The drama is the foundation, the comedy comes later. The humor comes second. I understand that there are expectations after "Solsidan", it's a bit worrying in a way. Although I hope the audience has seen the teasers and trailers that we have put out. I think they have seen the tone there, says Felix Herngren to TT.
In the TV series, also written by Herngren, we meet brothers Tom (Per Lasson) and Timmy (Jerka Johansson). Tom has sold his ICA Maxi store, become very rich and moved with his family to a luxury house by the water in Palma, Mallorca. He has also bought a slightly dilapidated house up in the mountains.
On Tom's 50th birthday, Timmy and his family come to visit, as do the two brothers' parents (Suzanne Reuter and Claes Månsson). Complications and chaos ensue.
Living in Mallorca
Felix Herngren and his family now live in Palma. He says they have talked about moving abroad and experiencing something other than Stockholm.
So we were here on New Year's Eve and said, "Shouldn't we move here?" If the children get into the Swedish school, we could try it out for a year. Although we still have our accommodation in Stockholm, I have commuted so that I can also do "Solsidan."
He describes the experience as the first day of school – “transformative and exciting.”
When we came here we didn't know anyone else, except maybe Ruben Östlund, although he lives in another city. We met others like us, people who had hopes and either had them dashed or fulfilled. And then my wife and I said that there was material for a TV series here.
“Hit me in the ass”
The six episodes address topics such as Spanish bureaucracy, the problem of squatters and deal a bit with the Swedes who have moved to Mallorca.
I've tried to balance it, I include what I find interesting. But I'm not consistent and maybe this will come and kick my ass later. I want to show human behavior, I want to raise questions, I hope that the Spaniards who watch the series think that I'm messing with both them and the Swedes.
He has considered a possible continuation, but says that they must first wait to see how the series is received. The actors would love to see a second and third season.
"As soon as I got the script, I threw myself into it. It was a dream to work with Felix. And I knew that my friend Claes would play my husband," says Suzanne Reuter.
Felix has a way of directing that gives the actors freedom. He is easy to talk to and he has an eye for comedy.
Born: 1967 in Stockholm.
Lives: In Mallorca and in Stockholm.
Profession: Director, actor and writer.
Background: Started in Vår Teater and took his first steps as an actor in the radio theater at Sveriges Radio. In the late 1980s he began filming and producing music videos, among other things. Debuted on television in 1990 with a role in the comedy series "Smash" which was directed by his brother Måns and Hannes Holm. In the 1990s he also worked with stand-up comedy.
Best known for: "Solsidan" which he co-created and stars in. He is also co-creator of the TV series "Bonusfamiljen" (together with his wife Clara Byström Herngren and sister Moa Herngren).
Humor cult: Herngren has created characters such as the cultural figure Dan Bäckman, the policeman Papi Raul and the Englishman Tim Hibbins.
Current: With the new TV series "Where the Sun Shines" which premieres on SkyShowtime 10/11.
