The title of the Berlinale Co-Pro series “Tipping Point” heads to the end of the world – Svalbard – to tell the story of a young activist at war with her father, an oil executive, until let him be assassinated.
In pursuit of stolen software that can be used to destroy the world or improve it, much like the atomic bomb, she investigates his death.
A ReelMedia (Finland) and Maipo Film (Norway), filming is expected to begin in 2024.
“In Svalbard there are scientists, spies, military attachés, environmentalists, miners. Polar bears and even a statue of Lenin, because no one bothered to take it down. You can’t make it up,” laughs lead writer Brendan Foley, promising the location will keep the tale “contained.”
“When we talk about the environment, television has a problem. Especially when it’s trying to compete with Hollywood, where it comes to CGI earthquakes and tidal waves. We try to focus on the characters.
Markku Flink of ReelMedia adds, “You need to be able to present a complex issue in an understandable way. It is not enough that it is a “worthy” story. It has to be engaging. »
The series, currently looking for Nordic directors and Norwegian talent, will combine unresolved family issues with action spectacle and commentary on the climate crisis.
“There is so much going on in the world right now. In a sense, [our show] is a reflection of that,” says Foley.
“If you have a daughter and a parent arguing, that doesn’t stop climate change, war or economic worries. There are all these things happening to the same people at the same time.
Generational clashes will be a big part of the story.
“His point of view is very black and white. “This older generation has screwed it all up and we’re picking up the pieces.” Her reflected view her generation: Just because something isn’t the way you like it doesn’t mean you should ignore it. The big thing, for me, was a coming-of-age story. She has to engage in this messy world where all sorts of bad things are happening.
Gradually starting to see more shades of gray and finding out about her father after he died. Deciding to continue his work, also with the help of his “a little dodgy” employees, or to find his own way.
“Tipping Point” will reflect current issues and fears, also from the “not-so-cold Cold War,” Foley observes. Even though they are constantly changing.
Tipping point
Courtesy of Reel Media
“The distance between something considered outlandish science fiction, accepted science or ancient history in the world of ecological thrillers can be as short as six months. We’ve focused on storylines that will remain relevant while still being topical.
But they won’t lecture anyone, says Johanna Enäsuo, content manager at Reel Media.
“Young people have been calling for action for years. They are now suing their governments. It’s also an important story for them, inspiring and entertaining,” she says, also opening up about the visual side of the show.
“ReelMedia has incredible experience with underwater cinematography in the Arctic. One of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet, even without war reaching the pipelines and cables below.
The team, Flink says, also worked closely with Finnish scientist, author and futurist Risto Isomäki, whose book “The Sands of Sarasvati” served as inspiration.
Foley calls the show another example of a “bet” with the Nordic black genre, following his black comedy “The Man Who Died” with rising star Jussi Vatanen.
“It’s a close relative: more character-driven, a little less dark. We’re not venturing into the wilderness here – Nordic Noir is always a good place to start. But we’re exploring its edges.
Although it deals with dark subjects, there is hope in the story, he notes.
“It’s an optimistic story. It’s just not ‘Pollyanna’.