A magical family saga colliding 400-year-old traditions with modern life.
We first met Henning Windelband at the Cannes market a few years ago, and immediately hit it off. Since then, Henning and I have worked together on a number of projects, and The Finstersteins has been one of the most exciting collaborations. Adapted from Kai Lüftner's beloved novels, this is a story that comes along only once in a while — warring families caught between past and present, 400-year-old values clashing with modern times, wrapped with themes of mental health, love, and just the right dash of magic.
Every time I work with Henning, it's a pleasure. With this series, we saw the chance not only to update and refresh the pitch materials, but also to leverage our hybrid AI approach to create a teaser that would bring real momentum to the project.
Challenge
Breaking through the international TV marketplace means competing with the best: strong ideas, world-class execution, and compelling visual materials. The Finstersteins already had a brilliant concept and Henning's leadership, but what we needed was a package that could:
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Secure a director and cast attachments.
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Win the attention of sales agents and broadcasters.
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Qualify for co-production incentives and financing programs.
Traditionally, this would require expensive shoots and long lead times. For us, the challenge was to bring the same punch with greater speed and affordability — without compromising the cinematic heart of the project.
Our Approach
We began with a complete refresh of the pitch materials: a newly drafted book, updated visuals, and a clear narrative framework that conveyed the heart of the story. Working closely with Henning, we then developed a teaser powered by hybrid AI techniques, blending our creative instincts with new tools to generate visuals that would otherwise have been too expensive or complex.
Alongside this, we leveraged the attachments already in play: acclaimed director Catherine Morshead (Downton Abbey, Lockwood & Co.), cast members Annette Frier and Benno Fürmann, and writer Martin Duffy. With this team in place, our job was to connect the dots: bring visuals to the story, momentum to the market, and clarity to the co-production pathway.
Results
The teaser became more than a video — it became the key that unlocked doors. Within weeks we were able to:
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Strengthen momentum with sales agents and distributors.
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Qualify the project for European co-production markets.
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Position The Finstersteins as a standout contender at Berlin and beyond.
By combining refreshed collateral with a cinematic teaser, we were able to give potential partners a clear sense of the show's tone, world, and marketability. This is exactly the kind of tool that makes a difference when applying for funds, presenting at markets, and attracting further cast and finance.
Why This Matters
For us, The Finstersteins demonstrates how Resonant Blue's hybrid approach can turn ambitious, imaginative projects into credible, investment-ready opportunities. By bringing together experienced partners like Henning Windelband with innovative AI workflows, we created a package that feels both timeless and fresh.
Momentum is everything in today's TV landscape. With The Finstersteins, we've shown that the right blend of story, visuals, and collaboration can bridge centuries, markets, and even entire genres — opening doors that might otherwise have stayed closed.
