While based on history, the series is heavily fictionalized, with only five characters that really existed, including Arne Rettedal. Others were inspired by real people, such as Ed Young who is based on Phillips' Norwegian manager Alfred "Ed" Crump, or are completely made up, such as Jonathan Kay. Similarly, the Ocean Viking drilling rig really exists, the Esso Motor Hotel does to but did not exist yet at the time, and Nyman does not exist but was inspired by similar companies.
The filmmakers took the conscious decision not to portray characters talking with "helium voices" while underwater to avoid an involuntary comedy effect for audiences.
The first season was Norway's most expensive TV series at the time, with a budget of NOK96 million (over 9 million US Dollars), or a budget of NOK12 million per episode.
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