TV Beats Co-Financing Market

Chasing the Clouds

Original title
Oblak čvoraka
Country
Croatia
Language
Croatian
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Youth series
Logline

A truth or dare game at a teen party goes wrong.

Synopsis

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.

More info about the project
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

Director
Karla Lulic
Screenwriter
Karla Lulic, Jelena Madaric
Producer
Karla Lulic, Jelena Madaric
Production
Dobar film
Project Status
Development
Budget
2140000 €
Financed
63139 €
Looking for
co-producers, streamers, sales agent, public funds (national, regional, international), broadcasters
Number of episodes
6
Duration
40
Contact name
Karla Lulic
Contact email
karla@dobarfilm.hr