Producer Alex Berger, known for his work on “The Bureau” and “La Maison,” delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the International Salon for Audiovisual Content (SICA) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The focus of his speech was on the ambitious series “Eldorado,” which was shot in the Ivory Coast.
During his first trip to Africa at last year’s SICA, Berger built relationships that led to the decision to film “Eldorado” in the Ivory Coast. The series, described as a wild adventure based on a true story, follows a Belgian entrepreneur in the late 1960s who becomes entangled with a French oil company while searching for water in Africa.
Written by Tarek Haoudy and developed over three years by Berger’s production company, TOP, and director Louis Farge, “Eldorado” showcases the talent and potential of the Ivory Coast as a filming location. Berger’s conversations with local ministers, producers, and filmmakers at SICA 2024 highlighted the country’s vision for the future and the need to build a sustainable ecosystem for film production.
Berger’s decision to shoot “Eldorado” in Abidjan instead of Senegal emphasized his belief in nurturing local talent and supporting the growth of the local film industry. The majority of the crew for the series was composed of local talent, with only a small portion flying in for the production.
In terms of financing, Berger secured a co-production deal with Belgium to take advantage of tax incentives and praised Arte for supporting a show set outside its traditional European setting. The historical inspiration for “Eldorado,” the Great Oil Sniffer Hoax, adds contemporary relevance to the series and highlights the importance of telling stories that resonate with local realities.
Looking ahead, Berger expressed interest in deepening his ties to the region through potential collaborations with Ivorian director-producer Alex Ogou, Nigerien producer Mamane, and Abidjan-based Kimberly Azria. Despite the challenges that exist in the region, Berger remains optimistic about the potential for growth and innovation in the Ivorian film industry.
As Berger continues to explore future projects and partnerships in the Ivory Coast, his ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of the local film industry and support the emergence of new talent and ideas. With a focus on collaboration and investment in local resources, Berger’s vision for the future of filmmaking in the Ivory Coast is one of optimism and possibility.
