‘This is Not Sweden,’ ‘Quicksand’ Producers Set Next Series

“Colorblind,” (6×30’, Belgium)

Selected from Playtime Films

Genre: drama

A compelling drama from Belgium, “Colorblind” follows the story of a young woman named Sarah who is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes her to see the world in black and white. As she navigates her new reality, she discovers the true colors of those around her.

“The Man Who Replied to a Nigerian Letter,” (8×45’, Sweden)

Selected from Göteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision

Genre: dark comedy

This dark comedy series follows the misadventures of a man who responds to a Nigerian email scam and finds himself entangled in a web of criminal activity and absurd situations.

As the first Mind the Gap series co-production pitch approaches, the anticipation is high for these diverse and innovative projects from talented creators across Europe. With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and storytelling, these shows promise to captivate audiences and break new ground in the world of television.

“No crime thriller of this kind has been made in Spain that includes the issue of migration in its plot, and since this is a current issue and a chronic problem in this country, it provides us with a great window of opportunity and the chance to approach it from a different perspective through fiction,” said Peruvian-born writer Javier Mariscal Crevoisier about his series debut.

The series, titled “Colorblind” (“Jours noirs”), is a legal drama set in Belgium. It is written by a team of talented writers including Amel Benaïssa, Gilles De Voghel, Matthieu Frances, Singo Elanga, and Diane Ntahimpera. Produced by Playtime Films for RTBF, the series follows the story of Mindie Bakanga, a mother who seeks justice for her son Trésor, who died as a result of police misconduct. With the help of her lawyer, she embarks on a journey to hold the police officers accountable. The series sheds light on police brutality and deep societal issues, making it a bold and powerful project with international resonance.

Another series making waves in the Spanish TV landscape is “Connected” (“Conectados”), a drama/emotional thriller written by Carolina González. Produced by La Maldita in Spain in collaboration with Jotax Producciones in Argentina, the series follows the mysterious disappearance of Cecilia, which connects two strangers from different parts of the world. Elena in Buenos Aires and Pablo in Madrid are brought together by digital clues and memories as they search for Cecilia. The series explores themes of love, unexpected bonds, and the distortion of identities in the digital world.

“Dark Waters” (“Aigües de foscor”) is a drama/mystery/mythology series from Spain, written by Amèlia Mora and Héctor Manteca. Produced by Federation Spain and Lastor Media, the series tells the story of a park ranger named Arnau who discovers the body of a woman with a mysterious birthmark that connects her to him and his daughter. This supernatural mystery unravels against the backdrop of climate change, drawing on mythology that links Catalonia with Iceland.

“Fortune Cookie” is a drama thriller/sci-fi series set in Madrid’s Chinatown, written and directed by Adrian Saba. Produced by Kubik Films, the series explores the cultural clash and interconnected stories of a Chinese restaurant in Usera and Mexico City’s Chinatown. When a young delivery girl accidentally enters a secret door that connects the two restaurants, her mother sets out to find her. The series delves into family ties, misunderstood children, and the drama that unfolds as their destinies intertwine.

Lastly, “Past Waters” (“Aguas Pasadas”) is a thriller drama series from Spain and Portugal, written by acclaimed novelist João Tordo, along with Bruno Gascon and María Mínguez. Produced by TV ON Producciones and Caracol Studios for RTP, the series follows deputy inspector Pilar Benamor as she investigates the brutal murders of two teenagers in Lisbon. With the help of a Spanish hermit named Cícero Guzmán, she must solve the case while confronting her own personal traumas.

These groundbreaking series showcase the diversity and creativity of Spanish TV production, tackling important social issues and creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences around the world. The future of Spanish television is bright, with a new wave of talent and innovative storytelling taking center stage. “Past Waters” is a thrilling new series that takes inspiration from true events and is set in the vibrant locations of Valencia, Spain, Cascais, and Lisbon, Portugal. The fast-paced plot is filled with complex characters and unpredictable twists, promising viewers an exciting ride.

From the creative minds behind HBO Max’s crime thriller “Favàritx,” TV On Producciones’ Paloma Mora presents this gripping new show that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The picturesque backdrop of Valencia and the stunning coastal towns of Cascais and Lisbon provide the perfect setting for the unfolding drama.

In a completely different genre, “Precarity Fair” is a comedy series that follows two Gen Z misfits navigating the challenges of eviction, chasing their dreams, and rebelling against the expectations of adulthood in the bustling city of Barcelona. Written by Elisabeth Cruz and Mika Cilindo and produced by KaBoGa, this show promises sharp humor, relatable themes, and a binge-worthy format that will appeal to both local and international audiences.

Meanwhile, “Robbery, Beating and Death” is a unique blend of comedy and heist elements, brought to life by Catalan theatre playwrights, actors, and directors Marcel Borràs and Nao Albet. Produced by Funicular Films, the series follows the duo as they embark on a daring adventure to rob a bank instead of shooting a series about a bank robbery. Executive producer Aina Clotet describes the show as a bold and visually striking mix of thriller and comedy that will captivate young audiences and international markets.

In Sweden, “The Man Who Replied to a Nigerian Letter” delves into the true crime story of Magnus Gruvén, a Swedish IT manager who fell victim to a Nigerian letter scam, leading to the loss of his savings, home, and imprisonment in Spain. Written by Oskar Söderlund and produced by Ivy Prodco, this gripping series promises to uncover the complexities of this high-profile case and the impact it had on the victim.

Lastly, the untitled biopic about Catalan chef Ferran Adrià promises to be a captivating drama that celebrates the culinary genius and his revolutionary impact on haute cuisine at El Bulli. Produced by 3Cat, Minoria Absoluta, and FishCorb Media, the series will showcase Adrià’s journey against the backdrop of Catalonia’s stunning landscapes, offering a tribute to Catalan haute foodporn and traditional cuisine. With Netflix already on board for rights in Spain and Latin America, this biopic is set to be a must-watch for food and culture enthusiasts alike.

Overall, these new series offer a diverse range of genres and themes, promising viewers an exciting lineup of entertainment to look forward to. Whether it’s comedy, true crime, or biographical drama, there’s something for everyone in this new wave of compelling storytelling.