The Art of the Possible:  Making Period Drama Work in Europe

“Grand Hotel by the Sea” is set to become the Netherlands’ most ambitious period drama, but its journey to the screen was anything but straightforward. Winters gives an exclusive first look at the series ahead of its Dutch launch in December and reflects on the unique strategy behind it, after spending seven years developing this project, ultimately building a dedicated studio to bring her vision to life. The conversation goes beyond the story itself to explore what it actually takes to make a major period piece work in Europe today. On the table are the creative risks involved, how European co-production made the budget feasible, and the smart distribution strategies that are bringing this local gem to international audiences. It’s a masterclass in balancing big-screen ambition with sustainable business sense.