Safe Harbor: Unfolding an International Thriller in Cannes

An anticipated premiere at Mipcom

One of the highlights of the Mipcom premiere screenings on October 21 was the electrifying international action thriller Safe Harbor, represented by Eccho Rights. This star-studded event in Cannes featured appearances from the brilliant creative team, including showrunner and Ozark co-creator Mark Williams, alongside actors such as Colm Meaney, Alfie Allen, and Martijn Lakemeier.

A dynamic production partnership

At Mipcom, Night Train Media-owned Eccho Rights engaged in discussions with broadcasting clients and platforms. The series is spearheaded by Mediawan’s Dutch banner Submarine and produced in collaboration with Germany’s Night Train Media and Williams’ Zero Gravity for Dutch streamer Videoland and Belgium’s Streamz. This partnership strategically combines Hollywood expertise with European fine-tuning to yield an exceptional production.

Behind-the-scenes insights

Mark Williams: Stepping into a New Arena

“The European [filmmaking] world is new to me,” remarked Emmy-nominated Williams, who takes on multiple roles as creator, executive producer, head-writer, and co-director. Embracing the collaborative spirit, Williams added, “As the only American onboard, I could help them expand a little bit more than what they’re used to. I loved the process and had a great time.”

Inspired by real events

Safe Harbor, inspired by true stories, revolves around hacker Tobias (Allen) and his ambitious best friend Marco (Lakemeier). The duo, in their quest to infiltrate the tech billionaires’ club, find themselves ensnared in organized crime when they unknowingly cross paths with the Irish mob. Colm Meaney stars as the Irish patriarch Keiran Walsh, leading the operations in Holland, alongside the characters of Sloane (Charlie Murphy) and her sociopath brother Farrell (Jack Gleeson).

Crafting a compelling narrative

The initial concept came from Submarine co-founder Femke Wolting, who was inspired by a real-life case where drug traffickers in Belgium recruited hackers to breach IT systems in a major harbor. Williams, captivated by this fusion of tech and crime, embraced the idea, leading to a collaborative brainstorming process that spanned over two and a half years.

Building authenticity: Research and character dynamics

To inject authenticity into the story, Williams and the production team delved into research on the narco-war between the Netherlands and Belgium. This thorough groundwork ensured that the series would not overwhelm viewers with techno-jargon but instead anchor its drama in the rich relationships between characters. “It was about understanding it enough to speak the language but not so deep that I would be a kind of professor in the field,” Williams explained.

Exploring moral gray areas

Consistent with Williams’ past works such as Ozark, The Accountant, and Blacklight, Safe Harbor places its characters in morally ambiguous situations. “Gray is my favorite color,” Williams reflects. “We all live in that gray space even though we pretend that’s not the case. It’s all about finding those characters.”

Unfolding the core of the show

The heart of the show lies in the dynamic and evolving friendship between Tobias and Marco, whose journey from friends to family forms the narrative core. Additionally, the complex relationship with their Irish patriarch, who wrestles with balancing his children’s ambitions with the corrupt world he has involved them in, adds multiple narrative layers.

Unveiling the characters

Meaney describes his character as “fascinating,” a crime lord easing into semi-retirement while watching his children navigate the dangerous world he built. Meanwhile, Allen sees Tobias at a crossroads, balancing a tough upbringing with the hopes of building a new life with his girlfriend. The character relationships add depth, making the thrilling premise even more compelling.

The Rotterdam setting

The gritty backdrop of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest shipping port and a primary entry point for drugs, provides an atmospheric setting reminiscent of “The Wire” Season 2. This geographically-specific choice not only elevates the visual appeal but also grounds the story in a stark, realistic environment.

Embracing European collaboration

Safe Harbor represents Williams’ first foray into European-based TV production, an experience he found refreshingly different from American methods. Despite initial surprises at the smaller scale of production teams, he quickly adapted and appreciated the European system’s efficiency and effectiveness.

A promising debut

Season 1 of Safe Harbor will be co-directed by Arne Toonen and Belgian duo Inti Calfat and Dirk Verheye, lending additional European flair to the series. The show is set to premiere on Videoland in the Netherlands in January 2025, followed by a rollout in Belgium on Streamz.

Stay tuned for an enthralling blend of tech intrigue and gripping crime drama that promises to captivate audiences across the globe. Share your thoughts and follow us for more updates on this exciting journey!