The search for a Eurovision entry includes some heavy behind the scenes work that fans aren’t always fully aware of. From internal squabbles and inter-departmental funding wars to personality conflicts and staff shortages, there can be a lot of drama before any artist is ever even chosen. Now, a Spanish scriptwriter is trying to bring that to life with a sitcom based on the Spanish delegation for Eurovision
“La Delegación” is Ignacio Campón’s project. He’s previously worked for the Disney Channel and Disney+. Speaking to Wiwibloggs, Campón explains that his idea is to create something similar to The Office, Veep or Parks and Recreation, but within a Eurovision context.
“Eurovision is perfect,” he says. “It is a very well known cultural phenomenon that’s growing bigger and bigger, and with a wider audience every year. In the end, Eurovision and Eurodramas are something very Spanish, and they represent a perfect niche for fiction.”
The project is a mockumentary based around Spain’s entry for Eurovision. The series will follow the steps of the Spanish delegation at Eurovision, following the arrival of the new Head of Delegation. Does that ring a bell?
Fiction and Eurovision: A perfect match?
“La Delegación” is obviously not the first fiction product associated with Eurovision. As you’ll remember, last year “The Story of Fire Saga” took Netflix by storm, and its music was even nominated for an Oscar.
The Eurovision movie received a mixed to positive reception. Some fans praised the movie for its lighthearted approach to the contest and its stellar soundtrack. However, other fans complained that the movie was somewhat inaccurate in its depiction of Eurovision. No matter. The Story of Fire Saga went on to become Will Ferrell’s most successful project since The LEGO Movie in 2014.
Meanwhile, the film’s soundtrack was very successful. In June, the emotional ballad “Husavik” debuted at number 16 on the US Billboard Digital Chart. This marks the first time Will Ferrell and Melodifestivalen sensation Molly Sandén — also known as My Marrianne — have appeared on the chart. Furthermore, Eurovision artists including Michal Szpak, Anna Odobescu and Eurovision 2020 favourite Daði Freyr have all covered songs from the movie’s soundtrack.
But there’s more than Fire Saga. Iceland’s Eurovision 2019 entrants Hatari also produced their documentary A Song Called Hate, which debuted at Warsaw International Film Festival. The film is now available on some streaming platforms.
Meanwhile, “La Delegación” is now searching for producers, and a platform that supports it. Hey, RTVE. Are you reading this?
What do you think “La Delegación”? Would you binge-watch it? How would you portray Spain’s Eurovision delegation — as comedy or drama? Let us know in the comment section below!
Sounds intriguing. Lots of potential for jabs at the contest. Yet Im afraid it might be a too much ‘special interest’ to get a green light.
If it is accurate it would be a dramedy, the surrealism and incompetence of the Spanish Delegation would be laughable and hilarious, you don’t need to add or invent anything, it’s already funny (in a negative way) but for the artists and composers it would definitely be a drama, and a very sad one for some of them… It’s a good idea but they can get in trouble if they depict it in a very realistic and accurate way… TVE is morally and even legally questionable.
There’ll be no problem (at least in the creative process) as long as the series’ not broadcasted by RTVE
Yes I would binge watch it. But it has to be clever, from a team who actually loves and appreciates and understands Eurovision, not someone just out to mock it. ….(& on other topic why is RAI taking sooooooooooooooooo long on the host city???)
That… was unexpected. Especially if it is a SITCOM!? Anyways, mini-series or not, it will be time for binging
I’ll be honest, I actually would prefer a more mockumentary direction for the Eurovision movie, in vein Of something like this is spinal tap or any of Christopher guests’ mockumentaries films.
Spain has a lot of drama, so this will definitely work out nicely. I’m looking forward for this!
I’m a Spaniard and I honestly want to watch this show.