Sam Productions sets sights on Danish television revolution

SAM Productions, a heavyweight in Scandinavian entertainment, co-founded by industry luminaries, is poised to redefine television in Denmark and captivate a global audience. With an impressive roster of event series, SAM Productions is on the brink of delivering some of the most ambitious and compelling stories ever witnessed on Danish screens.

The crown jewel: ‘By the Grace of God’

Helmed by acclaimed creators, SAM Productions’ flagship project is “By the Grace of God,” a monumental series chronicling the life of Queen Margrethe II from her birth in 1940 up until her recent abdication. This series has been likened to Denmark’s very own version of “The Crown.” Filming is set to commence in August 2025.

Sara Namer, known for her exceptional work on “The Orchestra” and “In Your Arms,” will serve as the producer, ensuring a production of the highest quality.

A Tangible Glimpse into Royal Lives

This epic series, based on an original idea by the co-founder, promises to delve deeply into the lives of Denmark’s royal family. Thor Bjørn Krebs, a distinguished figure in Danish television, will be leading the writing team. The narrative will weave political intrigue with the intimate stories of both the royal family members and their court employees. At its core, it’s described as “a story about a girl and her family,” highlighting the humanity behind the crown.

A testament to storytelling excellence

SAM Productions’ CEO, while not a royalist, was captivated by the potential of this project. “To tell the story of a royal family is to tell the story of a country,” she remarked. The show’s narrative will start with the birth of Queen Margrethe II, mere days after Denmark was occupied by Germany in 1940, providing a gripping historical context right from its inception. The series aims to stay authentic by focusing on “the real people behind the royals.”

Collaboration with the Danish Royal Palace

Although there is ongoing contact with Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family, and Queen Margrethe II is acknowledged as a multi-talented artist, she will not participate in the project. The production, currently in its financing phase, is anticipated to be one of the most expensive projects for TV2, Denmark’s premier commercial broadcaster. The logistic challenge of potentially filming outside Denmark due to lack of tax incentives adds another layer of complexity.

Innovation in casting

One intriguing aspect of the production is its approach to casting. While it might employ different actors for various life stages of the royals—similar to “The Crown”—there’s also the possibility of using AI to age the actors. This blend of traditional and cutting-edge techniques showcases SAM Productions’ commitment to innovation.

True crime drama: ‘Britta’

Moving beyond royalty, SAM Productions’ next major project is “Britta,” a gripping true-crime series based on one of the largest public fund frauds in Danish history. The four-part series will bring to life the case of Danish social worker Britta Nielsen, who stole DKK 117 million designated for vulnerable populations. The story promises to explore the duality of Nielsen’s life, capturing both her mundane office existence and her extraordinary criminal undertakings.

Portraying a complex individual

The creator found the juxtaposition between Nielsen’s mundane clerk persona and her audacious criminal activities compelling. This narrative arc provides a fascinating look into the mind of a woman who sought to provide a better life for her children through scandalous means. Production is slated to begin in 2025.

The spy thriller: ‘Shadows on the Silk Road’

Following their true-royal and true-crime ventures, SAM Productions will dive into the shadowy world of espionage with “Shadows on the Silk Road.” The series is based on a book co-written by a former Danish spy chief and a renowned writer known for his best-sellers. This John le Carré-style thriller promises to reveal explosive secrets and intrigue within Danish secret service operations.

Enhancing the Nordic narrative

Meanwhile, SAM Productions is also deeply involved in producing the second season of Netflix’s hit thriller “The Chestnut Man,” based on the bestselling novel by one of the founders. The standalone sequel series features Danica Curcic and Mikkel Boe Følsgaard reprising their roles as investigators. With a planned release in 2026, anticipation is already building.

Expanding horizons with Netflix

In discussing their relationship with Netflix, the CEO praises the creative collaboration and how it has helped them achieve a broader reach without sacrificing their artistic integrity. Their partnership with a major French group has been instrumental in expanding their influence across Scandinavia.

Navigating market challenges

Like many content providers, SAM Productions is adapting to a tighter market by becoming more efficient and focused. Despite co-founder’s departure to pursue literary ambitions, the commitment to delivering high-quality content remains unwavering. Going forward, the production house aims to navigate these challenges by sharpening their skills and maintaining a robust pipeline of projects.

Conclusion: The future of SAM Productions

With a diverse and ambitious slate of projects on the horizon, SAM Productions is set to redefine the landscape of Danish television. Their innovative approaches, combined with a commitment to quality storytelling, promise to captivate audiences both in Denmark and around the world.

Stay tuned for more updates and share this exciting news with fellow enthusiasts on social media!