The Challenges of Diving into New Shows: Insights from Pamela Adlon

Pamela Adlon, the acclaimed writer and actress, finds embarking on a new television series to be quite a daunting task. Adlon openly shares her struggles, saying, “I have OCD so if I start something, I’m screwed. I know I’ve got to see this through.” These candid remarks set the tone for her participation in the jury press conference at this year’s Series Mania, showcasing the emotional investment she brings to her viewing habits.

This multi-talented artist, recognized for her outstanding work in FX’s Better Things and Louie, has taken on the role of chair of the international jury at Series Mania, a prominent television festival taking place in Lille, France, until March 28. During the conference, Adlon was joined by a panel of distinguished jurors, including Minkie Spiro, known for her directing roles in Downton Abbey and Better Call Saul, French actress Karin Viard from The Bélier Family, Ignacio Serricchio from Bones, and musician Victor Le Masne.

Highlights from the International Competition

This year’s competition features a diverse array of high-profile series, attracting attention from audiences worldwide. Among them are:

Mussolini: Son of the Century – Directed by Joe Wright, this historical biopic stars Luca Marinelli as the notorious fascist leader Benito Mussolini.
Long Bright River – A gripping crime drama on Peacock+, featuring Amanda Seyfried.
Hal & Harper – This dramedy, directed by Cooper Raiff, stars Raiff alongside Lili Reinhart and Mark Ruffalo.
Kabul – A poignant drama chronicling the city’s fall to the Taliban after the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021.

Adlon expressed the significance of experiencing these series in their native languages, saying, “For me as an American to be in this venue, watching these shows in other languages, you just hope they reach the States because they are so exceptional.” This sentiment highlights the universal appeal of storytelling beyond cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Juror Minkie Spiro shared her thoughts on the important discussions taking place: “We are having debates about how the European market would receive a show versus the U.S., and it’s brilliant. We’re so comfortable with each other; we can have difficult conversations and challenge each other.” Such dialogues are essential in enriching the festival experience and enhancing cross-cultural collaborations.

Exciting Future Projects

Adlon also took the opportunity to provide insights into her upcoming projects. She is set to direct a remake of Jorge Gaggero’s Argentine film Cama Adentro, which will feature Glenn Close and Melissa McCarthy in leading roles. The story revolves around a wealthy woman and her housekeeper navigating the challenges of financial upheaval. Additionally, she is adapting Ariel Leve’s memoir, An Abbreviated Life, with Rebecca Hall attached to star.

On the acting front, Adlon is set to appear in Mid-Century Modern, a new sitcom created by the renowned team behind Will & Grace, featuring stars like Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer. Adlon described this project as “a real, true, old-school television experience, and it’s like a gift. We’re pinching ourselves.” She humorously added, “And it’s so gay, it’s the best. It’s the gayest stuff in the world, and we need that right now!”

For more insights and details on this year’s Series Mania, visit the Hollywood Reporter.