Beta Film has secured new broadcast and co-production agreements for two upcoming drama series. Swedish broadcaster SVT has acquired the second-window rights to Queen Silvia, while Germany’s ZDF has joined La Vida Barcelona as a co-production partner.
The deals bring fresh international momentum to two productions with distinct perspectives on women’s lives, relationships and ambitions.
SVT Picks Up Royal Drama Queen Silvia
SVT has acquired the Swedish second-window rights to Queen Silvia, following Prime Video’s involvement and ahead of the series’ world premiere in Cannes.
Produced by Germany’s Pyjama Pictures and Unlimited Stories for Prime Video DACH and the Nordics, as well as Sat.1, the six-part drama traces the relationship between Silvia Sommerlath, played by Alicia von Rittberg, and Swedish Crown Prince Carl Gustaf, portrayed by Edvin Endre.
Their story began with a chance encounter at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The series follows their relationship across Munich, Stockholm and the Côte d’Azur, exploring the challenges of love and personal ambition within the constraints of royal life.
SVT’s President for Acquisitions, Karolina Stallwood, highlighted the series’ warm portrayal of the couple’s relationship against the backdrop of the early 1970s. Emil Wiklund of Unlimited Stories also welcomed the opportunity to bring the Swedish royal couple’s story to audiences in their home country.
Miguel Alexandre directs the series and co-wrote the screenplay with Lisa Hofer. Pauline Wolff also serves as a head writer. Queen Silvia will had its world premiere on October 13 at the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.
ZDF Boards Barcelona-Set Drama La Vida Barcelona
Meanwhile, ZDF has joined La Vida Barcelona as a co-production partner alongside Beta Film and Millstreet Films. The eight-episode series is set in Barcelona and follows a young Dutch designer whose professional assignment takes an unexpected turn.
Produced by Millstreet Films for Dutch streaming platform Videoland, the series centers on Julia, who is sent to Barcelona by her powerful mother on a secret mission to undermine a rival agency. But as Julia settles into a new job and discovers the city’s lifestyle, her plans become complicated by two unexpected romances.
Holly Mae Brood leads the cast, joined by Priscilla Delgado, known for Euphoria, and Greta Fernández, who appeared in The Walking Dead. Martiño Rivas and Agustín Della Corte also star.
The series is directed by Katina Medina Mora, Charlotte Scott-Wilson and Ayla Spaans, with scripts by Emily Reekers, Jikkie Schelling and Alix van der Goes. It is currently in post-production.
ZDF’s Head of Co-production, International Fiction, Frank Seyberth, pointed to the series’ relatable characters, romantic tone, Barcelona setting and creative team as key factors behind the broadcaster’s decision to join the project.
La Vida Barcelona has received support from the Netherlands Film Fund Production Incentive, the Spanish Tax Rebate and the Creative Europe MEDIA programme.
Beta Film handles international sales for both Queen Silvia and La Vida Barcelona.
Unveiling the Human Spark in ‘Queen Silvia’: Beyond the Crown – Interview
