TV Beats Co-Financing Market
Chasing the Clouds
A truth or dare game at a teen party goes wrong.
Everything starts at a teenage party and the death of Luka. The lives of six teenagers are irrevocably changed, and they are faced with consequences. Through the series of six episodes, and through six different perspectives on one incident, we gradually discover what happened and whether the tragedy could have been prevented. And how our young characters deal with guilt.
Luka is dead, but his story begins, and reveals other characters and their own secrets: Sanda, Zrinka, Lucija, Ružica, and Leon. The masks they wear start to crack, revealing who they really are beneath the surface.
"Spin the Bottle Truth or Dare" went terribly wrong. Luka's death at the party reveals layers of relationships, rivalries, betrayals, and moments that led them to that fateful day. Each of them hides secrets; each fears the truth.
Director's note
The tone of the series is energetic, fresh, and youthful, similar to "Sex Education," with a strong visual stylisation inspired by "Beautiful Boy" and "Euphoria."
Non-linear and subjective storytelling allows for deep emotional connection with the characters. The editing approach will play a crucial role in weaving together different timelines, linking past and present through physical space and the characters' internal states.
The rhythm is dynamic and fast-paced, contrasted with contemplative tracking shots. The audience will be drawn into the characters' inner worlds through expressive direction, subjective points of view, and sound design.
Close-ups, similar to those in "Normal People," emphasise emotional intimacy and loneliness, while wide shots of the school and classrooms visually evoke isolation. The motif of a flock of starlings is used both narratively and visually to reflect the shifting dynamics within the group of teens. Voice-over further enhances the feeling of alienation and the inability to express emotions.
Music is a key element of the series - fresh and vibrant, inspired by the Croatian pop scene beloved by young audiences, yet carrying a timeless appeal. Synth-pop and electro sounds, reminiscent of the "Drive" soundtrack, give the series a contemporary yet universal tone.
We will use a mix of original compositions and existing tracks, and plan to release a soundtrack alongside the series for added promotional value. Sound design will play a crucial role in portraying the inner lives of the characters - auditory cues during moments of trauma or suppressed emotions will enhance the visual atmosphere and deepen the viewer's experience.
Producer's note
"Chasing the Clouds" is not just a series - it is a story that needs to be told. Literally. At least based on the testimonies of our teenagers who participated in the extended research, both through the method of focus groups and anonymous questionnaires.
This series opens the space for inter-generational dialogue and connection with a generation of young and adults who seem alienated. It opens space for questions that often remain unasked and answers that are difficult to put into words.
As producers, we were compelled by how urgently this story speaks to today's youth. It tackles themes like peer pressure, identity, mental health, loneliness, and the quiet cruelty of adolescence - not as plot devices, but as lived experiences. It is a story about the things we do not say out loud. About the weight of silence, and the ripple effect of a single moment.
"Chasing the Clouds" is a series that opens difficult conversations - about guilt, silence, and the unseen impact we have on others. It is not only a coming-of-age story. It is a reminder of what happens when we forget to listen.
It is about the secrets we carry. The need to belong. The chaos of growing up. And sometimes, about how we only understand the full story - once it is too late to change it.
Screenwiter's note
With "Chasing the Clouds", we want to tell a story that feels real, shaped through the voices of teenagers. To ensure authenticity, the high school students are involved in the development of the story. We want to stay close to them, to hear and see them, as they feel they are not being seen.
Teen audiences crave emotionally honest stories that reflect their internal lives. Meanwhile, adults are offered a compelling window into a world they may have forgotten, a reminder of what it means to be young and in search of identity. Adults have forgotten what it is like to be a teenager. Teenagers, on the other hand, are still learning how to make sense of the adult world.
This series explores the journey of finding one's voice and identity, but also the cost of staying silent. It opens space for conversations we urgently need: around mental health, peer pressure and bullying, loneliness, and the complexity of growing up. We hope it resonates with those who need it most and reminds the rest of us to listen more closely.
In a world where young people are increasingly exposed, yet unheard, "Chasing the Clouds" gives them a voice. Through a gripping mystery and emotionally charged storytelling, it touches on universal themes: identity, guilt, friendship, belonging, and the fear of being misunderstood.
As the project is based on real experiences collected through focus groups and anonymous questionnaires, the confessions of our teens became the foundation for our characters and their relationships. We do not shy away from difficult topics.
Subjects:
mental health, familial relationships, disease
A Croatian screenwriter, director, and producer with an MA degree in Cinema and TV Production from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She is the founder of Dobar Film (meaning “a good film”), a Croatian production company dedicated to making quality films that playfully flirt with genre. She has directed and produced three award-winning short films. Her debut feature film, currently in pre-production, "Mirror of Nightingales," is supported by Creative Europe’s MEDIA Sub-programme (Co-development), the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and the City of Koprivnica. It was selected and developed by the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film Lab 2024, Script Pool Tallinn 2023, Ekran+ (Wajda School, Warsaw, 2022), the Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI, Greece, 2020), and the European Genre Forum 2019 in Tallinn. Karla is currently developing two series: the teen mystery "Chasing the Clouds" and the dark comedy "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories." Both projects have received development funding from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC) and from the City of Koprivnica, the regional fund. "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories" was developed within the prestigious TorinoFilmLab SeriesLab, where it won the IEFTA Award for Emerging Talents. This award was open to all TorinoFilmLab programmes, with 41 international projects competing across SeriesLab, ScriptLab, FeatureLab, and ComedyLab. Karla is also working on a remake of the feature film "She-Butterfly" ("Leptirica"), the first Yugoslav horror film, which holds cult status in the region and beyond.
A Croatian screenwriter, director, and producer with an MA degree in Cinema and TV Production from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She is the founder of Dobar Film (meaning “a good film”), a Croatian production company dedicated to making quality films that playfully flirt with genre. She has directed and produced three award-winning short films. Her debut feature film, currently in pre-production, "Mirror of Nightingales," is supported by Creative Europe’s MEDIA Sub-programme (Co-development), the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and the City of Koprivnica. It was selected and developed by the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film Lab 2024, Script Pool Tallinn 2023, Ekran+ (Wajda School, Warsaw, 2022), the Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI, Greece, 2020), and the European Genre Forum 2019 in Tallinn. Karla is currently developing two series: the teen mystery "Chasing the Clouds" and the dark comedy "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories." Both projects have received development funding from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC) and from the City of Koprivnica, the regional fund. "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories" was developed within the prestigious TorinoFilmLab SeriesLab, where it won the IEFTA Award for Emerging Talents. This award was open to all TorinoFilmLab programmes, with 41 international projects competing across SeriesLab, ScriptLab, FeatureLab, and ComedyLab. Karla is also working on a remake of the feature film "She-Butterfly" ("Leptirica"), the first Yugoslav horror film, which holds cult status in the region and beyond.
Jelena is a producer from Croatia. She completed her undergraduate studies in Public Relations at Vern’ and her master’s degree in Communications at the Croatian Studies in Zagreb. She is currently working as a producer on the debut feature film "Mirror of Nightingales," directed by Karla Lulić. The project is supported by Creative Europe’s MEDIA Sub-programme, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and the City of Koprivnica, and was selected for development by the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film Lab 2023, Script Pool Tallinn 2023, Lab 2023, Ekran+ (Wajda School, Warsaw, 2022), the Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI, Greece, 2020), and the European Genre Forum 2019 in Tallinn. As a producer, she is also working on a darkly humorous anthology TV series, "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories," developed at the Torino Film Lab 2024 and winner of the IEFTA Award for Best Emerging Talents. The project also took part in the Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI, Greece, 2023). As a screenwriter and producer, she is currently developing a TV series for young audiences, "Chasing the Clouds," and the feature film "She-Butterfly."
A Croatian screenwriter, director, and producer with an MA degree in Cinema and TV Production from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She is the founder of Dobar Film (meaning “a good film”), a Croatian production company dedicated to making quality films that playfully flirt with genre. She has directed and produced three award-winning short films. Her debut feature film, currently in pre-production, "Mirror of Nightingales," is supported by Creative Europe’s MEDIA Sub-programme (Co-development), the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and the City of Koprivnica. It was selected and developed by the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film Lab 2024, Script Pool Tallinn 2023, Ekran+ (Wajda School, Warsaw, 2022), the Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI, Greece, 2020), and the European Genre Forum 2019 in Tallinn. Karla is currently developing two series: the teen mystery "Chasing the Clouds" and the dark comedy "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories." Both projects have received development funding from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC) and from the City of Koprivnica, the regional fund. "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories" was developed within the prestigious TorinoFilmLab SeriesLab, where it won the IEFTA Award for Emerging Talents. This award was open to all TorinoFilmLab programmes, with 41 international projects competing across SeriesLab, ScriptLab, FeatureLab, and ComedyLab. Karla is also working on a remake of the feature film "She-Butterfly" ("Leptirica"), the first Yugoslav horror film, which holds cult status in the region and beyond.
Jelena is a producer from Croatia. She completed her undergraduate studies in Public Relations at Vern’ and her master’s degree in Communications at the Croatian Studies in Zagreb. She is currently working as a producer on the debut feature film "Mirror of Nightingales," directed by Karla Lulić. The project is supported by Creative Europe’s MEDIA Sub-programme, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and the City of Koprivnica, and was selected for development by the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film Lab 2023, Script Pool Tallinn 2023, Lab 2023, Ekran+ (Wajda School, Warsaw, 2022), the Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI, Greece, 2020), and the European Genre Forum 2019 in Tallinn. As a producer, she is also working on a darkly humorous anthology TV series, "Dear Insects and Other Creepy Stories," developed at the Torino Film Lab 2024 and winner of the IEFTA Award for Best Emerging Talents. The project also took part in the Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI, Greece, 2023). As a screenwriter and producer, she is currently developing a TV series for young audiences, "Chasing the Clouds," and the feature film "She-Butterfly."