Beta Film Closes Deals for 'Queen Silvia' and 'La Vida Barcelona'

Beta Film has closed major deals for two female-led dramas: SVT has acquired Swedish second window rights to the royal drama "Queen Silvia," and ZDF has joined "La Vida Barcelona" as a co-production partner.

SVT's deal comes ahead of "Queen Silvia's" world premiere on Tuesday at the Grand Auditorium in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. ZDF joins Beta Film and Millstreet Films on "La Vida Barcelona," a series currently in post-production.

What is 'Queen Silvia' about?

The series traces the romance between German Brazilian interpreter Silvia Sommerlath, played by Alicia von Rittberg ("Charité," "Becoming Elisabeth," "Call My Agent! Berlin," "Miss Sophie"), and Swedish Crown Prince Carl Gustaf, played by Edvin Endre ("The Playlist," "Vikings," "Hammarskjöld – Fight for Peace").

A chance encounter at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich grew into one of Europe's most famous royal love stories. The series follows the couple between Munich, Stockholm and the Côte d'Azur, examining how they balance love, duty and personal ambitions.

Germany's Pyjama Pictures and Unlimited Stories produce the series for Prime Video in German-language territories and the Nordics, and for Sat.1.

Karolina Stallwood, president for acquisitions at SVT, said: "'Queen Silvia' is a romantic drama inspired by the real-life love story of Silvia Sommerlath and Crown Prince Carl Gustaf. Set against the backdrop of the early 1970s, the series offers a warm and engaging portrayal of their relationship and the events surrounding it. We're very pleased to bring the series to SVT's audience."

Emil Wiklund at Sweden's Unlimited Stories said: "It is a privilege to bring the love story of our King and Queen to the Swedish audience. We hope to capture the emotional truth of a love that has endured for almost 55 years."

Miguel Alexandre ("Sisi," "Gran Paradiso," "Shades of Happiness") directs and co-writes with Lisa Hofer ("Black Island") as head writers, alongside Pauline Wolff ("Stockholm Requiem," "Vaka"). Carsten Kelber serves as showrunner. Executive producers are Tina Ermuth, Frank Buchs, Carsten Kelber, Emil Wiklund, Manya Lutz-Moneim and Justus Riesenkampff; Pia Lüke, Tim Bahalou and Frida Wallman produce.

The series is supported by the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF), Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg (MBB) and FilmFörderung Bayern (FFF).

Why did ZDF join 'La Vida Barcelona'?

"La Vida Barcelona" comes from the producers of the hit series "Máxima" and the director of "Emily in Paris." It follows young Dutch designer Julia, sent to Barcelona by her powerful mother with a secret mission to undermine a rival agency. The city upends her plans as she is drawn into a new job, a new life and two unexpected romances.

Holly Mae Brood leads the cast. Priscilla Delgado ("Euphoria") and Greta Fernández ("The Walking Dead") star alongside her, with Martiño Rivas ("El Internado") and Agustín Della Corte ("Society of the Snow") also featured.

Frank Seyberth, head of co-production, international fiction at ZDF, said: "We are excited to join 'La Vida Barcelona' as a co-production partner. With its relatable characters, romantic tone, the vibrant energy of Barcelona and a strong creative team, the series has all the ingredients to reach young audiences both in Germany and internationally."

Katina Medina Mora ("Emily in Paris," "The Summer I Turned Pretty," "XO, Kitty"), Charlotte Scott-Wilson ("Hold On") and Ayla Spaans ("Rakhi & Peppe," "When We Were Strangers") direct. Rachel van Bommel of Millstreet Films produces for Videoland in the Netherlands; Emily Reekers, Jikkie Schelling and Alix van der Goes write the scripts.

Nestor Hernandez is executive producer for Beta Film. The series is backed by the Netherlands Film Fund Production Incentive, the Spanish Tax Rebate and the Creative Europe Media program.

What happens next?

Beta Film handles international sales for both titles. With a Cannes world premiere days away and a second series in post-production, the Munich-based distributor will present two female-led dramas to buyers at the market.