Beta Film has finalized significant distribution and production agreements for two of its female-driven projects: the royal drama “Queen Silvia” and the upcoming series “La Vida Barcelona.”
Sweden’s national broadcaster, SVT, has acquired the second-window rights to “Queen Silvia” following its premiere on Prime Video, ahead of the show’s world debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Meanwhile, German public broadcaster ZDF has officially joined “La Vida Barcelona” as a co-production partner alongside Beta Film and Millstreet Films.
“Queen Silvia” is produced by Germany’s Pyjama Pictures and Unlimited Stories for Prime Video, which will release the German-language series in Germany and the Nordics, while Sat.1 handles terrestrial broadcasting in Germany. The drama chronicles the romance between Silvia Sommerlath, played by Alicia von Rittberg, and Sweden’s Crown Prince Carl Gustaf, portrayed by Edvin Endre. Inspired by true events, the narrative follows the couple from their chance meeting at the 1972 Munich Olympics through their life across Munich, Stockholm, and the French Riviera, exploring the tension between royal duty and personal ambition.
Karolina Stallwood, president of acquisitions at SVT, praised the series for offering a warm and engaging portrayal of the real-life couple’s relationship set against the backdrop of the early 1970s.
Emil Wiklund of Unlimited Stories noted the privilege of bringing the enduring love story of Sweden’s current monarchs to domestic audiences, aiming to capture the emotional truth behind a partnership that has lasted nearly five and a half decades.
The series is directed by Miguel Alexandre, with a screenplay co-written by Lisa Hofer, Pauline Wolff, and Alexandre. Carsten Kelber serves as showrunner, with executive producers including Tina Ermuth, Frank Buchs, and Justus Riesenkampff. The project receives financial support from the German Motion Picture Fund, Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg, and FilmFörderung Bayern.
In related news, “La Vida Barcelona” marks a return to form for the creative team behind the hit series “Máxima” and features direction from Katina Medina Mora, known for her work on “Emily in Paris.” The coming-of-age story explores themes of ambition, identity, and love within Barcelona’s bustling creative landscape.
Starring Priscilla Delgado from “Euphoria,” Greta Fernández from “The Walking Dead,” and Holly Mae Brood, the plot follows Dutch designer Julia, who is sent to Barcelona by her mother to sabotage a rival agency. Instead, she finds herself drawn into a new career and unexpected romances.
Frank Seyberth, head of co-production for international fiction at ZDF, expressed excitement about partnering on the series, citing its relatable characters and vibrant setting as key elements for attracting young audiences in Germany and abroad.
Produced by Rachel van Bommel’s Millstreet Films for Dutch platform Videoland, “La Vida Barcelona” is currently in post-production. It also features Martiño Rivas and Agustín Della Corte. The series is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund Production Incentive, the Spanish Tax Rebate, and the Creative Europe Media program, with Nestor Hernandez serving as executive producer for Beta Film, which handles international sales for both titles.
ZDF investing in Dutch-Spanish co-productions is smart. La Vida Barcelona sounds like a fresh, vibrant watch for teens.
Finally, a proper royal drama that isn’t boring! Can’t wait to see Alicia von Rittberg in this.