” (Belgium)
Genre: drama
Two siblings reconnect while on a road-trip to Spain where their parents have died. Jonas Geirnart directs from a screenplay by Evelien Broekaert and Pedro Elias. FBO is producing with Germany’s Madefor Film and broadcasters Play4, Streamz and ZDFneo.
“Nepobaby” (Norway)
Genre: comedy drama
A young woman suddenly discovers she is an heiress and has a large family. That can potentially screw anyone! “P?rni” showrunner Henriette Steenstrup is attached to this upcoming TV2 Norway series, that she wrote with her “P?rni” co-star Vivild Falk Berg in mind. “Young and Promising”‘ Siri Seljeseth is co-creator. Oble handles sales.
“Paradis City” (Sweden)
Genre: dystopian action thriller
In a near future, Sweden’s most vulnerable areas are walled off and governed by special laws. When the Home Secretary is abducted in the largest deprived area, Paradis City, special agent Fredrika (Julia Ragnarsson) enlists Emir (Alexander Abdallah), an ex-MMA fighter facing life in prison, to find the politician. Based on “Snabba Cash” best-selling author Jens Lapidus’ eponymous novel. Nicklas Wikstr?m Nicastro is producing for Strive Stories.“Darkland”’s Fenar Ahmad directs. Amazon Prime Video handles global distribution.
“Reykjavik Fusion” (Iceland)
Genre: crime
Ex-convict and excellent chef Jónas (ólafur Darri ólafsson) opens a restaurant to clear his name and win back his family. Created and co-written by H?reur Rúnarsson with Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson for their outfit Act4. Commissioned by Iceland’s St?e 2 (Channel 2) with backing from Arte France. Erik Barmack’s Wild Sheep Content handles sales.
“The Cruise” (Sweden)
Genre: Horror/drama
The Baltic Charisma cruise promises a dream getaway for all – families, friends, and lovers alike – but in the dead of night, a stowaway vampire escapes, turning the trip into a living nightmare. Starring Bj?rn Bengtsson, Jessica Grabowsky, Kolbj?rn Skarsg?rd and Tuppence Middleton.
Based on a book by horror specialist Mats Strandberg whose earlier novel “The Conference” was turned into a slasher movie for Netflix. Co-written by Strandberg and Malin Lagerl?f ( “Conspiracy of Silence”). Produced by Northern Fable’s Alexander R?nnberg and Imaginarium Productions’ Will Tennant for SVT and CBS Studios. Paramount Global Content Distribution handles distribution outside Sweden.
“We Come in Peace” (Sweden)
Genre: sci-fi
Chaos erupts when a strange jellyfish-like object appears in the sky above Stockholm. Elias (Fares Fares) at the Civil Defense Agency and researcher Zandra (Evin Ahmad) investigate. Created and written by Lars Lundstr?m (“Real Humans”). Directed by Jens J?nsson (“Young Wallander”, “Snabba Cash”) with episodic director Mani Maserrat-Agah. Produced by Piodor Gustafsson (Spark Film & TV) for TV4 Sweden and ZDF. Global distribution is handled by Newen Connect.
European Series in Development
“Angelmaker” (Romania/Czech Republic, 6X50’)
WWII drama written and directed by Cristina Grosan for Tangaj Production.
“Beats of Love” (Belgium/Germany, 8×52’)
Band members Tommy, Marco and Isma?l reteam 25 years after their career peak but their troubled past comes back to haunt them. From showrunner Gilles Coulier, produced by De Wereldvrede for broadcaster VTM. BE-Entertainment handles sales.
“In Paradise” (Poland/Germany, 8X45’)
Drama comedy by Corinna C. Poetter, about a woman and her kids, forced to adapt from their wealthy life-style to life in a social housing complex when the husband and father suddenly has a burnout. Produced by eitelsonnenschein GmbH.
“The Sleeping Cell”(Portugal, 8X50’)
Suspense thriller co-penned by Miguel Simal and Nuno Nepomuceno for SPi.
“The Art of Magdalene” (Poland/UK, 6X44’)
True-life-inspired drama about a hard-working immigrant who builds an art dealing empire. Co-written by Wiktor Pi?tkowski and Jonathan Farrel for Bahamas Films and PIO Media.
“Thank You Rachel” (Québec, Canada, 10X60’)
Odd-couple comedy co-penned by William S. Messier and Marie-Hélène Lebeau-Taschereau for KOTV. Francis Leclerc directs. KO Distribution handles sales.
Nordic Series in Development
“Manifesto” (Iceland, 6X50’)
Crime thriller penned by Ureur Egilsdóttir about an aspiring officer trying to prove her friends’ innocence after a terrorist attack. Produced by Glassriver for Síminn.
“Rivals” (Denmark, 6X45’)
Drama penned by multi-awarded Anders R?nnow Klarlund (“Strings”), about family honour, family feuds and power play, set against the challenges of climate change. Roni Ezra (“The New Nurses”) directs for Apple Tree Productions. ITV Studios handles sales.
“Still Breathing” (Norway, 8X45’)
Hospital drama created by Karianne Lund and Nicolai Moland. Produced by Rubicon TV’s Ivar K?hn for NRK.
“The Case Against the Copenhagen Killer” (Denmark, 6×45’)
Real life-inspired suspense thriller featuring a 23-year-old pursuit of a serial killer by a prosecutor who finally brings him down. From head-writer Jens Dahl, co-writer of Nicolas Winding Refn’s cult movie “Pusher”. Anagram Sweden and Fredo Film produce.
“The Rebel Queen” (Sweden/Germany/France/Italy, 6×60’)
Biopic penned by Giorgio Serafini, inspired by the life of Queen Christina of Sweden from the House of Vasa, who abdicated in 1654, converted to Catholicism and moved to Rome. Gudrun Giddings and P Sarni are producing.
“The Women I Think About at Night”(Finland, 5×42’)
AI, real-life and archive-based series about a woman’s journey of self-discovery. Co-directed by Saara Cantell, Anu Kuivalainen from a screenplay by Anna Ruohonen. The Napafilm project bagged the recent TV Beats Co-Production Development Award in Tallinn.
“Welcome to Helln?s” (Sweden, 8×30’)
Adventure/horror about a group of teenagers who try to clear the name of their friend, charged for murder, and stumble on a secret involving Nazi gold. Jakob Arev?rn directs from a screenplay by Henry Stenberg. Linus Andersson produces for Lampray.
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