Spain’s “The Interregnum” emerged victorious in the SeriesMakers competition, clinching the prestigious Beta & Kirch Foundation Award along with a cash prize of €50,000 ($51,000). The event, spearheaded by Laurence Herszberg, the general director of Series Mania, and Ferdinand Dohna, the head of content & co-production at Beta, was launched in 2022.
The winning team, led by creators Simón Casal and producer Mariela Besuievsky of Tornasol Media, will collaborate closely with Beta’s Content and Co-Production Division to develop a pilot script and a comprehensive package. This co-development opportunity could potentially lead to Beta Film handling international distribution if the series advances into production.
“The Interregnum” unfolds in 2031, revolving around a pivotal referendum within the E.U. to approve an AI system that would supplant human judges. The narrative follows Inma and Lyda, the campaign managers for the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ factions, as they navigate a shadowy secret linked to the demise of Alicia, the creator of the AI system.
Casal, who previously helmed the AI-themed film “Justicia Artificial,” expressed his desire to delve deeper into the subject matter through a serialized format. Besuievsky highlighted the limitations of the film format in fully exploring the narrative, leading them to pursue the episodic storytelling avenue.
Through SeriesMakers, Casal honed his skills in crafting multi-episode arcs, character development, and project management tailored for global audiences. Dohna commended the creators for crafting a compelling political thriller that delves into contemporary issues such as AI and justice, challenging viewers to contemplate their stance on these complex topics.
Apart from “The Interregnum,” the event showcased a diverse range of projects including “A Person of Interest,” “Le Bouton d’Or,” “Cow’s Tongue,” and others. Herszberg lauded the success of SeriesMakers in nurturing emerging TV creators, culminating in the selection of “The Interregnum” as the standout winner.
As the SeriesMakers competition continues to elevate new voices in the television landscape, the recognition of “The Interregnum” underscores the program’s commitment to fostering innovative storytelling in the ever-evolving realm of series production.
