Swedish comedy series Kiosken deservedly won a YDA Gold in the First Series category. Here, co-creator Jesper Ei Karlsson shares the importance of characters you care about and how to make authentic quirkiness.
A tenderly funny portrait of everyday – and not so everyday – goings on in a local shop, Kiosken follows the store’s two coworkers, Sam and Daniel, as they deal with an endless parade of eccentric customers.
Jesper Ei Karlsson co-created the series with Daniel Boyacioglu, who plays Daniel in the series.
What was the inspiration for the series?
I rewatched the Swedish TV classic Macken. I loved it when I was a kid, and I still loved it. Then I thought, “Maybe we can do something like this, but today?” So we did.
How did you develop the concept for it?
A lot of meetings. An unnecessary amount of PDFs, but that’s my fault because, for some reason, I really like PDFs. Also, I think concepts tend to just happen. They’re the sum of everybody working on a project.
[We had] an unnecessary amount of PDFs, but that’s my fault because, for some reason, I really like PDFs.
Jesper Ei Karlsson – KIOSKEN (episode 1)
Are there any direct influences from the world of sitcoms/comedy series?
Macken. And I was a huge Simpsons fan growing up.
The gentle comedy really rests on the authenticity of the quirky characters, can you share something about how you developed the characters?
Together with Daniel Boyacioglu, we wrote everything together and talked about pretty much everything you can talk about.
I can only answer for myself, but I really like the concept from director Jonathan Demme [The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, Stop Making Sense] that you care very much about every character on screen, no matter how much screen time they have.
Also, I think quirky and authentic are kind of the same thing.
Did you do any improvisation with the actors?
Yes. Always done that. Ninety-five percent of the series was shot with two cameras, making room for improv.
I think everything looks incredibly beautiful, despite the challenges that come with shooting on two cameras. That’s thanks to Elias Bergkvist (DP) and Henrik Svensson (Production Designer). And the whole team. And turning all that two-camera footage into a story would have been impossible without Jonatan Qvist (Editor).
Can you share how you cast the film?
Together with Daniel. Lots of auditions and readings. It was great. All actors involved were INCREDIBLE.
Can you share details of the shoot? Did any unexpected challenges arise?
A baby got stung by a bee. An extra rode a bike while carrying a sword, and the police showed up.
Ninety-five percent of the series was shot with two cameras, making room for improv.
Above and below: Stills from Kiosken.
What has been the reaction to the series?
Good, I think. People have been saying and writing the nicest things. It’s been overwhelming, really.
The publicity for the series says “this is a story about Sweden.” Can you explain what makes it particularly Swedish?
In all honesty, I don’t know. I think it’s a story about community. And we have community in Sweden – but so does every country in the world.
We happen to live in Sweden, so maybe that’s why it’s a story about Sweden. Maybe it just sounded nice. Sorry for the boring answer.
Does the series comment on racial integration in Swedish society?
From my point of view, no.
What’s your background and route into directing?
Skateboarding and writing. I’ve always been writing. I made skateboarding films, got accepted into the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts, moved to Stockholm, started directing professionally, kept writing, and so on.
What did you learn from this project?
Everything I’ve ever worked on has been humbling. I learned to stay humble. Making things is hard.
What’s next for you?
Writing. And we’ll start shooting Season Two of Kiosken in a month. And keep directing commercials.
What does it mean to you to win a YDA?
It was fun. I don’t feel very young. Very grateful and humbled, though. Huge shout-out to everyone involved in this project. Film is 200 per cent a collective effort.
Huge shout-out to everyone involved in this project.
Interview by Carol Cooper for shots
All images courtesy of shots
