MIPCOM: Denmark's Marlowfilm produces the TV series based on a screenplay by Jan Trygve Røyneland (Occupied, The Spy, The King’s Choice).


Currently in late stages of development, the TV project based on Carsten Jensen's best-selling novel, will be directed by Danish born Hollywood-based Mikael Salomon, episodic director of Steven Spielberg’s Band of Brothers, and multi-awarded cinematographer (The Abyss). Norway's experienced writer Jan Trygve Røyneland handles the screen adaptation. 

The epic historical TV series will focus on a group of men on the high seas and the women and children who await their return amidst the deepest betrayals and unexpected loves, from the sun-bleached Caribbean to distant Australia, from mystic Shanghai to glittering New York.

Chris Stewart, Commercial Director at Banijay Rights, said: “We’re very pleased to be partnered with Marlowfilm Productions on this exciting new drama from Mikael Salomon, one of the industry’s most renowned and respected directors. We, The Drowned is the perfect example of a local story with a truly global appeal, focusing on timeless and universal themes of adventure, love, desire, grief and the passage of time, which we know will strike a chord with international audiences.”

Deborah Marlow, Creative Producer at Marlowfilm Productions added: “We are fortunate to have a wealth of gorgeous material to work with and an immensely dedicated and talented team to nurture it. Having the visual prowess of Salomon, the linguistic eloquence of Trygve, and the support from Banijay Rights is quite the cocktail. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Banijay Rights is started to pitch the project to world buyers at MIPCOM in Cannes. The world distributor has several Nordic shows on its slate including the Swedish fantasy thriller Hidden (Yellow Bird), screening today in Cannes, SVT’s hit period drama The Restaurant and TV3’s thriller Black Lake, both produced by Jarowski.