Behind the scenes of Romanian serial drama

An interview with Bianca Mina

By Nicoleta Talpes, January 2 2025

Bianca Mina, a celebrated Romanian film and TV writer, director, and producer, has left a significant mark on the local entertainment industry with her impactful storytelling and creative vision. In this exclusive interview conducted by GEMINI’s Raluca Radu from University of Bucharest, for the GEMINI research project, Bianca shares her journey, challenges, and insights into the world of serial drama. Watch the GEMINI interview with Bianca Mina here.

Authenticity as the cornerstone of success

Bianca Mina’s success stems from her ability to weave truth into her stories. “The more honest you are about writing things that people can relate to, the more successful the series becomes,” Bianca explains. For her, inspiration often comes from everyday life. Living next to a high school in Bucharest, she finds herself eavesdropping on high schoolers’ conversations, capturing the essence of contemporary youth.

This dedication to authenticity is especially challenging in the fast-paced world of television. Unlike cinema, where scripts can take years to perfect, Bianca’s work requires relentless creativity and quick turnarounds for weekly episodes. “You always have to be on, always finding inspiration”, she notes.

Archetypes vs. stereotypes

When asked about the use of archetypes and stereotypes in serial drama, Bianca distinguishes the two, emphasizing the importance of archetypes in crafting compelling narratives. “Opposing forces create compelling stories. Conflict is the bread and butter of any dramatic structure,” she explains.

However, she strives to challenge traditional stereotypes, especially when writing female characters. While Romanian television often adheres to audience expectations, such as including a love story, Bianca ensures her characters are multidimensional, with passions and careers beyond romantic entanglements.

The dynamics of team writing

Writing for serial drama often involves collaboration. Bianca has worked in teams of up to five writers, a process that demands exceptional compatibility. “Cinema and TV are teamwork. If you don’t work well with others, you can’t really work,” she states.

Her partnership with co-writer Radu Grigore exemplifies this harmony. “We can continue each other’s thoughts without even talking. Sometimes, I send him a script, and he picks up seamlessly where I left off. It’s magic,” Bianca shares.

Flexibility in story development

One of the unique challenges of serial drama is the need for flexibility. Bianca often doesn’t know what will happen in the next episode until she gets there. This adaptability allows her to respond to audience feedback in real-time. For instance, she mentions a dedicated viewer who writes to her after every episode, offering insights into what resonates with the audience.

Comedy in changing times

Bianca’s work also extends to comedy, a genre she is passionate about despite its evolving landscape. “Comedy has been a little bit the victim of our times,” she observes, noting the increased sensitivity around certain topics. Nevertheless, she believes in crafting tasteful, situational humour that avoids crude or offensive content.

Her recent comedy project, Room 609, exemplifies this balance. “We found a good balance of constructing jokes through dialogue and situations. While Romania doesn’t face the same restrictions as the U.S. or U.K., my writing naturally steers clear of offensive material,” she explains.

Takeaways for GEMINI

This interview with Bianca Mina offers valuable insights for the GEMINI research project, which explores the impact of TV series on young people’s perceptions of gender equality. Her approach to crafting authentic, relatable characters and her commitment to challenging stereotypes align with the project’s goals of fostering more inclusive media narratives.

As Bianca Mina continues to shape Romanian serial drama with her creativity and dedication, her work is a testament to storytelling’s power in reflecting and influencing societal values. Her insights provide a roadmap for writers and creators seeking to balance entertainment with meaningful impact.

See Bianca Mina’s bio on IMDb and watch the full interview through GEMINI’s YouTube channel.