Luca Bernabei, the prominent Italian producer behind Fremantle’s Lux Vide banner, is gearing up for his most ambitious project yet. With a budget of approximately €40 million ($43 million), Bernabei is set to bring to life the gripping drama series “Floating Lives,” centered around the 2012 Costa Concordia shipwreck.
The series will delve into the untold story of the heroic rescue mission carried out by eight firefighters from the coast guard in Grosseto, Italy. These firefighters, whose life rights have been secured by Bernabei, boarded the Costa Concordia on the fateful night of January 13, 2012, after it collided with rocks off the coast of Giglio in Tuscany. The disaster claimed 32 lives, making it one of Italy’s most tragic maritime incidents.
During an interview with Variety, Bernabei shared that his inspiration for the series came from meeting one of the firefighters during a boat trip in Tuscany. This encounter led him to delve into their stories, along with those of the passengers they saved on the ill-fated cruise ship.
“Floating Lives” will not be a typical disaster narrative. Instead, it will focus on the personal journeys of eight passengers and five firefighters involved in the rescue mission. Each episode will intertwine the past and present, exploring the lives of these individuals before the tragedy struck and highlighting their fight for survival amidst the chaos.
The series has already enlisted a talented team of screenwriters, including Mario Ruggeri, Giampiero Rigosi, and Carlo Lucarelli, known for their work on the Emmy award-winning series “The Bible.” Together, they will craft a character-driven narrative that delves into the emotional complexities of heroism and sacrifice.
Bernabei emphasized the psychological dilemmas faced by the firefighters as they made the decision to embark on the perilous mission. He highlighted the inner turmoil they experienced, weighing the risks against the potential loss of their loved ones.
“Floating Lives” will benefit from Lux Vide’s cutting-edge studios in Rome, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The series will explore innovative 3D technology, enhancing the visual experience for viewers.
The announcement of “Floating Lives” follows a successful showcase of Lux Vide’s projects at the London Screenings market, including “Sandokan,” a modern adaptation of the classic pirate tale, and “Costiera.”
With its compelling storyline, talented creative team, and state-of-the-art production facilities, “Floating Lives” promises to be a riveting and immersive viewing experience for audiences worldwide. Bernabei’s dedication to honoring the real-life heroes of the Costa Concordia disaster ensures that their stories will be brought to life with authenticity and depth.
