So were going to do the hard work for you.
She draws the comparison jokingly, identifying that both are released weekly by their broadcasters.
But the shows do share similarities chiefly, they both have auteur-driven writer-directors.
‘Supporting Actor’Ilkka Saastamoinen/Endemol Shine Finland
They both also boast killer elevator pitches.
He is only ever cast as the supporting, comedic relief.
Lindgren brought the series to Malka who he has known since film school in 2019.
At that point, the story was smaller in scale and didnt involve any curses or fortune tellers.
The story just followed them as two freelance workers trying to make a living, Lindgren says.
I dont know if Max liked it, but all the networks certainly hated it.
Development was around two years.
All of the different characters and themes were in the original version, Malka says.
The curse just gave the project a stronger structure and made it easier to pitch.
Lindgren cites HBOsSuccession and Barry alongside Donald GloversAtlantaas artistic inspirations.
Those were the kind of shows we were looking at.
Theyre really cinematic and groundbreaking in their storytelling.
Thats what we were aiming for.
We werent just aiming to make a comedy.
It also had to look good, he says.
But did all the visual bells and whistles add unnecessary cost to the production?
In the case ofSupporting Actor, not really.
It was probably around the average of what an 8 x 25-minute show in Finland costs.
Its maybe 10% more than some of the cheapest ones, but not much more, Malka says.
As with most budget negotiations, the last piece in the commissioning puzzle was talent.
But until now, ironically, he only booked supporting gigs.
One month later, we sent him the script, and he said, Im in.
So we had exclusive access to this talent that nobody else had and that the broadcaster really wanted.
Thats good because I am also cursed.
At that point I knew it was perfect casting.
But consolidation didnt require much change, Malka says.
We were already all sitting in the same office.
It didnt affect anything.
Lindgren says he and Malka have already been exchanging ideas.
The pair are also eyeing a series of international remakes.
We are currently in talks with producers in four different continents about possible adaptations.
Deadline is told interested parties include producers from other European markets, Africa, and Asia.
She says its the perfect example of the work she aims to create at the company.
Im not looking for projects that are too niche or too local and cant travel or feel universal.
The secret ingredient to makingSupporting Actora lasting and global scripted format, Malka continues, is its mystical elements.
With time, well see if shes right.
