Babylon Berlin has landed a new U.S. home on a newly-merged streaming service created as Kino Lorber’s MHz Choice and Topic combine.
The boutique streamer will be named MHz Choice and feature the likes of The Killing, The Bridge, Detective Montalbano, The Sea Beyond and Pagan Peak, alongside the popular Babylon Berlin, which moves over from Netflix after three seasons on that streamer.
Kino Lorber said the new streamer will “combine the best European dramas and mysteries with Nordic noir crime and thrillers under the MHz Choice brand.”
The Four Daughters distributor owns MHz Choice and Topic, the latter of which in a Jv with First Look Media under which Kino has a majority stake and management oversight. The news comes a few weeks after we revealed layoffs at First Look production subsidiary Topic Studios.
Viaplay has also exited the U.S. following a disastrous 12 months that has...
The boutique streamer will be named MHz Choice and feature the likes of The Killing, The Bridge, Detective Montalbano, The Sea Beyond and Pagan Peak, alongside the popular Babylon Berlin, which moves over from Netflix after three seasons on that streamer.
Kino Lorber said the new streamer will “combine the best European dramas and mysteries with Nordic noir crime and thrillers under the MHz Choice brand.”
The Four Daughters distributor owns MHz Choice and Topic, the latter of which in a Jv with First Look Media under which Kino has a majority stake and management oversight. The news comes a few weeks after we revealed layoffs at First Look production subsidiary Topic Studios.
Viaplay has also exited the U.S. following a disastrous 12 months that has...
- 2/29/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Fisher King, the leading Finnish company behind some of Scandinavia’s biggest scripted hits including “Bordertown” and “The Helsinki Syndrome,” has gone bankrupt amid challenges that have thrown the Scandinavian TV industry into turmoil.
Beta Film, which acquired Fisher King in 2019 and subsequently launched the umbrella banner Beta Nordic Studios, said the company was declared bankrupt on Dec. 23.
Fisher King was founded in 2013 by executive producer Matti Halonen and chief visual officer Miikko Oikkonen. Over the years, the outfit was able to produce some of the region’s most ambitious drama series through international co-productions. The company’s recent titles include “Estonia,” a limited series directed by Swedish director Måns Månsson and Finnish director Juuso Syrjä, about Europe’s deadliest civil maritime disaster which killed over 850 people in 1994. Oikkonen was a showrunner and co-wrote the show.
Speaking to Variety, Beta Nordic Studios’ executive chairman Justus Riesenkampff said that in spite of its stellar track record,...
Beta Film, which acquired Fisher King in 2019 and subsequently launched the umbrella banner Beta Nordic Studios, said the company was declared bankrupt on Dec. 23.
Fisher King was founded in 2013 by executive producer Matti Halonen and chief visual officer Miikko Oikkonen. Over the years, the outfit was able to produce some of the region’s most ambitious drama series through international co-productions. The company’s recent titles include “Estonia,” a limited series directed by Swedish director Måns Månsson and Finnish director Juuso Syrjä, about Europe’s deadliest civil maritime disaster which killed over 850 people in 1994. Oikkonen was a showrunner and co-wrote the show.
Speaking to Variety, Beta Nordic Studios’ executive chairman Justus Riesenkampff said that in spite of its stellar track record,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Fox has given a script commitment to Elfquest, a one-hour animated drama series based on the epic fantasy adventure comic series created by Wendy and Richard Pini, from Rodney Rothman and Adam Rosenberg’s Modern Magic. Susan Hurwitz Arneson (The Last Amazon) will pen the series adaptation and serve as showrunner and executive producer.
Created in 1978, Elfquest, published by Dark Horse Comics, is a fantasy story about a community of elves and other fictional species who struggle to survive and coexist on a primitive Earth-like planet with two moons.
Rothman and Rosenberg will executive produce for Modern Magic, along with Arneson and Wendy and Richard Pini. Bento Box Entertainment is the studio.
“ElfQuest couldn’t be in better hands,” said Wendy and Richard Pini in a statement to Deadline. “Our collaborators trust the story. We have the highest regard for their previous achievements, and they have our blessing and input.
Created in 1978, Elfquest, published by Dark Horse Comics, is a fantasy story about a community of elves and other fictional species who struggle to survive and coexist on a primitive Earth-like planet with two moons.
Rothman and Rosenberg will executive produce for Modern Magic, along with Arneson and Wendy and Richard Pini. Bento Box Entertainment is the studio.
“ElfQuest couldn’t be in better hands,” said Wendy and Richard Pini in a statement to Deadline. “Our collaborators trust the story. We have the highest regard for their previous achievements, and they have our blessing and input.
- 1/11/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Big-budget disaster series “Estonia,” Canneseries winner “Power Play” and “Painkiller,” the TV drama debut of Göteborg victor Gabriela Pilcher (“Amateur”) feature among the five contenders for next year’s Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize which serves to underscore the robust breadth of current Nordic scripted series.
Also in the running is “Prisoner,” a second admired Canneseries main competition contender featuring “The Killing” star Sofie Gråbøl, and “Descendants,” the showrunning debut of famed Icelandic thesp Tinna Hrafnsdóttir.
Backed by the Göteborg Film Festival and the Nordisk Film & TV Fond, the 8th edition of the Prize, awarded to series’ main writers, pits Beta Film, the sales agent on “Estonia” and owner of its producer, “Bordertown’s” Fisher King, against Fremantle, owner of “Power Play” producer Motlys/Novemberfilm and Red Arrow Studios International, the sales agent on “Descendants.” REinvent International Sales handles sales on “Painkiller” and “Power Play.”
The Nordic drama series...
Also in the running is “Prisoner,” a second admired Canneseries main competition contender featuring “The Killing” star Sofie Gråbøl, and “Descendants,” the showrunning debut of famed Icelandic thesp Tinna Hrafnsdóttir.
Backed by the Göteborg Film Festival and the Nordisk Film & TV Fond, the 8th edition of the Prize, awarded to series’ main writers, pits Beta Film, the sales agent on “Estonia” and owner of its producer, “Bordertown’s” Fisher King, against Fremantle, owner of “Power Play” producer Motlys/Novemberfilm and Red Arrow Studios International, the sales agent on “Descendants.” REinvent International Sales handles sales on “Painkiller” and “Power Play.”
The Nordic drama series...
- 12/15/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Andrea Scarso, a well-established entertainment financier who previously worked at Ingenious Media, has joined the fund management company Ipr.Vc.
Ipr.Vc has just raised nearly €100 million ($109 million) in its third funding round and will be investing further in content under the leadership of Scarso, who is joining the banner as partner and investment director.
The company, launched in 2015 and based in Finland, has so far raised €150 million from a broad range of investors. Half of the funds have already been allocated to 35 film and TV productions in Europe and the U.S.
Ipr.Vc initially focused its investment on Nordic scripted projects, including the Netflix hit series “Bordertown,” and went on to establish strategic partnerships with U.S. and international banners such as A24, XYZ Films and the animation studio Gigglebug.
Based in the company’s London office, Scarso has a long experience in media and entertainment financing, including the sourcing and evaluating of projects,...
Ipr.Vc has just raised nearly €100 million ($109 million) in its third funding round and will be investing further in content under the leadership of Scarso, who is joining the banner as partner and investment director.
The company, launched in 2015 and based in Finland, has so far raised €150 million from a broad range of investors. Half of the funds have already been allocated to 35 film and TV productions in Europe and the U.S.
Ipr.Vc initially focused its investment on Nordic scripted projects, including the Netflix hit series “Bordertown,” and went on to establish strategic partnerships with U.S. and international banners such as A24, XYZ Films and the animation studio Gigglebug.
Based in the company’s London office, Scarso has a long experience in media and entertainment financing, including the sourcing and evaluating of projects,...
- 11/24/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Company has slate wide partnerships with US and European producers including A24, XYZ Films and Gigglebug.
Fund management company Ipr.Vc Management – which has invested in slates by A24 and XYZ Films - says it has raised the majority of a targeted €100m for its latest film and television production financing fund.
The Finnish based company has also hired former Ignenious Media senior investment director Andrea Scarso as a partner and investment director who will be based in its London office.
Ipr.Vc has to date raised €150 million from institutional investors, pension funds, family offices and non-profit sector investors through three...
Fund management company Ipr.Vc Management – which has invested in slates by A24 and XYZ Films - says it has raised the majority of a targeted €100m for its latest film and television production financing fund.
The Finnish based company has also hired former Ignenious Media senior investment director Andrea Scarso as a partner and investment director who will be based in its London office.
Ipr.Vc has to date raised €150 million from institutional investors, pension funds, family offices and non-profit sector investors through three...
- 11/24/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Finland-based fund management company Ipr.Vc Management has completed the first closing of its largest film and television production financing fund to date (Ipr.Vc Fund III), and has appointed entertainment financier Andrea Scarso as Partner and Investment Director.
Established and headquartered in Finland since 2015, Ipr.Vc has to date raised €150 million ($164M) from institutional investors, pension funds, family offices and the non-profit sector through three content funds. More than half of the capital has already been allocated against film and TV projects in Europe and the U.S.
The company has moved from an initial phase of investment in Nordic scripted projects including Netflix’s Bordertown, to establishing strategic long-term slate-wide partnerships with U.S. and European producers including A24 and XYZ Films and European animation studio Gigglebug. In total to date, Ipr.Vc has financed 35 productions.
Ipr.Vc Fund III is the company’s most ambitious to date. With...
Established and headquartered in Finland since 2015, Ipr.Vc has to date raised €150 million ($164M) from institutional investors, pension funds, family offices and the non-profit sector through three content funds. More than half of the capital has already been allocated against film and TV projects in Europe and the U.S.
The company has moved from an initial phase of investment in Nordic scripted projects including Netflix’s Bordertown, to establishing strategic long-term slate-wide partnerships with U.S. and European producers including A24 and XYZ Films and European animation studio Gigglebug. In total to date, Ipr.Vc has financed 35 productions.
Ipr.Vc Fund III is the company’s most ambitious to date. With...
- 11/23/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Finland’s industry is ready to appeal to the government as the future of a film and TV production incentive is under threat, with a 25% cash rebate levied on spend on foreign and Finnish shoots in the country conspicuously absent from a provisional budget for 2024, announced Monday.
“People have been hopeful, so they didn’t want to believe in what the government has been saying. For the whole autumn, we kept hearing they will cut the incentives altogether and that our budget at the Foundation will be cut by a few per cent. The final decision was made on Monday,” said Finnish Film Foundation CEO Lasse Saarinen.
“All these years when we had the incentives, we had opposition in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. These officials just didn’t like the idea,” he noted.
But the fight isn’t over just yet.
“I will speak to the Minister...
“People have been hopeful, so they didn’t want to believe in what the government has been saying. For the whole autumn, we kept hearing they will cut the incentives altogether and that our budget at the Foundation will be cut by a few per cent. The final decision was made on Monday,” said Finnish Film Foundation CEO Lasse Saarinen.
“All these years when we had the incentives, we had opposition in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. These officials just didn’t like the idea,” he noted.
But the fight isn’t over just yet.
“I will speak to the Minister...
- 10/13/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Beta Film has dropped the trailer for “Estonia,” a Scandinavian limited series about Europe’s deadliest civil maritime disaster.
The eight-part cinematic show, which is represented in international markets by Jan Mojto’s Beta Film (“Babylon Berlin”), charts the sinking of the Ms Estonia on Sept. 28, 1994, which killed over 850 people.
The series is directed by Swedish director Måns Månsson and Finnish director Juuso Syrjä. While the sinking of the ship is an important part of the show, “Estonia” also spotlights the tentacular probe launched in the aftermath of the tragedy by the Joint Accident Investigation Committee established by Sweden, Estonia and Finland.
Showrunner Miikko Oikkonen, who co-wrote the series with Olli Suitiala and Tuomas Hakola, said that when he “started to read the final report and went through the material, (he) realized the investigation itself was even more interesting than the accident.”
“It was a power play, a political game...
The eight-part cinematic show, which is represented in international markets by Jan Mojto’s Beta Film (“Babylon Berlin”), charts the sinking of the Ms Estonia on Sept. 28, 1994, which killed over 850 people.
The series is directed by Swedish director Måns Månsson and Finnish director Juuso Syrjä. While the sinking of the ship is an important part of the show, “Estonia” also spotlights the tentacular probe launched in the aftermath of the tragedy by the Joint Accident Investigation Committee established by Sweden, Estonia and Finland.
Showrunner Miikko Oikkonen, who co-wrote the series with Olli Suitiala and Tuomas Hakola, said that when he “started to read the final report and went through the material, (he) realized the investigation itself was even more interesting than the accident.”
“It was a power play, a political game...
- 8/31/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Gonzales Falcon, the actor from Texas who portrayed a young Federico Fellini in Roma, the famed Italian director’s 1972 autobiographical film, has died. He was 74.
Gonzales Falcon was found dead at his home Tuesday in La Pryor, Texas, by authorities called there for a safety check, his friend Aurelio Montemayor told The Hollywood Reporter.
After dropping out of college after being cast in Viva Max (1969), a farcical present-day comedy about retaking the Alamo, Gonzales Falcon was hired by Fellini himself for Roma, which featured cameos from Anna Magnani, Marcello Mastroianni and Gore Vidal.
Segments of the film show Gonzales Falcon as Fellini during the 1930s and ’40s after the future filmmaker arrives in Rome to pursue a career as a journalist and wanders the city to experience what it has to offer. He worked on the documentary-style feature for 41 weeks, he told author Tom Lisanti during an expansive 2018 interview.
Gonzales Falcon was found dead at his home Tuesday in La Pryor, Texas, by authorities called there for a safety check, his friend Aurelio Montemayor told The Hollywood Reporter.
After dropping out of college after being cast in Viva Max (1969), a farcical present-day comedy about retaking the Alamo, Gonzales Falcon was hired by Fellini himself for Roma, which featured cameos from Anna Magnani, Marcello Mastroianni and Gore Vidal.
Segments of the film show Gonzales Falcon as Fellini during the 1930s and ’40s after the future filmmaker arrives in Rome to pursue a career as a journalist and wanders the city to experience what it has to offer. He worked on the documentary-style feature for 41 weeks, he told author Tom Lisanti during an expansive 2018 interview.
- 8/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alan Wake shows itself to be scarier than ever in the sequel Alan Wake 2.
During what was dubbed Opening Night Live at big gaming conference Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, hosted by journalist Geoff Keighley, the Finnish company Remedy Entertainment unveiled a trailer featuring some gameplay snippets from the sequel to a horror video game released in 2010 and taking viewers to the dark place between CG and live action.
“In a horror story, there are only monsters and victims,” says a voiceover. “And the trick is to become neither.” This new, and grim, adventure follows beloved writer Alan Wake, who has disappeared and become trapped in a nightmare in the frightening town of Bright Falls, Washington, where he’s already had paranormal experiences in the first installment of the franchise.
Investigating his disappearance is FBI agent Saga Anderson, who finds herself embroiled in a series of unexplained events — a horror story written by Wake himself.
During what was dubbed Opening Night Live at big gaming conference Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, hosted by journalist Geoff Keighley, the Finnish company Remedy Entertainment unveiled a trailer featuring some gameplay snippets from the sequel to a horror video game released in 2010 and taking viewers to the dark place between CG and live action.
“In a horror story, there are only monsters and victims,” says a voiceover. “And the trick is to become neither.” This new, and grim, adventure follows beloved writer Alan Wake, who has disappeared and become trapped in a nightmare in the frightening town of Bright Falls, Washington, where he’s already had paranormal experiences in the first installment of the franchise.
Investigating his disappearance is FBI agent Saga Anderson, who finds herself embroiled in a series of unexplained events — a horror story written by Wake himself.
- 8/24/2023
- by Damiano D’Agostino
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Programme at International Film School Cologne is headed by ’Borgen’ showrunner Jeppe Gjervig Gram.
Screenwriters including Domina’s Rachel Paterson and The Gryphon’s Senad Halilbasic are among 12 series writers from 10 countries selected for the 2023 edition of the European Showrunner Programme at International Film School Cologne (ifs).
The training and mentoring programme is run by Borgen showrunner Jeppe Gjervig Gram with showrunners Jeff Melvoin (Killing Eve), Petja Peltomaa (Syke/Nurses) as well as Philipp Käßbohrer and Matthias Murmann (How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)).
The programme is designed to train up a new generation of showrunners in Europe. Show runners,...
Screenwriters including Domina’s Rachel Paterson and The Gryphon’s Senad Halilbasic are among 12 series writers from 10 countries selected for the 2023 edition of the European Showrunner Programme at International Film School Cologne (ifs).
The training and mentoring programme is run by Borgen showrunner Jeppe Gjervig Gram with showrunners Jeff Melvoin (Killing Eve), Petja Peltomaa (Syke/Nurses) as well as Philipp Käßbohrer and Matthias Murmann (How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)).
The programme is designed to train up a new generation of showrunners in Europe. Show runners,...
- 6/12/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Jennifer Lopez has range — from music to movies — and in acting she can do action and romantic comedy, sometimes combined into the same film. In honor of “The Mother” releasing this weekend, we’ve rounded up seven of JLo’s other great action and drama film performances.
She starred alongside George Clooney in “Out of Sight” (1998) as a federal marshall, and in “Bordertown” (2007) she plays an investigative journalist. “Hustlers” (2019) shows her as an entrepreneurial exotic dancer scheming to game the system of the patriarchy.
She starred alongside George Clooney in “Out of Sight” (1998) as a federal marshall, and in “Bordertown” (2007) she plays an investigative journalist. “Hustlers” (2019) shows her as an entrepreneurial exotic dancer scheming to game the system of the patriarchy.
- 5/13/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Time is running out to stream the animated series “Bordertown,” the tearjerker classic “My Girl” and the cult favorite comedy “Galaxy Quest” on Netflix. These are among the handful of films and TV shows departing the streaming service in May, which also includes Steven Soderbergh’s Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum-fronted thriller “Side Effects,” the Hailee Steinfeld coming-of-age comedy “Edge of Seventeen” and the terrific animated film “Rango.”
Check out the full list of what’s leaving Netflix in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
What’s New on Netflix in May 2023 May 4
“Pup Star: World Tour”
May 10
“Bordertown” (Seasons 1-3)
May 13
“Weed the People”
May 14
“Booba: Food Puzzle” (Season 1)
May 16
“Side Effects”
May 18
“The Last Days”
May 27
“Collateral Beauty”
May 29
“The 2nd”
May 31
“Barbershop 2: Back in Business”
“The Boy”
“Edge of Seventeen”
“Galaxy Quest”
“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”
“Little Boxes”
“Midnight Diner” (Seasons 1-3)
“My Girl”
“Rango”
“The Space Between Us...
Check out the full list of what’s leaving Netflix in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
What’s New on Netflix in May 2023 May 4
“Pup Star: World Tour”
May 10
“Bordertown” (Seasons 1-3)
May 13
“Weed the People”
May 14
“Booba: Food Puzzle” (Season 1)
May 16
“Side Effects”
May 18
“The Last Days”
May 27
“Collateral Beauty”
May 29
“The 2nd”
May 31
“Barbershop 2: Back in Business”
“The Boy”
“Edge of Seventeen”
“Galaxy Quest”
“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”
“Little Boxes”
“Midnight Diner” (Seasons 1-3)
“My Girl”
“Rango”
“The Space Between Us...
- 5/1/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Every month brings a new slate of entertainment to streaming services everywhere, but each turn of the calendar also brings the tragic removal of a list of movies and television shows. While Netflix is debuting a bevy of releases in May 2023, the streaming service is losing some treasured titles. Good thing you have this guide to make sure you catch everything that may have been sitting in your Netflix queue before they mysteriously disappear.
Unfortunately, juggling distribution rights in the ongoing proliferation of streaming services makes it a headache to keep up with who owns what. HBO Max is the biggest offender of losing its own original content, as the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery and the induction of CEO David Zaslav has wiped a chunk of HBO Max exclusives from the platform. Netflix has a better grasp on its properties, but even the longest-running streaming service has lost some of its licensing,...
Unfortunately, juggling distribution rights in the ongoing proliferation of streaming services makes it a headache to keep up with who owns what. HBO Max is the biggest offender of losing its own original content, as the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery and the induction of CEO David Zaslav has wiped a chunk of HBO Max exclusives from the platform. Netflix has a better grasp on its properties, but even the longest-running streaming service has lost some of its licensing,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
Projects come from 34 different countries.
Projects from Rodrigo Reyes, Ike Nnaebue and Sean McAllister are among 48 titles that will be pitched to international and UK industry representatives and experts at this year’s Sheffield DocFest MeetMarket.
One of the world’s largest documentary and factual pitching forums, MeetMarket moved to the beginning of the festival and will take place on June 15-16 with all projects in the development or production stage.
The projects have been selected from more than 500 submissions. Rodrigo Reyes, whose doc Sanson And Me was the winner of DocFest’s 2022 international competition, is pitching Mexican-us co-pro Warrior Mothers.
Projects from Rodrigo Reyes, Ike Nnaebue and Sean McAllister are among 48 titles that will be pitched to international and UK industry representatives and experts at this year’s Sheffield DocFest MeetMarket.
One of the world’s largest documentary and factual pitching forums, MeetMarket moved to the beginning of the festival and will take place on June 15-16 with all projects in the development or production stage.
The projects have been selected from more than 500 submissions. Rodrigo Reyes, whose doc Sanson And Me was the winner of DocFest’s 2022 international competition, is pitching Mexican-us co-pro Warrior Mothers.
- 4/25/2023
- by Heather Fallon Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
“Mobile 101, a Nokia Story,” a series about the dramatic rise and fall of the Finnish phone company, has been acquired by Disney+ and Walter Presents in multiple territories. The series was produced by Finland’s Rabbit Films and is represented in international markets by the outfit.
The six-part series, which sheds light on how a small Finnish company specializing in rubber boots became the world’s biggest mobile manufacturer at the turn of the 21st century, has been picked by Disney+ Italy, Netherlands and Belgium. Walter Presents, meanwhile, bought it for the UK & Ireland. Ruv Iceland has also acquired season one of the series.
“Mobile 101” was originally commissioned by Finnish broadcaster MTV3 Finland and streamer CMore for Sweden, Denmark and Norway. It premiered in 2022 to both critical and commercial acclaim.
Directed and written by Maarit Lalli, the series zooms in on how Nokia switched from rubber boots to...
The six-part series, which sheds light on how a small Finnish company specializing in rubber boots became the world’s biggest mobile manufacturer at the turn of the 21st century, has been picked by Disney+ Italy, Netherlands and Belgium. Walter Presents, meanwhile, bought it for the UK & Ireland. Ruv Iceland has also acquired season one of the series.
“Mobile 101” was originally commissioned by Finnish broadcaster MTV3 Finland and streamer CMore for Sweden, Denmark and Norway. It premiered in 2022 to both critical and commercial acclaim.
Directed and written by Maarit Lalli, the series zooms in on how Nokia switched from rubber boots to...
- 3/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Internationale Filmschule Köln’s showrunner programme is headed by ’Borgen’ writer Jeppe Gjervig Gram
As the role of showrunner becomes increasingly important in European series production, the ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln’s European Showrunner Programme has secured an additional three years of funding from Creative Europe – Media Programme of the European Union.
The Film-und-Medienstiftung Nrw is on board as a funding partner and Netflix is continuing to support the programme both financially and in terms of experts and content. In addition to Series Mania and the Film Festival Cologne, the ifs has gained the Seriencamp and the Film Festival Göteborg as new festival partners.
As the role of showrunner becomes increasingly important in European series production, the ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln’s European Showrunner Programme has secured an additional three years of funding from Creative Europe – Media Programme of the European Union.
The Film-und-Medienstiftung Nrw is on board as a funding partner and Netflix is continuing to support the programme both financially and in terms of experts and content. In addition to Series Mania and the Film Festival Cologne, the ifs has gained the Seriencamp and the Film Festival Göteborg as new festival partners.
- 3/14/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Hey, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" fans. We've got some super great news for you in this article. Your favorite ABC, late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live is officially back in action with a brand new episode tonight, February 13, 2023. That's right, guys. After having been on a hiatus all last week, its finally back, and we've got a little preview of who you can expect to see show up on it. Tonight's new episode will feature 2 actors and a professional football player. The first description for tonight's new, February 13, 2023 episode reveals that 53 year old Australian actress Cate Blanchett will arrive in the studio at some point to talk with Jimmy. Cate has acted in productions like: Nightmare Alley movie, Fox's The Simpsons, Ocean's Eight movie, Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok movie, Cinderella movie, The Hobbit movies, How To Train Your Dragon movies, Tar movie, Family Guy TV show, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button movie,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products released each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
They Live Steelbook 4K Uhd from Scream Factory
John Carpenter’s They Live came to 4K Ultra HD last year, but Scream Factory is giving it a makeover with a limited edition Steelbook featuring new artwork by Devon Whitehead.
The 1988 cult classic will be released on January 17. Based on Ray Nelson’s 1963 short story “Eight O’Clock in the Morning,” it stars Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster.
They Live is presented in 4K with 7.1 Dolby Atmos Audio. Special features are identical to the previous edition, including a commentary track by Carpenter and Piper, interviews with Carpenter, David, and Foster, and more.
Godzilla: Tokyo Sos Statue from Mondo
Mondo celebrated Godzilla Day by unveiling its Godzilla: Tokyo S.
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
They Live Steelbook 4K Uhd from Scream Factory
John Carpenter’s They Live came to 4K Ultra HD last year, but Scream Factory is giving it a makeover with a limited edition Steelbook featuring new artwork by Devon Whitehead.
The 1988 cult classic will be released on January 17. Based on Ray Nelson’s 1963 short story “Eight O’Clock in the Morning,” it stars Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster.
They Live is presented in 4K with 7.1 Dolby Atmos Audio. Special features are identical to the previous edition, including a commentary track by Carpenter and Piper, interviews with Carpenter, David, and Foster, and more.
Godzilla: Tokyo Sos Statue from Mondo
Mondo celebrated Godzilla Day by unveiling its Godzilla: Tokyo S.
- 11/4/2022
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel), Bobby Soto (Narcos: Mexico), Julio Cesar Cedillo (Narcos: Mexico), Veronica Falcón (Ozark), Sarayu Blue (I Feel Bad) and Eric Johnson (Fifty Shades franchise) are among the newest additions to Prime Video’s Michael Peña starrer A Million Miles Away, which has entered production in Mexico City. Others rounding out the ensemble of the Alejandra Márquez Abella-helmed film include Jordan Dean (Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace), Ashley Ciarra (Chupa), Michelle Krusiec (Hollywood), Emma Fassler (Recovery Road), Michael Adler (Super Pumped), Carlos S. Sanchez (Chicago Fire) and Isaac Arellanes (Ghostwriter).
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
- 8/30/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
BT And Warner Bros Discovery UK Sports Joint Venture Approved
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given approval for BT Group and Warner Bros. Discovery to form a 50-50 sports joint venture for the UK & Ireland. Both companies sports assets will now combine over coming weeks. BT Sport and Wbd’s Eurosport will initially retain their brand propositions before uniting under a single brand name in the future. BT’s Consumer division CEO Marc Allera, who has been named Chairman of the Jv, said the approval marked a “milestone.” The chair will rotate between the two shareholders, with management of the Jv going to board member Andrew Georgiou, President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe. The CMA had initially decided too investigate the merger more than six weeks ago.
Netflix Ties With ‘Descendants Of The Sun’ Team For K-Drama
Netflix has greenlit a Korean series from...
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given approval for BT Group and Warner Bros. Discovery to form a 50-50 sports joint venture for the UK & Ireland. Both companies sports assets will now combine over coming weeks. BT Sport and Wbd’s Eurosport will initially retain their brand propositions before uniting under a single brand name in the future. BT’s Consumer division CEO Marc Allera, who has been named Chairman of the Jv, said the approval marked a “milestone.” The chair will rotate between the two shareholders, with management of the Jv going to board member Andrew Georgiou, President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe. The CMA had initially decided too investigate the merger more than six weeks ago.
Netflix Ties With ‘Descendants Of The Sun’ Team For K-Drama
Netflix has greenlit a Korean series from...
- 7/22/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Beta has pre-sold sprawling Finnish drama series “Estonia” to Germany’s broadcaster Seven.One Entertainment Group, the parent company of ProSieben. This acquisition marks the start of a collaboration between Beta and Seven.One Entertainment.
The eight-hour drama, about the deadliest civil maritime disaster in recent European history, is now in its third week of shooting.
Produced by Fisher King, a subsidiary of Beta Nordic Studio, the drama charts the sinking of the Ms Estonia on September 28, 1994 which claimed the lives of over 850 people. The series also chronicles the tentacular investigation launched in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Miikko Oikkonen created the series based on numerous testimonies of survivors, which were classified until recently. The story is told though the perspectives of survivors, investigators and journalists.
“Estonia” reunites the creative team behind “Chernobyl,” including award-winning Swedish director Måns Månsson (“Snabba Cash”), cinematographer Jani-Petteri Passi and the VFX company Dneg.
The series...
The eight-hour drama, about the deadliest civil maritime disaster in recent European history, is now in its third week of shooting.
Produced by Fisher King, a subsidiary of Beta Nordic Studio, the drama charts the sinking of the Ms Estonia on September 28, 1994 which claimed the lives of over 850 people. The series also chronicles the tentacular investigation launched in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Miikko Oikkonen created the series based on numerous testimonies of survivors, which were classified until recently. The story is told though the perspectives of survivors, investigators and journalists.
“Estonia” reunites the creative team behind “Chernobyl,” including award-winning Swedish director Måns Månsson (“Snabba Cash”), cinematographer Jani-Petteri Passi and the VFX company Dneg.
The series...
- 7/22/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The 7th MipDrama ended on Sunday with German series “House of Promises” named as the winner of the Buyers’ Coup de Coeur Award. While the showcase received mixed reactions from the participants, gathered onsite in Cannes – with only Italy’s “Bangla” opting for a more humorous approach – the event marked a win for Finland’s Elisa Viihde, presenting “Evilside,” “Summer of Sorrow” and “The Invicibles” (with Viaplay also attached.)
It must be some kind of a record that three out of 10 series are from the same commissioning broadcaster,” said Sari Lempiäinen, executive producer at Elisa Viihde. “We are excited and proud, as all of them are unique and brilliant.”
Here’s a drill-down on the 10 shows profiled at this year’s MipDrama:
“All That Is Left” (Sweden)
Genre: Teen / Young Adult
Format: 8 x 20’-25′
Production Companies: Erik McAllister for Svt and Lia Cederström for Baluba
Main Broadcaster: Svt
Distribution Company:...
It must be some kind of a record that three out of 10 series are from the same commissioning broadcaster,” said Sari Lempiäinen, executive producer at Elisa Viihde. “We are excited and proud, as all of them are unique and brilliant.”
Here’s a drill-down on the 10 shows profiled at this year’s MipDrama:
“All That Is Left” (Sweden)
Genre: Teen / Young Adult
Format: 8 x 20’-25′
Production Companies: Erik McAllister for Svt and Lia Cederström for Baluba
Main Broadcaster: Svt
Distribution Company:...
- 4/6/2022
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kate Del Castillo, the Mexican actress who stars in Telemundo’s hit drama La Reina del Sur, has signed with Buchwald.
One of the highest rated Spanish-language series in the world, La Reina del Sur adapts the bestseller by Spanish novelist Arturo Perez-Reverte. In the crime drama, which recently wrapped filming for Season 3, Del Castillo plays Teresa Mendonza, a woman from Mexico who becomes the most powerful drug trafficker in southern Spain.
Castillo recently completed a two-series deal with Telemundo. Her production company, Cholawood, has a first-look development deal with Boomdog, the Mexico City-based division of Endemol Shine North America.
The actress starred opposite Will Smith as the villain in Sony’s Bad Boys for Life, also recently featuring on NBC’s sitcom Mr. Mayor, from creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, and the Netflix animated series Maya and the Three, created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez. She gained notoriety...
One of the highest rated Spanish-language series in the world, La Reina del Sur adapts the bestseller by Spanish novelist Arturo Perez-Reverte. In the crime drama, which recently wrapped filming for Season 3, Del Castillo plays Teresa Mendonza, a woman from Mexico who becomes the most powerful drug trafficker in southern Spain.
Castillo recently completed a two-series deal with Telemundo. Her production company, Cholawood, has a first-look development deal with Boomdog, the Mexico City-based division of Endemol Shine North America.
The actress starred opposite Will Smith as the villain in Sony’s Bad Boys for Life, also recently featuring on NBC’s sitcom Mr. Mayor, from creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, and the Netflix animated series Maya and the Three, created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez. She gained notoriety...
- 3/21/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Thanks to fresh takes on established genres and highlighting local elements, Finnish drama is commanding attention from international buyers. A Series Mania Focus on Finland will teasing more series to come, from “Nordic blue” to horror for kids and a Christmas fairytale crime story. The biggest event dedicated to television series in Europe will take place March 18-25 in Lille, France. Here’s a breakdown on some higher titles:
“Crash Plan” (Take Two Studios)
(Nordic blue/procedural crime)
Creator: Ralph Christians, Marteinn Thorisson
Producers: Eero Hietala, Ralph Christians, Dirk Schweitzer
8 Episodes x 44 Minutes/ 4 Episodes x 90 Minutes
Take Two Studios production “Crash Plan,” co-produced by Splendid Film, is a “Nordic blue” procedural drama taking place in the Finnish Turku archipelago, where police detective Elisa and emergency helicopter doctor Markus investigate local crime. Elisa recently transferred from patrol police and is eager to prove her skills. Markus has no experience as a detective,...
“Crash Plan” (Take Two Studios)
(Nordic blue/procedural crime)
Creator: Ralph Christians, Marteinn Thorisson
Producers: Eero Hietala, Ralph Christians, Dirk Schweitzer
8 Episodes x 44 Minutes/ 4 Episodes x 90 Minutes
Take Two Studios production “Crash Plan,” co-produced by Splendid Film, is a “Nordic blue” procedural drama taking place in the Finnish Turku archipelago, where police detective Elisa and emergency helicopter doctor Markus investigate local crime. Elisa recently transferred from patrol police and is eager to prove her skills. Markus has no experience as a detective,...
- 3/18/2022
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Everybody has to start somewhere. Cate Blanchett — long before her two Oscars and starring roles in film, TV and on stage — had an oddball beginning in showbiz.
On March 28, 1994, Variety mentioned “Police Rescue,” a big-screen version of the hit Aussie TV series, in which she appeared. It’s sometimes listed as her film debut. It’s not.
After studying theater in her native Australia, she traveled; running out of money in Cairo, she worked briefly on the 1990 Egyptian film “Kaboria,” dancing in a party scene (which is visible on YouTube).
Variety wrote about other projects in which she appeared, like the TV series “Heartland” and “Bordertown.” But she was not mentioned by name until the 1996 review of the 51-minute film “Parklands.” Variety critic David Stratton disliked it and said Blanchett had “little to work with,” but he noted that she “is on the road to becoming Australia’s next prominent actress,...
On March 28, 1994, Variety mentioned “Police Rescue,” a big-screen version of the hit Aussie TV series, in which she appeared. It’s sometimes listed as her film debut. It’s not.
After studying theater in her native Australia, she traveled; running out of money in Cairo, she worked briefly on the 1990 Egyptian film “Kaboria,” dancing in a party scene (which is visible on YouTube).
Variety wrote about other projects in which she appeared, like the TV series “Heartland” and “Bordertown.” But she was not mentioned by name until the 1996 review of the 51-minute film “Parklands.” Variety critic David Stratton disliked it and said Blanchett had “little to work with,” but he noted that she “is on the road to becoming Australia’s next prominent actress,...
- 3/13/2022
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Dutch Features has acquired international rights to Finnish streaming service Elisa Viihde’s crime series “Evilside,” a six-hour Archipelago thriller set in the Oulu region of northern Finland. Filming took place from Dec. 2021 through Feb. 2022.
“Evilside” is produced by Whatevergroup Oy in collaboration with Handmade Films in Norwegian Woods, Business Finland, Business Oulu and the Finnish Film Foundation.
“What drew us to ‘Evilside’ is that the script had all the characteristics of a good Scandi noir thriller, but with a very diverse mix of characters and so many new elements added,” Dutch Features CEO Pim van Collem told Variety.
She added: “Two women are at the center here: the detective trying to solve the case and the young woman who is accused of the crime. Including a teenage character as one of the leads will feed into a whole new younger audience and we are excited to be hitting the international market with this gem.
“Evilside” is produced by Whatevergroup Oy in collaboration with Handmade Films in Norwegian Woods, Business Finland, Business Oulu and the Finnish Film Foundation.
“What drew us to ‘Evilside’ is that the script had all the characteristics of a good Scandi noir thriller, but with a very diverse mix of characters and so many new elements added,” Dutch Features CEO Pim van Collem told Variety.
She added: “Two women are at the center here: the detective trying to solve the case and the young woman who is accused of the crime. Including a teenage character as one of the leads will feed into a whole new younger audience and we are excited to be hitting the international market with this gem.
- 3/11/2022
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Beta Film has acquired world sales rights to “Estonia,” an ambitious Finnish series telling the true story of Europe’s deadliest maritime disaster of the 20th century. The eight-part event drama will reteam “Bordertown” creator Miikko Oikkonen and helmer Juuso Syrjä (Bordertown), who will split directing duties with Måns Månsson (“Snabba Cash”).
Finland’s biggest drama project to date, “Estonia” is produced by Beta Nordic Studio’s Finnish banner Fisher King, and co-produced by Swedish Kärnfilm Ab, Panache Production Belgium and the Estonian Amrion Oü. Also co-producing are streaming service C More Finland and Sweden, along with the broadcaster TV4 and MTV Finland, in collaboration with Beta Film.
The character-driven series, whose shoot is due to start in the spring, will captures the true event of the sinking of the Ms Estonia, the country’s largest ship, in September 1994. The cruise ferry was hit by a major storm, which led to uncontrolled tilting.
Finland’s biggest drama project to date, “Estonia” is produced by Beta Nordic Studio’s Finnish banner Fisher King, and co-produced by Swedish Kärnfilm Ab, Panache Production Belgium and the Estonian Amrion Oü. Also co-producing are streaming service C More Finland and Sweden, along with the broadcaster TV4 and MTV Finland, in collaboration with Beta Film.
The character-driven series, whose shoot is due to start in the spring, will captures the true event of the sinking of the Ms Estonia, the country’s largest ship, in September 1994. The cruise ferry was hit by a major storm, which led to uncontrolled tilting.
- 2/1/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Helsinki-based Tekele has unveiled the international trailer of its first premium crime drama “Transport”, which is in the running for this year’s Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize for best Nordic TV screenplay. The prestigious award will be handed out Feb. 2 during Göteborg’s two-day TV Drama Vision confab.
Created and directed by Prix Europa winner Auli Mantila (“Silver Stars”), “Transport” is repped by REIvent International.
The eight-part series delves into the criminal activity of horsemeat trafficking and money laundering in Europe. It’s about ordinary people, under pressure, who somehow get involved, while a young journalist investigates the case of a microchip found in baby food. Toplining the show are Emmi Parviainen (“Shadow Lines”), Maria Heskanen (“Everlasting Moments”), Ville Virtanen (“Bordertown”) and Geert van Rampelberg (“De Infiltrant”).
“Transport” is the first major European premium TV show produced by fast-expanding Tekele, founded by seasoned producer Miia Haavisto. Speaking about her Belgium co-production partners Jonnydepony,...
Created and directed by Prix Europa winner Auli Mantila (“Silver Stars”), “Transport” is repped by REIvent International.
The eight-part series delves into the criminal activity of horsemeat trafficking and money laundering in Europe. It’s about ordinary people, under pressure, who somehow get involved, while a young journalist investigates the case of a microchip found in baby food. Toplining the show are Emmi Parviainen (“Shadow Lines”), Maria Heskanen (“Everlasting Moments”), Ville Virtanen (“Bordertown”) and Geert van Rampelberg (“De Infiltrant”).
“Transport” is the first major European premium TV show produced by fast-expanding Tekele, founded by seasoned producer Miia Haavisto. Speaking about her Belgium co-production partners Jonnydepony,...
- 1/24/2022
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Cate Blanchett will produce and star in A Manual for Cleaning Women, the first English-language feature from Oscar-winning Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, Deadline has confirmed.
The film in early stages of development is based on Lucia Berlin’s 43-part collection of short stories, examining the lives of women working a wide variety of demanding jobs. Blanchett, Andrew Upton and Coco Francini will produce for Dirty Films, with Almodóvar for El Deseo, and Brian Oliver and Bradley Fischer for New Republic Pictures. Pic is Almodóvar’s follow-up to Parallel Mothers, the Sony Pictures Classic drama starring Penélope Cruz about two mothers who give birth the same day, and the English-language short The Human Voice starring Tilda Swinton, which was shortlisted by the Film Academy last year.
Blanchett is a two-time Oscar winner known who most recently appeared in Adam McKay’s...
The film in early stages of development is based on Lucia Berlin’s 43-part collection of short stories, examining the lives of women working a wide variety of demanding jobs. Blanchett, Andrew Upton and Coco Francini will produce for Dirty Films, with Almodóvar for El Deseo, and Brian Oliver and Bradley Fischer for New Republic Pictures. Pic is Almodóvar’s follow-up to Parallel Mothers, the Sony Pictures Classic drama starring Penélope Cruz about two mothers who give birth the same day, and the English-language short The Human Voice starring Tilda Swinton, which was shortlisted by the Film Academy last year.
Blanchett is a two-time Oscar winner known who most recently appeared in Adam McKay’s...
- 1/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Academy Award-winning film vet Kevin Kline will make his series TV* debut opposite fellow Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett in an Apple TV+ adaptation of the psychological thriller Disclaimer, from — stop me if you’ve heard this qualifier before — Academy Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón.
As part of his overall deal with Apple TV+, Cuarón will write, direct and executive produce all episodes of the series, which is based on the novel of the same name by Renee Knight. Blanchett will serve as another of the executive producers, as well as star.
More from TVLineThe Morning Show's Desean Terry on How...
As part of his overall deal with Apple TV+, Cuarón will write, direct and executive produce all episodes of the series, which is based on the novel of the same name by Renee Knight. Blanchett will serve as another of the executive producers, as well as star.
More from TVLineThe Morning Show's Desean Terry on How...
- 12/1/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
The year is somehow already almost over! To celebrate another passage around the sun, Netflix is putting its best foot forward with its list of new releases for December 2021.
Netflix’s options of original series are quite vast and impressive this month. It starts early on with two finales: Lost in Space wraps up its story with a third and final season on Dec. 1 and is quickly followed by the last go-around for Spanish hit Money Heist. The blockbusters continue apace from there with The Witcher season 2 premiering on Dec. 17, Emily in Paris season 2 on Dec. 22, and Cobra Kai season 4 on Dec. 31 to close out the year.
Read more TV The Witcher Season 2 First Look Asks What Kind of Father Geralt Will Be By Michael Ahr TV How Will Money Heist End? By Gene Ching
It’s also a good month for movies on Netflix. Adam McKay’s satirical climate...
Netflix’s options of original series are quite vast and impressive this month. It starts early on with two finales: Lost in Space wraps up its story with a third and final season on Dec. 1 and is quickly followed by the last go-around for Spanish hit Money Heist. The blockbusters continue apace from there with The Witcher season 2 premiering on Dec. 17, Emily in Paris season 2 on Dec. 22, and Cobra Kai season 4 on Dec. 31 to close out the year.
Read more TV The Witcher Season 2 First Look Asks What Kind of Father Geralt Will Be By Michael Ahr TV How Will Money Heist End? By Gene Ching
It’s also a good month for movies on Netflix. Adam McKay’s satirical climate...
- 12/1/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Almost anyone over 30 has owned a Nokia phone at some point in their lives, but not many people know that the iconic brand was created at a Finnish company formerly specializing in rubber boots.
Once the world’s biggest mobile manufacturer at the turn of the 21st century, the company was nearly wiped out of the smartphone market by Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android well before 2010, and ultimately sold its handset division to Microsoft in 2013.
When news broke of Microsoft’s takeover on TV, Finnish director Maarit Lalli’s first thought was, “There’s going to be only one [drama] on Nokia in Finland: It will either be me or someone else, and it’s most likely going to be made by a man,” she told Variety during a set visit in Helsinki.
The next morning, Lalli called Finnish TV channels and the Finish Film Foundation to check if...
Once the world’s biggest mobile manufacturer at the turn of the 21st century, the company was nearly wiped out of the smartphone market by Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android well before 2010, and ultimately sold its handset division to Microsoft in 2013.
When news broke of Microsoft’s takeover on TV, Finnish director Maarit Lalli’s first thought was, “There’s going to be only one [drama] on Nokia in Finland: It will either be me or someone else, and it’s most likely going to be made by a man,” she told Variety during a set visit in Helsinki.
The next morning, Lalli called Finnish TV channels and the Finish Film Foundation to check if...
- 11/29/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Mia Kaplan (Smilf), Rainn Wilson (Jerry and Marge Go Large), Missi Pyle (Y: The Last Man), newcomer Jemima Yevu and Jolene Purdy (The White Lotus) have signed on to star in Empire Waist, a body-positive, coming-of-age dramedy from writer-director Claire Ayoub and Wayfarer Studios, which is currently in production in New York.
Ayoub’s first feature centers on a group of teens who overcome societal bias and celebrate self-acceptance through inclusive fashion design and friendship. Kaplan plays the lead role of Lenore, a teen deeply insecure about her weight. Hiding her passion for fashion design, Lenore tries to make herself invisible in her day-to-day life to avoid being bullied — both by her classmates and image-conscious mother (Pyle). Meanwhile her best friend Kayla (Yevu) is confident, funny, outgoing, and proud of her plus-sized body.
Wilson will play Lenore’s father, Mark, who is his daughter’s biggest cheerleader, with Purdy as Ms.
Ayoub’s first feature centers on a group of teens who overcome societal bias and celebrate self-acceptance through inclusive fashion design and friendship. Kaplan plays the lead role of Lenore, a teen deeply insecure about her weight. Hiding her passion for fashion design, Lenore tries to make herself invisible in her day-to-day life to avoid being bullied — both by her classmates and image-conscious mother (Pyle). Meanwhile her best friend Kayla (Yevu) is confident, funny, outgoing, and proud of her plus-sized body.
Wilson will play Lenore’s father, Mark, who is his daughter’s biggest cheerleader, with Purdy as Ms.
- 11/1/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Glitter & Doom, an Lgbtqia+ jukebox feature musical told with the iconic tunes of Grammy winning folk duo Indigo Girls, is in production already in Mexico City starring The Mandalorian‘s Ming-Na Wen, Y: The Last Man‘s Missi Pyle, and directed by Tom Gustafson off a screenplay by Cory Krueckeberg.
Billed as a fantastical summer romance, the pic follows a musician who wears charisma as camouflage and a carefree kid about to run away with the circus as they fall in love at first sight. But will 29 days be enough time to fall in love forever? International discoveries Alex Diaz stars as Glitter and Alan Cammish as Doom with Orange Is The New Black‘s Lea DeLaria also starring, and cameos by Tig Notaro and Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. Wen will play the role of Ivy in the film.
The film is produced by Speak productions...
Billed as a fantastical summer romance, the pic follows a musician who wears charisma as camouflage and a carefree kid about to run away with the circus as they fall in love at first sight. But will 29 days be enough time to fall in love forever? International discoveries Alex Diaz stars as Glitter and Alan Cammish as Doom with Orange Is The New Black‘s Lea DeLaria also starring, and cameos by Tig Notaro and Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. Wen will play the role of Ivy in the film.
The film is produced by Speak productions...
- 9/30/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In the run up to Series Mania, European network Arte and German public broadcaster Ndr have boarded “Helsinki Syndrome,” a contemporary Nordic Noir thriller series headlined by “Vikings” star Peter Franzén and created by Mikko Oikkonen (“Bordertown”).
“Helsinki Syndrome” is the first series jointly produced by Beta Film and leading Finnish production banner Fisher King which is part of the Beta Nordic Entertainment Group.
A modern-day tale, the show is set in a post-pandemic society hit by a financial crisis and explores the power struggle between different characters through an intriguing robbery plot. Weaving flashbacks to the 1990’s Finnish banking crisis into the plot, “Helsinki Syndrome” was written by Oikkonen and is directed by Juuso Syrjä, who previously teamed on “Bordertown.”
The eight-part series follows the epic journey of Elias Karo (Franzén) who sets off to reveal the crimes committed by banking officials and the government against his family. Karo...
“Helsinki Syndrome” is the first series jointly produced by Beta Film and leading Finnish production banner Fisher King which is part of the Beta Nordic Entertainment Group.
A modern-day tale, the show is set in a post-pandemic society hit by a financial crisis and explores the power struggle between different characters through an intriguing robbery plot. Weaving flashbacks to the 1990’s Finnish banking crisis into the plot, “Helsinki Syndrome” was written by Oikkonen and is directed by Juuso Syrjä, who previously teamed on “Bordertown.”
The eight-part series follows the epic journey of Elias Karo (Franzén) who sets off to reveal the crimes committed by banking officials and the government against his family. Karo...
- 8/29/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Suzanna Makkos has been named executive vice president of original comedy and adult animation for Adult Swim and HBO Max’s adult animation development teams, which WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group is merging under her newly expanded leadership. The move will not result in any personnel cuts or changes.
“The adult animation boom is just starting, and by aligning our strengths and organizing as one, unified, best in class development team we are creating an unmatched, multiplatform destination for both creators and fans,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content for HBO Max. “Adult Swim has created an iconoclastic adult animation brand, and that identity will not only be preserved, it will now be further fueled by HBO Max and Suzanna’s talented development leadership.”
Makkos, who joined WarnerMedia in 2019, will continue to report to Aubrey and will now additionally report to Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim for...
“The adult animation boom is just starting, and by aligning our strengths and organizing as one, unified, best in class development team we are creating an unmatched, multiplatform destination for both creators and fans,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content for HBO Max. “Adult Swim has created an iconoclastic adult animation brand, and that identity will not only be preserved, it will now be further fueled by HBO Max and Suzanna’s talented development leadership.”
Makkos, who joined WarnerMedia in 2019, will continue to report to Aubrey and will now additionally report to Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim for...
- 4/23/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
In the latest consolidation move within WarnerMedia’s TV operations, Adult Swim and HBO Max’s adult animation development teams are being combined into one, led by Suzanna Makkos. Previously EVP Original Comedy and Animation for HBO Max, Makkos is taking an expanded role as EVP Original Comedy and Animation for HBO Max and Adult Swim.
She will continue to report to Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max’s head of original content, and will now also report to Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen on all content developed for Adult Swim on all platforms. Adult Swim’s development team, led by VP Walter Newman, will now report into Makkos.
“The adult animation boom is just starting, and by aligning our strengths and organizing as one, unified, best-in-class development team we are creating an unmatched, multiplatform destination for both creators and fans,” said Aubrey. “Adult Swim has created an iconoclastic adult animation brand,...
She will continue to report to Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max’s head of original content, and will now also report to Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen on all content developed for Adult Swim on all platforms. Adult Swim’s development team, led by VP Walter Newman, will now report into Makkos.
“The adult animation boom is just starting, and by aligning our strengths and organizing as one, unified, best-in-class development team we are creating an unmatched, multiplatform destination for both creators and fans,” said Aubrey. “Adult Swim has created an iconoclastic adult animation brand,...
- 4/23/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A new TV series will chart the rise and fall of Finnish cell phone company Nokia.
Rabbit Films has begun production on “Mobile 1.0” (working title), a six-part scripted drama that explores the meteoric rise of Nokia to become the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile phones before a dramatic fall from grace.
The Finnish and English-language series, shot in Finland and the U.S., will launch in early 2022 on Scandinavian streamer C More, with a linear premiere to follow on MTV3. C More has also picked up the first-window VOD rights for the Nordic and Baltic regions. Rabbit Films is handling international distribution.
“Mobile 1.0” is the first account of the Finnish electronics company’s expansion from a small business into a global player in the mobile phone industry, beating huge established brands. The first season will focus on the years 1988-1990, when technology for mobile phones was in its infancy.
Rabbit Films has begun production on “Mobile 1.0” (working title), a six-part scripted drama that explores the meteoric rise of Nokia to become the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile phones before a dramatic fall from grace.
The Finnish and English-language series, shot in Finland and the U.S., will launch in early 2022 on Scandinavian streamer C More, with a linear premiere to follow on MTV3. C More has also picked up the first-window VOD rights for the Nordic and Baltic regions. Rabbit Films is handling international distribution.
“Mobile 1.0” is the first account of the Finnish electronics company’s expansion from a small business into a global player in the mobile phone industry, beating huge established brands. The first season will focus on the years 1988-1990, when technology for mobile phones was in its infancy.
- 4/20/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
MipTV 2021, running April 12-16, with a packed prologue on April 9, including MipDrama, will begin to wind down Wednesday night after its second big keynote, delivered by American star Marc Anthony.
Suffering its second-year running as a virtual event, Reed Midem’s official market remains a diminished affair. This year’s edition also, however, underscored the vibrancy of the international TV industry, galvanized by a huge new demand for higher-end content.
Following are six takeaways from 2021’s event:
David Beckham
No guessing MipTV’s biggest star to date this year: Former Manchester United and England soccer poster boy David Beckham, who delivered a pre-recorded MipTV keynote on Tuesday to talk up his new production company, Studio 99. In a new streaming age, Beckham ticks all the right boxes: He’s a huge global IP and social media phenom with 65.5 million followers on Instagram, soccer being the most popular sport in the world.
Suffering its second-year running as a virtual event, Reed Midem’s official market remains a diminished affair. This year’s edition also, however, underscored the vibrancy of the international TV industry, galvanized by a huge new demand for higher-end content.
Following are six takeaways from 2021’s event:
David Beckham
No guessing MipTV’s biggest star to date this year: Former Manchester United and England soccer poster boy David Beckham, who delivered a pre-recorded MipTV keynote on Tuesday to talk up his new production company, Studio 99. In a new streaming age, Beckham ticks all the right boxes: He’s a huge global IP and social media phenom with 65.5 million followers on Instagram, soccer being the most popular sport in the world.
- 4/14/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Mikko Oikkonen, creator of Netflix Finnish crime series Bordertown, has received the greenlight for his next project, the Nordic thriller Helsinki Syndrome.
Finnish public broadcaster Yle and world sales group Beta Film have come on board to back the eight-hour limited series, which will begin shooting in Finland in June. Helsinki-based Fisher King, part of Beta’s Nordic Studio (Bns) group of Scandinavian production companies, will produce the series.
The thriller features Vikings star Peter Franzén as Elias Karo, a man whose life has been destroyed by corrupt bankers and government officials. In an act of desperation, he kidnaps four respected journalists in ...
Finnish public broadcaster Yle and world sales group Beta Film have come on board to back the eight-hour limited series, which will begin shooting in Finland in June. Helsinki-based Fisher King, part of Beta’s Nordic Studio (Bns) group of Scandinavian production companies, will produce the series.
The thriller features Vikings star Peter Franzén as Elias Karo, a man whose life has been destroyed by corrupt bankers and government officials. In an act of desperation, he kidnaps four respected journalists in ...
- 4/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Mikko Oikkonen, creator of Netflix Finnish crime series Bordertown, has received the greenlight for his next project, the Nordic thriller Helsinki Syndrome.
Finnish public broadcaster Yle and world sales group Beta Film have come on board to back the eight-hour limited series, which will begin shooting in Finland in June. Helsinki-based Fisher King, part of Beta’s Nordic Studio (Bns) group of Scandinavian production companies, will produce the series.
The thriller features Vikings star Peter Franzén as Elias Karo, a man whose life has been destroyed by corrupt bankers and government officials. In an act of desperation, he kidnaps four respected journalists in ...
Finnish public broadcaster Yle and world sales group Beta Film have come on board to back the eight-hour limited series, which will begin shooting in Finland in June. Helsinki-based Fisher King, part of Beta’s Nordic Studio (Bns) group of Scandinavian production companies, will produce the series.
The thriller features Vikings star Peter Franzén as Elias Karo, a man whose life has been destroyed by corrupt bankers and government officials. In an act of desperation, he kidnaps four respected journalists in ...
- 4/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jan Mojto’s Munich-based production-distribution company Beta Film has boarded Nordic suspense thriller “Helsinki Syndrome,” the first common project with Finland’s Fisher King since Beta took a majority stake in the leading Finnish production company in 2019.
Coinciding with the Fisher King deal, Beta launched the Sweden-based Beta Nordic Studios (Bns), a umbrella hub grouping its production interests in the Nordic region.
Bns aims to leverage Beta Film’s international expertise and distribution muscle to deliver high-end local content with global potential from its members.
Minimum guarantees that Beta Film puts up against future distribution revenues also allow producers to make series at the budgetary level of their artistic ambitions rather than that of local financing available, helping the shows to become standout titles from their territory.
Scheduled to go into production in June 2021, “Helsinki Syndrome” is created for Finnish public broadcaster Yle by Mikko Oikkonen, whose pioneering Finnish Noir...
Coinciding with the Fisher King deal, Beta launched the Sweden-based Beta Nordic Studios (Bns), a umbrella hub grouping its production interests in the Nordic region.
Bns aims to leverage Beta Film’s international expertise and distribution muscle to deliver high-end local content with global potential from its members.
Minimum guarantees that Beta Film puts up against future distribution revenues also allow producers to make series at the budgetary level of their artistic ambitions rather than that of local financing available, helping the shows to become standout titles from their territory.
Scheduled to go into production in June 2021, “Helsinki Syndrome” is created for Finnish public broadcaster Yle by Mikko Oikkonen, whose pioneering Finnish Noir...
- 4/11/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Writer-producer Vanessa Ramos is expanding her relationship with Universal Television with a multi-year overall deal. Under the pact, Ramos will develop and produce projects for a variety of television platforms for Universal TV, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Ramos recently sold a single-camera workplace comedy to NBC through Universal TV, which she will executive produce alongside David Caspe, John Fox and John Davis.
“We are thrilled to continue building our relationship with Vanessa, who is an extremely talented writer and has contributed greatly to every project she’s been a part of,” said Jim Donnelly, EVP Of Comedy Development, Universal Television. “Her sense of humor and range of ideas will add greatly to our roster at Universal Television, and we are excited to be a part of her future.”
Ramos began her television writing career as a staffer on the Emmy-nominated series Comedy Central Roast and late-night game show,...
Ramos recently sold a single-camera workplace comedy to NBC through Universal TV, which she will executive produce alongside David Caspe, John Fox and John Davis.
“We are thrilled to continue building our relationship with Vanessa, who is an extremely talented writer and has contributed greatly to every project she’s been a part of,” said Jim Donnelly, EVP Of Comedy Development, Universal Television. “Her sense of humor and range of ideas will add greatly to our roster at Universal Television, and we are excited to be a part of her future.”
Ramos began her television writing career as a staffer on the Emmy-nominated series Comedy Central Roast and late-night game show,...
- 4/8/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: WME has signed writer Valentina Garza, whose credits include co-executive producer roles on the CW’s Jane the Virgin and ABC’s The Baker and the Beauty.
Garza, who is currently under an overall deal at Universal Television, also wrote and executive produced the Jane spinoff pilot Jane the Novela; the project ended up not going forward. She also has developed for Lee Daniels Productions/20th as well as ABC Studios/ABC.
This most recent development season, Garza sold a Latinx family drama to NBC. It revolved around an explosive incident that brings a woman’s mentally ill mother crashing back into her life. She’s now forced to revisit her family’s painful past and blur carefully constructed boundaries between her mother and the family she’s chosen.
The project explores themes of race, mental health, housing instability, immigration and generational trauma.
Earlier in her career, Garza spent...
Garza, who is currently under an overall deal at Universal Television, also wrote and executive produced the Jane spinoff pilot Jane the Novela; the project ended up not going forward. She also has developed for Lee Daniels Productions/20th as well as ABC Studios/ABC.
This most recent development season, Garza sold a Latinx family drama to NBC. It revolved around an explosive incident that brings a woman’s mentally ill mother crashing back into her life. She’s now forced to revisit her family’s painful past and blur carefully constructed boundaries between her mother and the family she’s chosen.
The project explores themes of race, mental health, housing instability, immigration and generational trauma.
Earlier in her career, Garza spent...
- 3/11/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Marko Mäkilaakso directs.
Raven Banner has picked up world sales on creature feature The Creeps starring Christopher Lambert, which is set to start production in Finland this month.
Marko Mäkilaakso directs and Miika J. Norvanto of Black Lion Pictures and Timo Puustinen of Frozen Flame Pictures are producing.
The Creeps tells the story of two American youngsters who prepare to celebrate Monsterfest in a Finnish ski resort that gets overrun by small creatures. Chris Cavalier (Hidden Figures) and Iiro Panula (Bordertown) star alongside Lambert.
Disney veteran Barry Atkinson is designing the creatures.
“The Creeps will be a straight-down-the-pipe fun popcorn...
Raven Banner has picked up world sales on creature feature The Creeps starring Christopher Lambert, which is set to start production in Finland this month.
Marko Mäkilaakso directs and Miika J. Norvanto of Black Lion Pictures and Timo Puustinen of Frozen Flame Pictures are producing.
The Creeps tells the story of two American youngsters who prepare to celebrate Monsterfest in a Finnish ski resort that gets overrun by small creatures. Chris Cavalier (Hidden Figures) and Iiro Panula (Bordertown) star alongside Lambert.
Disney veteran Barry Atkinson is designing the creatures.
“The Creeps will be a straight-down-the-pipe fun popcorn...
- 3/5/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Beta Nordic Studios, the umbrella for Beta’s production activities in Scandinavia, has acquired a majority stake in Cinenord, a leading Norwegian production banner specializing in high-end series.
Founded in 2004, the company is led by Silje Hopland-Eik and Alexander Eik, the producer-director duo behind the popular Scandi series “Atlantic Crossing” and “Wisting,” as well as the family franchise “Casper and Emma.”
Cinenord’s pipeline of high-profile scripted projects include “Bergman,” a series about the Swedish icon Ingmar Bergman that Alexander Eik is writing and will direct. “Alexander has been working on ‘Bergman’ for nine years and wants to create a fresh, fun and colorful show about the man behind the artist,” said Hopland-Eik.
“Beta Nordic Studios is looking to work with the best producers and Cinenord is one of them — it’s a real diamond in Norway with a consistent track record,” said Martin Håkansson, the co-director of Beta Nordic Studios.
Founded in 2004, the company is led by Silje Hopland-Eik and Alexander Eik, the producer-director duo behind the popular Scandi series “Atlantic Crossing” and “Wisting,” as well as the family franchise “Casper and Emma.”
Cinenord’s pipeline of high-profile scripted projects include “Bergman,” a series about the Swedish icon Ingmar Bergman that Alexander Eik is writing and will direct. “Alexander has been working on ‘Bergman’ for nine years and wants to create a fresh, fun and colorful show about the man behind the artist,” said Hopland-Eik.
“Beta Nordic Studios is looking to work with the best producers and Cinenord is one of them — it’s a real diamond in Norway with a consistent track record,” said Martin Håkansson, the co-director of Beta Nordic Studios.
- 3/2/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
‘Vikings’ star Peter Franzén will headline premium Finnish series “Helsinki Syndrome” from “Bordertown” creator Mikko Oikkonen, co-writer Antti Pesonen and helmer Juuso Syrjä.
The eight-part suspense thriller is produced by Beta Film-backed Fisher King for Finnish pubcaster Yle. An iconic title in Finnish Nordic Noir, “Bordertown’s” three seasons have played in Netflix.
Franzén plays Elias Karo who takes four journalists hostage at their newspaper’s headquarters, in a desperate attempt to get them to reveal the wrongdoing wreaked on his family. His plan is to force them to expose the two bank officials and a district court judge who have wiped out the reputation and possessions of Elias’ family, which prompted his father’s suicide.
When police special forces besiege the newspaper, negotiator Jarmo Kiiski realizes that Elias has planned every down to the final detail, while one of the journalists finds evidence supporting his claims – and details...
The eight-part suspense thriller is produced by Beta Film-backed Fisher King for Finnish pubcaster Yle. An iconic title in Finnish Nordic Noir, “Bordertown’s” three seasons have played in Netflix.
Franzén plays Elias Karo who takes four journalists hostage at their newspaper’s headquarters, in a desperate attempt to get them to reveal the wrongdoing wreaked on his family. His plan is to force them to expose the two bank officials and a district court judge who have wiped out the reputation and possessions of Elias’ family, which prompted his father’s suicide.
When police special forces besiege the newspaper, negotiator Jarmo Kiiski realizes that Elias has planned every down to the final detail, while one of the journalists finds evidence supporting his claims – and details...
- 2/6/2021
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
We've been excited for Daily Dead readers to see Christopher Landon’s new horror comedy Freaky ever since Heather Wixson gave it a 4.5 star review at Beyond Fest. The film was released in theaters on November 13th, but if you're avoiding public places during the latest Covid-19 surge, we're pleased that you'll soon be able to enjoy the new film from the comfort and safety of your own home, as Universal will release Blumhouse's Freaky on VOD beginning Friday, December 4th.
The VOD release date announcement was made on Twitter, including a link to the various VOD platforms the film will be released on.
You can check out the announcement below, and go here to catch up on our previous coverage of Freaky, including Heather Wixson's interviews with Christopher Landon and Kathryn Newton!
Seventeen-year-old Millie Kessler is just trying to survive the bloodthirsty halls of Blissfield High and the cruelty of the popular crowd.
The VOD release date announcement was made on Twitter, including a link to the various VOD platforms the film will be released on.
You can check out the announcement below, and go here to catch up on our previous coverage of Freaky, including Heather Wixson's interviews with Christopher Landon and Kathryn Newton!
Seventeen-year-old Millie Kessler is just trying to survive the bloodthirsty halls of Blissfield High and the cruelty of the popular crowd.
- 11/23/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
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