‘Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction’ Director Bille August Talks ‘Fruitful Collaboration’ With Former Queen of Denmark on Hit Netflix Film (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Bille August, the two-time Palme d’Or-winning director, found his creative match with the former Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, who reinvented herself as a detail-oriented costume designer on his hit Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.” The film, which took a decade to bring to life, is nominated for three Robert Awards, the Danish equivalent to the Oscars.

A playful royal scandal set in the early 19th century, “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” was penned by Anders August and based on a 1963 novella by Karen Blixen, the Danish baroness who was played by Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa.” The film revolves around Cazotte, a young portrait painter who considers himself an expert on love matters and is challenged by the Grand Duchess to seduce a young woman, as well as help her secure an heir.

Margrethe II, who just stepped down from her throne citing health reasons, worked for free on the feature and designed 51 costumes along with 74 decoupages for the film. “Ehrengard” is produced by SF Studios and JJ Film, a Danish company whose credits include the Hans Christian Andersen-inspired short films “The Snow Queen” and “The Wild Swans,” and who also tapped the Queen as production designer.

Having recently wrapped the seven-month shoot of the series “The Count of Monte Cristo,” August spoke to Variety about his fruitful collaboration with the witty Queen, his lengthy track record with period drama and people’s love for royal families. How did you and the Queen get together on this film? The Queen and I started discussing the production design and costume for the film 10 years ago.