SBS Discovery Media-owned Kanal 5 in Denmark has started filming on Monday its first major Danish TV drama, the 5x42’ supernatural series Heartless directed by Natasha Arthy and produced by Fridthjof Film.
Arthy has an extensive experience in making youth films (such as the award-winning Fighter) and has directed two episodes of The Killing (2012) and Lulu & Leon. The story written by Nikolaj Scherfig (The Bridge) with Morten Dragsted as episodic writer is based on an original idea by producer Ronnie Fridthjof and Thomas Glud. “Heartless is a mix of pure Scandinavian drama and US fantasy/adventure. ‘It’s ‘True Blood meets The Killing,” says producer Ronnie Fridthjof.
The series is set in an old boarding school where reality and fiction, life and death come together under supernatural influences The two main characters are the siblings Sophie (Julie Zangenberg - pictured) and Sebastian (Sebastian Jessen), born with a curse. They can only survive if they collect energy from people around them and kissing is the fatal energy carrier. They arrive at Ottmannsgård boarding school, hiding their secret.
“Danish TV drama is doing well and is attracting strong interest from Danish audiences,” says Fridthjof. “We want to take Danish drama a step further with a series that is mainly played by a new generation of talented actors and allows for more daring elements that we usually find in US series. Through our collaboration, SBS Discovery has given us this opportunity and I think their decision is both courageous and visionary. “
Christian Kemp, CEO for SBS Discovery Media Denmark adds: “Heartless is our first major drama series and we have great expectations. The series has the potential to draw a wide audience although it is aimed primarily at the younger target group.”
The series has received support from the Danish Film Institute’s Public Service Fund, the MEDIA Programme and is scheduled to premiere on Kanal 5 in the autumn. C More and NRK have also acquired rights.