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New European dramedy “The Studio” unfolds with a unique twist
An innovative collaboration in the film industry
The seasoned French-Swedish producer Patrick Nebout, known for his remarkable works such as “Midnight Sun” and “Cannes Confidential,” has joined forces with the German production giant Odeon Fiction to develop and bring to life the eight-part English-language dramedy titled “The Studio”.
This project will mark Nebout’s first endeavor under his Stockholm-based boutique company, Dramanation. Specializing in the crafting and packaging of high-quality European scripted dramas, Dramanation aims to captivate global audiences with its unique content.
The premise of “The Studio”: A murder-mystery infused with Hollywood satire
Set in the vibrant and historic Les Studios de la Victorine in Nice, “The Studio” mixes the chaos of a film studio with a thrilling murder mystery. Here’s a sneak peek into its storyline:
“A small-town theme-park manager, a ruthless Texan lawyer, and a meticulous CFO find themselves in the midst of ambitious actors, demanding agents, and needy studio staff. Their mission? To rescue a famed, yet faltering film studio on the picturesque French Riviera, all while a mysterious disappearance looms over them.”
The series promises a satirical, yet heart-warming examination of the entertainment industry, challenging the boundaries of what can happen behind the scenes.
Collaborative excellence
Long-time partners Patrick Nebout and Henrik Jansson-Schweizer have crafted this innovative concept, with Jansson-Schweizer serving as the lead writer. Their collaboration has previously delivered notable hits such as the Oscar-nominated film “The Hundred Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared” and the Nordic noir “Midnight Sun”, which was the first French/Swedish TV co-production.
To add an extra layer of humor and creativity, they roped in some of Britain’s finest comedy writers: Dan Gaster, Will Ing, and Paul Powell. Together, they bring a wealth of experience from renowned shows like “The Graham Norton Show” and “The Thick of It”.
Behind the camera: A blend of expertise and passion
Leading the production team is Britta Meyermann, the head of international co-productions at Leonine Studios’ Odeon Fiction. An ardent admirer of Nebout and Jansson-Schweizer’s work, Meyermann expressed her excitement about the project:
“It’s a show I would absolutely want to watch. A satirical murder mystery set on the French Riviera, with its ensemble of larger-than-life characters, promises fun and entertainment without feeling superficial.”
Her instinct about engaging and provocative content aligns perfectly with the vision for “The Studio.”
Looking towards the future
Nebout plans to leverage the vibrant market at Mipcom to find potential financiers, broadcasters, and streamers. With an intention to utilize the French government’s 30% tax rebate for film production, he aims to kick off production between late 2025 and early 2026.
As Dramanation navigates the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, flexibility remains a core strategy. Nebout emphasizes the importance of adapting to market demands and transitions, which is echoed by Jansson-Schweizer, who will join Nebout as the creative producer and head of development.
Diversifying Dramanation’s portfolio
While Dramanation continues to focus on premium dramas, Nebout has set his sights on producing diverse genres to cater to a dynamic market. This includes low-budget genre films and popular romcoms.
Upcoming projects in the pipeline include a Nordic noir of significant international potential and another major European co-production. Highlights also feature the much-anticipated Cold War satire “Whiskey on the Rocks” which is set to premiere on SVT on Christmas Day, followed by a global release on Disney+.
Final thoughts: A landmark in European drama
“The Studio” is poised to carve a niche in the realms of European scripted dramas, offering a blend of humor, mystery, and a satirical glimpse into the world of filmmaking. With a stellar cast, exceptional writing, and picturesque settings, it is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
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