Time to check in: “Hotel Costiera” has soared to the top spot on Amazon Prime Video in the United States.
“This is a monumental moment for all of us,” expressed Jens Richter, CEO of Commercial and International at Fremantle, which is achieving impressive outcomes with the sale of “Hotel Costiera.”
“The demand for such audacious, vibrant dramas is evident – it resonates with global audiences and meets all the expectations of buyers. This is an outstanding example of top-tier storytelling that has universal appeal.”
The narrative centers around Daniel De Luca, portrayed by Jesse Williams, a half Italian ex-U.S. Marine. Daniel returns to his childhood homeland, stepping into the role of a fixer at a luxurious hotel along the picturesque Positano coastline.
While addressing the issues of affluent guests, Daniel also seeks to uncover the whereabouts of Alice, one of the hotel owner’s daughters, who vanished a month prior. He is determined to rescue her, but confronting those responsible for her abduction poses challenges greater than any he has ever encountered.
In a conversation with Variety, Jesse Williams shared that he has “a deep appreciation for the [show’s] universe.”
“I was drawn to this character who had dedicated himself to military service and was now faced with a fresh start. He represents someone who embodies two different worlds, and there’s a relatability there for someone like me, an American of mixed heritage in a divided society.”
He continued: “At that time, I was eager to explore global creativity beyond the borders of the U.S., which I find fascinating. My film school education shaped my perspective; it taught me to see the world through the lens of cinema from places like Italy, Korea, and Japan. Americans often struggle with embracing and comprehending other cultures.”
Co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Luca Bernabei for Lux Vide, a company within Fremantle, “Hotel Costiera” is filmed in English and directed by Emmy-winning Adam Bernstein alongside Giacomo Martelli. The series is rooted in an idea by Bernabei and features a script penned by Elena Bucaccio, Matthew Parkhill, and Francesco Arlanch.
Also starring are Maria Chiara Giannetta, Jordan Alexandra, Antonio Gerardi, Sam Haygarth, Tommaso Ragno, Amanda Campana, Pierpaolo Spollon, Alejandra Onieva, and Jean-Hugues Anglade.
“We had long sought a storyline set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast. It’s a dream destination for many and one of Italy’s cherished locales. The concept of a former Marine assisting guests at a luxury hotel in resolving their dilemmas quickly came together,” revealed Bucaccio, co-creator and Head of Drama at Lux Vide.
“We suddenly had the genre locked down, a fresh perspective, and a format to develop, thanks to the strong support from our outstanding partners at Amazon Prime Video. While ‘Hotel Costiera’ is anchored in Italy, it genuinely resonates on an international scale, which is its true strength. Reaching No.1 on Prime Video in the U.S. emphasizes this reality.”
