France’s Canal+ Group has acquired a 12% stake in Viaplay, the leading Scandinavian streamer which announced earlier today that it would cut 25% of its workforce.
Canal + did not disclose any figure related to the deal. A subsidiary of Vivendi, Canal+ is already present in 50 territories and boasts 25.5 million subscribers, 16 million of which are from metropolitan France. The French pay TV group is also a majority shareholder in the South Africa-based platform MultiChoice.
Viaplay, the listed Scandinavian streamer, is preparing to trim 25% of its workforce as it plans to focus on its core Nordic and Dutch business, as well as sports and international distribution. Approximately 450 jobs will be axed as part of the layoff plan. These include the company’s Cco for the Nordics, Filippa Wallestam, who has been a leading force behind the streamer’s output in ambitious scripted originals. Going forward, Viaplay intends on delivering approximated 10 scripted Viaplay...
Canal + did not disclose any figure related to the deal. A subsidiary of Vivendi, Canal+ is already present in 50 territories and boasts 25.5 million subscribers, 16 million of which are from metropolitan France. The French pay TV group is also a majority shareholder in the South Africa-based platform MultiChoice.
Viaplay, the listed Scandinavian streamer, is preparing to trim 25% of its workforce as it plans to focus on its core Nordic and Dutch business, as well as sports and international distribution. Approximately 450 jobs will be axed as part of the layoff plan. These include the company’s Cco for the Nordics, Filippa Wallestam, who has been a leading force behind the streamer’s output in ambitious scripted originals. Going forward, Viaplay intends on delivering approximated 10 scripted Viaplay...
- 7/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
After changing its top leadership and merging its Swedish and Norwegian production units, Viaplay, the listed Scandinavian streamer, has announced that it will lay off 25% of its workforce as it plans to focus on its core Nordic and Dutch business, as well as sports and international distribution. Approximately 450 jobs will be axed as part of the layoff plan.
Filippa Wallestam, chief commercial officer for the Nordics, is departing the org. Wallestam has been a leading force behind the streamer’s output in ambitious scripted originals, including the banner’s dive in English-language content. Viaplay will not be totally pulling out of originals but will be focusing on Nordic unscripted originals. Going forward, the streamer intends on delivering approximated 10 scripted Viaplay series or movies per year, as per the outline of the content plan for 2024. It’s a massive reduction from the previous output which included at least 40 original productions per year.
Filippa Wallestam, chief commercial officer for the Nordics, is departing the org. Wallestam has been a leading force behind the streamer’s output in ambitious scripted originals, including the banner’s dive in English-language content. Viaplay will not be totally pulling out of originals but will be focusing on Nordic unscripted originals. Going forward, the streamer intends on delivering approximated 10 scripted Viaplay series or movies per year, as per the outline of the content plan for 2024. It’s a massive reduction from the previous output which included at least 40 original productions per year.
- 7/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Denmark’s new streaming levy could have “unintended consequences,” claims a European video-on-demand body.
Earlier this month, Denmark’s political parties broadly agreed the basis of the ‘Cultural Contribution Act.’ This confirmed streaming such as Netflix and Viaplay would be subject to a basic levy rate of 2% of their Danish revenues, with a 3% surplus applying to those who do invest less than 5% of the local turnover on content. That replaced an initial plan to charge a flat 6% rate.
The cash raised will go towards financing new Danish films and TV shows through the Danish Film Institute and another public body.
The bill will be presented later this year, but the European VOD Coalition warned that its members are “concerned about the unintended consequences of the Danish government’s revised Cultural Contribution Act.”
The Coalition represents the European interests of Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Sky, Lionsgate, Roku, Warner Bros Discovery and Viaplay among others.
Earlier this month, Denmark’s political parties broadly agreed the basis of the ‘Cultural Contribution Act.’ This confirmed streaming such as Netflix and Viaplay would be subject to a basic levy rate of 2% of their Danish revenues, with a 3% surplus applying to those who do invest less than 5% of the local turnover on content. That replaced an initial plan to charge a flat 6% rate.
The cash raised will go towards financing new Danish films and TV shows through the Danish Film Institute and another public body.
The bill will be presented later this year, but the European VOD Coalition warned that its members are “concerned about the unintended consequences of the Danish government’s revised Cultural Contribution Act.”
The Coalition represents the European interests of Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Sky, Lionsgate, Roku, Warner Bros Discovery and Viaplay among others.
- 6/28/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Denmark is the latest European country to push for a levy on streamers’ local turnover to fund local TV and film content. It’s now coming closer to pulling through a bill which could allow for extra subsidies to finance the production of Danish movies, fiction series and documentaries.
After failing to receive support with its proposal of a 6% levy in 2022, the government has now drafted a bill for a cultural levy ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on how much streamers have previously invested in Danish content.
If passed by the parliament, the bill will apply to global services like Netflix and Amazon, as well as local players such as Viaplay. The proceeds would go the Danish Film Institute and the Public Service Pool on an 80:20 basis.
Under the proposed bill, a basic 2% levy would apply to streamers that have been investing above 5% of their revenue in local content, while...
After failing to receive support with its proposal of a 6% levy in 2022, the government has now drafted a bill for a cultural levy ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on how much streamers have previously invested in Danish content.
If passed by the parliament, the bill will apply to global services like Netflix and Amazon, as well as local players such as Viaplay. The proceeds would go the Danish Film Institute and the Public Service Pool on an 80:20 basis.
Under the proposed bill, a basic 2% levy would apply to streamers that have been investing above 5% of their revenue in local content, while...
- 6/15/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Snabba Cash author Jens Lapidus and star Alexander Abdallah are combining on a Viaplay TV adaptation of the former’s novel Paradis City.
Abdallah is leading alongside Julia Ragnarsson (End of Summer) and Lapidus, who penned the Stockholm Noir trilogy that includes Snabba Cash, is an exec producer on the six-parter.
Paradis City follows a Home Secretary who delivers a speech in a deprived area and is kidnapped by masked men. Security Service agent Fredrika (Ragnarsson) then turns to Emir (Abdallah), a former Mma fighter facing a life sentence in prison, with an ultimatum – go undercover in Paradis City and find the Home Secretary if you want to see your daughter again. Félice Jankell (The Playlist) and Lancelot Ncube (The Restaurant) co-star with more to be announced in due course.
The Snabba Cash TV adaptation was also penned by Lapidus and Oskar Söderlund and has been one of Netflix’s most popular Scandi titles,...
Abdallah is leading alongside Julia Ragnarsson (End of Summer) and Lapidus, who penned the Stockholm Noir trilogy that includes Snabba Cash, is an exec producer on the six-parter.
Paradis City follows a Home Secretary who delivers a speech in a deprived area and is kidnapped by masked men. Security Service agent Fredrika (Ragnarsson) then turns to Emir (Abdallah), a former Mma fighter facing a life sentence in prison, with an ultimatum – go undercover in Paradis City and find the Home Secretary if you want to see your daughter again. Félice Jankell (The Playlist) and Lancelot Ncube (The Restaurant) co-star with more to be announced in due course.
The Snabba Cash TV adaptation was also penned by Lapidus and Oskar Söderlund and has been one of Netflix’s most popular Scandi titles,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exec to replace chief commerical officer Kim Poder who is leaving after 24 years.
Viaplay Group has promoted content boss Filippa Wallestam to EVP and chief commercial officer for the Nordics.
In her new role, Wallestam will hold overall responsibility for the Nordic streamer’s operations in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
Stockholm-based Wallestam will continue to lead Viaplay Group’s content operations.
She replaces Kim Poder, who Viaplay said had decided to leave the company after 24 years in a range of senior positions. Both changes are effective immediately.
After a period of rapid expansion, Viaplay’s streaming service has a presence in 13 countries,...
Viaplay Group has promoted content boss Filippa Wallestam to EVP and chief commercial officer for the Nordics.
In her new role, Wallestam will hold overall responsibility for the Nordic streamer’s operations in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
Stockholm-based Wallestam will continue to lead Viaplay Group’s content operations.
She replaces Kim Poder, who Viaplay said had decided to leave the company after 24 years in a range of senior positions. Both changes are effective immediately.
After a period of rapid expansion, Viaplay’s streaming service has a presence in 13 countries,...
- 5/3/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Wheelhouse UK Wins First Commission With Channel 5’s ‘Puzzling’
Jimmy Kimmel and Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse has secured its first UK commission, a Channel 5 quiz format produced with ITV Studios-backed 12 Yard. In Puzzling [working title], broadcaster and historian Lucy Worsley will challenge Britain’s brightest minds across five rounds on language, calculation, lateral thinking, visual intelligence and memory. In a dramatic plot twist, the winning team then turn on each other to be named the ‘Best of the Best’ and earn a place in the series Grand Final, where the winner will be crowned. The series is the first revealed commission for Wheelhouse’s UK arm, which is helmed by former Deal or No Deal producer Glenn Hugill, who set it up earlier this year. 12 Yard is co-producer. Channel 5 rarely dabbles in quiz formats but recently picked up Eggheads, another high-end quizshow that used to air on BBC Two.
Jimmy Kimmel and Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse has secured its first UK commission, a Channel 5 quiz format produced with ITV Studios-backed 12 Yard. In Puzzling [working title], broadcaster and historian Lucy Worsley will challenge Britain’s brightest minds across five rounds on language, calculation, lateral thinking, visual intelligence and memory. In a dramatic plot twist, the winning team then turn on each other to be named the ‘Best of the Best’ and earn a place in the series Grand Final, where the winner will be crowned. The series is the first revealed commission for Wheelhouse’s UK arm, which is helmed by former Deal or No Deal producer Glenn Hugill, who set it up earlier this year. 12 Yard is co-producer. Channel 5 rarely dabbles in quiz formats but recently picked up Eggheads, another high-end quizshow that used to air on BBC Two.
- 5/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart, Nancy Tartaglione and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Viaplay’s first U.K. drama commission, “Rebus,” has gone into production in Scotland. The show has also added some new cast members including “Line of Duty’s” Lucie Shorthouse, Brian Ferguson (“The Ipcress File”) and Stuart Bowman (“The Serpent”).
They will join Richard Rankin (“Outlander”) as John Rebus, the much-loved character John Rebus from Ian Rankin’s bestselling novels.
“Rebus” tells the story of a Scottish police detective who “finds himself at a psychological crossroads,” according to the logline. “At odds with a job increasingly driven by corporate technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play – either as a family man or a police officer. In a world of divisive politics and national discord, does the law still have meaning,...
They will join Richard Rankin (“Outlander”) as John Rebus, the much-loved character John Rebus from Ian Rankin’s bestselling novels.
“Rebus” tells the story of a Scottish police detective who “finds himself at a psychological crossroads,” according to the logline. “At odds with a job increasingly driven by corporate technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play – either as a family man or a police officer. In a world of divisive politics and national discord, does the law still have meaning,...
- 4/26/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Camilla Läckberg and Henrik Fexeus’ bestselling crime novels are to be turned into a three-season English-language TV series by Viaplay.
The Nordic streamer has signed up Top Dog’s Gunnar Järvstad and The Mandalorian actor Simon Kassianides to pen the adaptations, which come from Warner Bros. Itvp Sweden and will begin filming in 2024.
More than 30M of the pair’s books have sold in around 60 countries and they follow the unlikely crime-solving duo of police officer Mina Dabiri and celebrity mentalist Vincent Walder.
Viaplay’s adaptations will be based on Trapped, Cult and upcoming novel Mirage. In the series’ first installment, a woman is found dead in a magician’s box, pierced through by swords. But it’s no trick, and the leads are soon hunting a serial killer – while doing everything to keep their own dark secrets hidden. The series is exec produced by Sara Askelöf for Viaplay Group...
The Nordic streamer has signed up Top Dog’s Gunnar Järvstad and The Mandalorian actor Simon Kassianides to pen the adaptations, which come from Warner Bros. Itvp Sweden and will begin filming in 2024.
More than 30M of the pair’s books have sold in around 60 countries and they follow the unlikely crime-solving duo of police officer Mina Dabiri and celebrity mentalist Vincent Walder.
Viaplay’s adaptations will be based on Trapped, Cult and upcoming novel Mirage. In the series’ first installment, a woman is found dead in a magician’s box, pierced through by swords. But it’s no trick, and the leads are soon hunting a serial killer – while doing everything to keep their own dark secrets hidden. The series is exec produced by Sara Askelöf for Viaplay Group...
- 3/31/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Lille, France — The gauntlet thrown down by the opening stretches of Viaplay banner title “The Fortress,” one of nine series in main competition at Series Mania, is to believe that this is fiction.
News footage plays of a pandemic, then a war; huge protests rage around the world as Norway’s prime minister addresses his nation to announce that Norway is building a wall to keep everybody else out. That’s been done before (Israel) and in metaphorical terms (Brexit).
Cut to nine years later: Norway is a bucolic paradise, Sweden next door a refugee camp hell, until strange bacteria kills fish and then humans, and Norway will, foreseeably, need international help and “what starts as a wall, ends as a prison,” comments Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group chief content officer.
Set in an eerily familiar 2037 Bergen, and starring Selome Emnetu (“Occupied”) and Russell Tovey (“Years & Years”), “The Fortress” weighs...
News footage plays of a pandemic, then a war; huge protests rage around the world as Norway’s prime minister addresses his nation to announce that Norway is building a wall to keep everybody else out. That’s been done before (Israel) and in metaphorical terms (Brexit).
Cut to nine years later: Norway is a bucolic paradise, Sweden next door a refugee camp hell, until strange bacteria kills fish and then humans, and Norway will, foreseeably, need international help and “what starts as a wall, ends as a prison,” comments Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group chief content officer.
Set in an eerily familiar 2037 Bergen, and starring Selome Emnetu (“Occupied”) and Russell Tovey (“Years & Years”), “The Fortress” weighs...
- 3/22/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Viaplay has found its Inspector Rebus and author Sir Ian Rankin is keeping it in the name.
Outlander star Richard Rankin – no relation to the source material’s scribe – will play the lead in the Nordic streamer’s debut UK original Rebus. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Scottish actors John Hannah and Ken Stott, who led the ITV version 20 years ago.
Viaplay’s reboot, which is planned as a returning series and will soon unveil more cast, follows 40-year-old Inspector John Rebus at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an infamous Edinburgh gangster. At odds with a job increasingly driven by technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play – either as a family man or a police officer.
Outlander star Richard Rankin – no relation to the source material’s scribe – will play the lead in the Nordic streamer’s debut UK original Rebus. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Scottish actors John Hannah and Ken Stott, who led the ITV version 20 years ago.
Viaplay’s reboot, which is planned as a returning series and will soon unveil more cast, follows 40-year-old Inspector John Rebus at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an infamous Edinburgh gangster. At odds with a job increasingly driven by technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play – either as a family man or a police officer.
- 3/16/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Bridge creator Hans Rosenfeldt has said he is “not really watching crime shows at the moment,” as he talks up his big-budget Viaplay adaptation of fantasy novel Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, the streamer’s “most ambitious project to date.”
Rosenfeldt is deep in the edit on Ronja, which is being shopped at this week’s London TV Screenings, and he said adapting the Astrid Lindgren Swedish adventure classic has made a refreshing change from his decades of writing crime.
“I am not really watching crime shows at the moment,” said Rosenfeldt, who has penned four seasons of smash Scandi noir hit The Bridge, three of ITV/Netflix’s Marcella and several crime novels. “I have worked in crime for 30 years and whenever I work I’m working on crime so when I watch something or read something I like it to be something else.”
Ronja the Robber’s Daughter.
Rosenfeldt is deep in the edit on Ronja, which is being shopped at this week’s London TV Screenings, and he said adapting the Astrid Lindgren Swedish adventure classic has made a refreshing change from his decades of writing crime.
“I am not really watching crime shows at the moment,” said Rosenfeldt, who has penned four seasons of smash Scandi noir hit The Bridge, three of ITV/Netflix’s Marcella and several crime novels. “I have worked in crime for 30 years and whenever I work I’m working on crime so when I watch something or read something I like it to be something else.”
Ronja the Robber’s Daughter.
- 3/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
They’ve come, they’re seeing, but will they conquered? From Tuesday through Friday, preceded by a BBC Studios Showcase, the biggest established U.K.-based distributors, plus a growing brace of overseas outfits France’s Studiocanal, About Premium Content and Newen Connect, for instance, will unveil some of their boldest new swings for 2023 at the London TV Screenings, one of the fastest growing TV markets in the world.
But will buyers buy? Fielding a questionnaire from Variety, five acquisition execs from Europe outlined their interests. Questions were answered by buyers at three of Europe’s principal public broadcasters, still a massive presence on the market: Sebastian Lückel, head of acquisition and co-production at Ard Degeto, the production-acquisition arm of Europe’s biggest public broadcaster, Germany’s Ard; Mignon Huisman, head of series acquisitions at Npo, the Dutch state TV service; Sven Van Lokeren, head of international fiction series acquisition at Vrt,...
But will buyers buy? Fielding a questionnaire from Variety, five acquisition execs from Europe outlined their interests. Questions were answered by buyers at three of Europe’s principal public broadcasters, still a massive presence on the market: Sebastian Lückel, head of acquisition and co-production at Ard Degeto, the production-acquisition arm of Europe’s biggest public broadcaster, Germany’s Ard; Mignon Huisman, head of series acquisitions at Npo, the Dutch state TV service; Sven Van Lokeren, head of international fiction series acquisition at Vrt,...
- 3/1/2023
- by John Hopewell and Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
New York-based Juno Films has acquired all North American distribution rights to “Munch,” the upcoming Rotterdam Film Festival opening night film which is backed by Viaplay, Scandinavia’s leading streamer, and directed by Norway’s Henrik M. Dahlsbakken’s (“The Outlaws”).
“Munch” is produced by The Film Company. The deal was negotiated between Vondah Elizabeth Sheldon on behalf of Juno Films and Vimish Gandesha, VP Viaplay select & content distribution. The feature is expected to premiere in New York, late spring 2023, with a nationwide run to follow.
“Our latest Norwegian feature paints a sensitive portrait of one of history’s most enigmatic artists,” says Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group chief content officer. “[Edvard] Munch’s work is famed around the world, but his equally fascinating life is much less well-known.”
The film, which opens Rotterdam on Jan. 15, is, in some way, a quadriptych, split as it is into four chapters. Each part captures...
“Munch” is produced by The Film Company. The deal was negotiated between Vondah Elizabeth Sheldon on behalf of Juno Films and Vimish Gandesha, VP Viaplay select & content distribution. The feature is expected to premiere in New York, late spring 2023, with a nationwide run to follow.
“Our latest Norwegian feature paints a sensitive portrait of one of history’s most enigmatic artists,” says Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group chief content officer. “[Edvard] Munch’s work is famed around the world, but his equally fascinating life is much less well-known.”
The film, which opens Rotterdam on Jan. 15, is, in some way, a quadriptych, split as it is into four chapters. Each part captures...
- 12/19/2022
- by Callum McLennan
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount+ Greenlights ‘The Killing Kind’ Adaptation
Paramount+ has set its latest UK original drama, an adaptation of Jane Casey’s bestseller The Killing Kind. Magpie Murders indie Eleventh Hour Film will produce the six-part adaptation from writer-director Zara Hayes (Showtrial), Jonathan Ah Stewart and Casey. The book follows Ingrid, a successful barrister who defends a man accused of coercive control and sees he world implode before the man returns to claim that someone is trying to kill her and only he can protect her. Sony Pictures Television is distributing internationally for the latest big-budget Paramount+ international bet. Paramount UK Deputy Chief Content Officer Sebastian Cardwell called the show “another great example of the high-quality local content we have on Paramount+.”
Viaplay Launches On Roku Channel In U.S.
Scandi streamer Viaplay has taken its next step towards major U.S. distribution by striking a deal to feature on the Roku platform.
Paramount+ has set its latest UK original drama, an adaptation of Jane Casey’s bestseller The Killing Kind. Magpie Murders indie Eleventh Hour Film will produce the six-part adaptation from writer-director Zara Hayes (Showtrial), Jonathan Ah Stewart and Casey. The book follows Ingrid, a successful barrister who defends a man accused of coercive control and sees he world implode before the man returns to claim that someone is trying to kill her and only he can protect her. Sony Pictures Television is distributing internationally for the latest big-budget Paramount+ international bet. Paramount UK Deputy Chief Content Officer Sebastian Cardwell called the show “another great example of the high-quality local content we have on Paramount+.”
Viaplay Launches On Roku Channel In U.S.
Scandi streamer Viaplay has taken its next step towards major U.S. distribution by striking a deal to feature on the Roku platform.
- 12/19/2022
- by Max Goldbart and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Scandinavia’s leading streamer Viaplay has ordered its Danish feature, “Camino,” a heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Birgitte Stærmose (“Industry”) with a cast led by Lars Brygmann and Danica Curcic (“The Chestnut Man”).
“Camino” portrays the complex relationship between a father and daughter who are walking a famous pilgrim route in Spain. The film is produced by Copenhagen’s Motor and will premiere exclusively on Viaplay in 2023.
Penned by Stærmose and Kim Fupz Aakeson (“Becoming Astrid’), the film tells the story of Regitze (Danica Curcic), who is in her early 30s, pregnant and no longer speaks to her father Jan (Lars Brygmann). But when they discover that Regitze’s mother’s dying wish was for them to follow the Camino de Santiago together, the two set out on a 260-kilometer journey of discovery under the burning Spanish sun.
“Many people have children, but everybody has parents. Processing and dealing with baggage...
“Camino” portrays the complex relationship between a father and daughter who are walking a famous pilgrim route in Spain. The film is produced by Copenhagen’s Motor and will premiere exclusively on Viaplay in 2023.
Penned by Stærmose and Kim Fupz Aakeson (“Becoming Astrid’), the film tells the story of Regitze (Danica Curcic), who is in her early 30s, pregnant and no longer speaks to her father Jan (Lars Brygmann). But when they discover that Regitze’s mother’s dying wish was for them to follow the Camino de Santiago together, the two set out on a 260-kilometer journey of discovery under the burning Spanish sun.
“Many people have children, but everybody has parents. Processing and dealing with baggage...
- 12/9/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Edvard Munch, painter of the iconic The Scream, is to have his life portrayed in a Norwegian feature film from Viaplay.
One of the world’s greatest artists of all time will be depicted across four stages in Munch, with a quartet of Norwegian actors boarding the feature.
Directed by Henrik M. Dahlsbakken, Munch will premiere on 27 January in Norwegian cinemas and two months later on Viaplay, the Scandi streaming service that is premiering 70 films and TV shows this year. Recent greenlights include Jana – Marked for Life and an adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Rebus.
The film opens with the story of Munch’s first love, before showing the controversy around one of his early exhibitions. Munch’s admission to a psychiatric clinic will then be covered, where he is forced to make the biggest decision of his life, before the film relates the artist’s battle to save...
One of the world’s greatest artists of all time will be depicted across four stages in Munch, with a quartet of Norwegian actors boarding the feature.
Directed by Henrik M. Dahlsbakken, Munch will premiere on 27 January in Norwegian cinemas and two months later on Viaplay, the Scandi streaming service that is premiering 70 films and TV shows this year. Recent greenlights include Jana – Marked for Life and an adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Rebus.
The film opens with the story of Munch’s first love, before showing the controversy around one of his early exhibitions. Munch’s admission to a psychiatric clinic will then be covered, where he is forced to make the biggest decision of his life, before the film relates the artist’s battle to save...
- 12/7/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sf Studios and leading Nordic streamer Viaplay have teamed up on a drama series adapted from “The Åre Murders,” the Swedish crime novels penned by bestselling author Viveca Sten (“The Sandhamn Murders”).
Joakim Eliasson is set to direct the six-part series which is penned by Karin Gidfors (“Snabba Cash”) and Jimmy Lindgren (“Honour”), based on Sten’s first two books. Global sales are being handled by Viaplay Content Distribution.
The first two books were published in 2020 by Bokförlaget Forum, while the third installment recently came out. Sten, who is also executive producing the series, is best-known for having penned “The Sandhamn Murders,” another collection of hit crime novels. “The Sandhamn Murders” was adapted into a TV show and reached nearly 100 million viewers worldwide, according to Sf Studios. Sten’s book have have been published in more than 40 countries and sold over 7.5 million copies to date.
“The Åre Murders” will start...
Joakim Eliasson is set to direct the six-part series which is penned by Karin Gidfors (“Snabba Cash”) and Jimmy Lindgren (“Honour”), based on Sten’s first two books. Global sales are being handled by Viaplay Content Distribution.
The first two books were published in 2020 by Bokförlaget Forum, while the third installment recently came out. Sten, who is also executive producing the series, is best-known for having penned “The Sandhamn Murders,” another collection of hit crime novels. “The Sandhamn Murders” was adapted into a TV show and reached nearly 100 million viewers worldwide, according to Sf Studios. Sten’s book have have been published in more than 40 countries and sold over 7.5 million copies to date.
“The Åre Murders” will start...
- 11/15/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Sir Ian Rankin’s Rebus detective novels are to be reimagined for Nordic streamer Viaplay, the group’s debut UK drama commission and the first Rebus TV adaptation for nearly 15 years.
The six-parter sets down a marker for Viaplay’s ambitions in the UK, having launched in the nation earlier this week.
Rankin’s Rebus, which aired for four seasons on ITV in the early noughties helmed by John Hannah and then Ken Stott, will be in his 30s, recently divorced and demoted to Detective Sergeant. He has a new colleague, Detective Constable Siobhan Clarke, and is struggling to deal with the changes in his personal and professional life. At the same time, Rebus’s daughter, Sammy, and ex-wife, Rhona, are enjoying an affluent existence with Rhona’s new partner.
Eleventh Hour Films is producing and 71 scribe Gregory Burke is writing. Cast will be unveiled shortly and filming will start next year,...
The six-parter sets down a marker for Viaplay’s ambitions in the UK, having launched in the nation earlier this week.
Rankin’s Rebus, which aired for four seasons on ITV in the early noughties helmed by John Hannah and then Ken Stott, will be in his 30s, recently divorced and demoted to Detective Sergeant. He has a new colleague, Detective Constable Siobhan Clarke, and is struggling to deal with the changes in his personal and professional life. At the same time, Rebus’s daughter, Sammy, and ex-wife, Rhona, are enjoying an affluent existence with Rhona’s new partner.
Eleventh Hour Films is producing and 71 scribe Gregory Burke is writing. Cast will be unveiled shortly and filming will start next year,...
- 11/3/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ian Rankin’s immensely popular detective, Inspector John Rebus, is set for a major reimagining in the form of a six-part series from streamer Viaplay and Eleventh Hour Films.
Set in contemporary Edinburgh, and drawn from the universe of Rankin’s books, the series places Rebus at the heart of a new story devised by screenwriter Gregory Burke. The show represents Viaplay Group’s initial U.K. drama commission and the first Rebus TV adaptation for nearly 15 years.
In the drama, Rebus is in his 30s, recently divorced and demoted to Detective Sergeant. He has a new colleague, Detective Constable Siobhan Clarke, and is struggling to deal with the changes in his personal and professional life. At the same time, Rebus’s daughter, Sammy, and ex-wife, Rhona, are enjoying an affluent existence with Rhona’s new partner – while Rebus’s brother Michael is finding out that in a society where...
Set in contemporary Edinburgh, and drawn from the universe of Rankin’s books, the series places Rebus at the heart of a new story devised by screenwriter Gregory Burke. The show represents Viaplay Group’s initial U.K. drama commission and the first Rebus TV adaptation for nearly 15 years.
In the drama, Rebus is in his 30s, recently divorced and demoted to Detective Sergeant. He has a new colleague, Detective Constable Siobhan Clarke, and is struggling to deal with the changes in his personal and professional life. At the same time, Rebus’s daughter, Sammy, and ex-wife, Rhona, are enjoying an affluent existence with Rhona’s new partner – while Rebus’s brother Michael is finding out that in a society where...
- 11/3/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay Nordic label Meter TV is set to produce “The Journey – 15 Days in Nepal,” a new adventure reality series showcasing Scandinavian celebrities, for Viaplay Group. It’s one of the latest examples of streamers investing in premium unscripted shows.
The format, which is based on the concept created by another Banijay label, Mastiff TV Denmark, follows six celebrities who embark on an adventure through the Nepalese jungle, trekking alongside elephants, tigers, and rhinos, to reach the Himalayan mountains. Along the way, they will embrace the wilderness, learn about the rich culture from those they meet, and discover how to fend for themselves in the mysterious and unfamiliar terrain.
Set to air on Viaplay and TV3, the Swedish adaptation of the show will bring together Peter Stormare (“Fargo”) and Izabella Scorupco (“Hidden”), comedian Alfred Svensson and World Champion swimmer Therese Alshammar, among others.
“We are looking forward to taking Viaplay’s...
The format, which is based on the concept created by another Banijay label, Mastiff TV Denmark, follows six celebrities who embark on an adventure through the Nepalese jungle, trekking alongside elephants, tigers, and rhinos, to reach the Himalayan mountains. Along the way, they will embrace the wilderness, learn about the rich culture from those they meet, and discover how to fend for themselves in the mysterious and unfamiliar terrain.
Set to air on Viaplay and TV3, the Swedish adaptation of the show will bring together Peter Stormare (“Fargo”) and Izabella Scorupco (“Hidden”), comedian Alfred Svensson and World Champion swimmer Therese Alshammar, among others.
“We are looking forward to taking Viaplay’s...
- 8/12/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Viaplay Sets True-Life Disaster Story ‘Roombeek’ As Latest Dutch Original Drama Series
Viaplay has ordered its latest Dutch original: a four-part drama from Banjiay Benelux label EndemolShine Scripted about the 2000 Enschede fireworks warehouse explosion titled Roombeek. The horrific tragedy killed 23 people and injured 950 and the series will explore its devastating human impact and aftermath. Casting for the series is underway, and production will begin in early 2023, with EndemolShine Scripted’s Gerd-Jan van Dalen and Viaplay Group’s Kennard Bos producing. Having launched in the Netherlands in March, Viaplay’s scripted original slate from the territory includes true crime drama The Hunt for Jasper S., produced by Willem Bosch and Pieter Kuijpers; dark comedy Something Stupid, created by novelist Saskia Noort; and Liesbeth Strik’s drama The Guilty. Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group Chief Content Officer, said: “We have very high ambitions for our Dutch Originals, and are committed to working with...
Viaplay has ordered its latest Dutch original: a four-part drama from Banjiay Benelux label EndemolShine Scripted about the 2000 Enschede fireworks warehouse explosion titled Roombeek. The horrific tragedy killed 23 people and injured 950 and the series will explore its devastating human impact and aftermath. Casting for the series is underway, and production will begin in early 2023, with EndemolShine Scripted’s Gerd-Jan van Dalen and Viaplay Group’s Kennard Bos producing. Having launched in the Netherlands in March, Viaplay’s scripted original slate from the territory includes true crime drama The Hunt for Jasper S., produced by Willem Bosch and Pieter Kuijpers; dark comedy Something Stupid, created by novelist Saskia Noort; and Liesbeth Strik’s drama The Guilty. Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group Chief Content Officer, said: “We have very high ambitions for our Dutch Originals, and are committed to working with...
- 7/19/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The cameras can start rolling again in Denmark after Scandinavian Streamer Viaplay on Monday signed a temporary deal with the country’s Producers’ Association and Create Denmark, an umbrella group representing actors, writers, directors and other industry professionals, to resume production on local TV series.
Viaplay, along with Netflix and Denmark’s TV 2 Play, shut down TV fiction production across the country weeks ago after being unable to come to terms with local producers and creatives.
At issue, of course, is money, specifically how revenues from local series that are carried on pan-regional or global streaming platforms, are shared between those platforms and producers.
Under a deal signed by the Producers’ Association and Create Denmark that went into effect in January, producers were set to get a bigger slice of the streaming pie. But the streamers argued the deal would make it too...
The cameras can start rolling again in Denmark after Scandinavian Streamer Viaplay on Monday signed a temporary deal with the country’s Producers’ Association and Create Denmark, an umbrella group representing actors, writers, directors and other industry professionals, to resume production on local TV series.
Viaplay, along with Netflix and Denmark’s TV 2 Play, shut down TV fiction production across the country weeks ago after being unable to come to terms with local producers and creatives.
At issue, of course, is money, specifically how revenues from local series that are carried on pan-regional or global streaming platforms, are shared between those platforms and producers.
Under a deal signed by the Producers’ Association and Create Denmark that went into effect in January, producers were set to get a bigger slice of the streaming pie. But the streamers argued the deal would make it too...
- 7/18/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: BAFTA-nominated People Just Do Nothing star Asim Chaudhry is to lead Nordic streamer Viaplay’s latest original feature, a Norwegian adaptation of Gulraiz Sharif’s Listen Up!
Chaudhry, who has also starred in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Wonder Woman 1984, will star alongside newcomers Mohammed Ahmed and Liza Haider in the film about 15-year-old Mahmoud, who is looking forward to the summer vacation. When his uncle arrives on a visit from Pakistan, Mahmoud takes on the task of showing him everything that the capital city has to offer and at the same time his younger brother lets him in on a personal secret.
The film will drop on the Nordic streamer following a cinema window next year, joining Gold Run on Viaplay’s slate of Norwegian features. Kaveh Tehrani is directing and the feature is being made in partnership with Motlys and Arthaus.
The novel was last year’s...
Chaudhry, who has also starred in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Wonder Woman 1984, will star alongside newcomers Mohammed Ahmed and Liza Haider in the film about 15-year-old Mahmoud, who is looking forward to the summer vacation. When his uncle arrives on a visit from Pakistan, Mahmoud takes on the task of showing him everything that the capital city has to offer and at the same time his younger brother lets him in on a personal secret.
The film will drop on the Nordic streamer following a cinema window next year, joining Gold Run on Viaplay’s slate of Norwegian features. Kaveh Tehrani is directing and the feature is being made in partnership with Motlys and Arthaus.
The novel was last year’s...
- 7/1/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
J.J. Abrams Behind BBC Christmas Adaptation; Idris Elba, Tom Hollander Aboard
J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions is adapting international bestseller The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse for the BBC this Christmas, with Idris Elba, Tom Hollander, Gabriel Byrne and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll boarding. The heartfelt journey told in the novel by Charlie Mackesy will be reimagined in full color with hand-drawn traditional animation, as Abrams combines with Cara Speller of NoneMore Productions for the adaptation. Hollander will play the mole, Elba the fox, Byrne the horse and Coward Nicoll will lead as ‘the boy’. Mackesy is co-directing with Peter Baynton, co-adapting with Jon Croker and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s sister Isobel Waller-Bridge is composing the original score. “Charlie Mackesy’s heart-warming and inspirational story brought to life through NoneMore Productions’ and Bad Robot Productions’ beautiful animation, is about the importance of love, kindness and friendship,” said...
J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions is adapting international bestseller The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse for the BBC this Christmas, with Idris Elba, Tom Hollander, Gabriel Byrne and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll boarding. The heartfelt journey told in the novel by Charlie Mackesy will be reimagined in full color with hand-drawn traditional animation, as Abrams combines with Cara Speller of NoneMore Productions for the adaptation. Hollander will play the mole, Elba the fox, Byrne the horse and Coward Nicoll will lead as ‘the boy’. Mackesy is co-directing with Peter Baynton, co-adapting with Jon Croker and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s sister Isobel Waller-Bridge is composing the original score. “Charlie Mackesy’s heart-warming and inspirational story brought to life through NoneMore Productions’ and Bad Robot Productions’ beautiful animation, is about the importance of love, kindness and friendship,” said...
- 6/30/2022
- by Max Goldbart and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Scandinavia’s leading streamer Viaplay has ordered “End of Summer,” a psychological thriller based Anders de la Motte’s bestselling Swedish novel of the same name.
Jens Jonsson (“Young Wallander”) and Henrik Georgsson (“The Bridge”) are on board to direct the series which is penned by Björn Carlström (“Jägarna”) and Stefan Thunberg (“Wallander’) as head writers. Per Janérus at Harmonica Films is producing with Sf Studios and Film i Skåne.
A Viaplay Original, “End of Summer” will premiere on the platform in 2023. A prominent cast will be announced at a later stage. Worldwide sales are handled by Viaplay Content Distribution.
The show opens on a summer evening in 1984 when a 5-year-old boy vanishes in rural southern Sweden. The police investigation fails to find the truth, leaving behind rumors, suspicion and a grieving family. Twenty years later, the boy’s older sister Vera is leading a group therapy session in Stockholm,...
Jens Jonsson (“Young Wallander”) and Henrik Georgsson (“The Bridge”) are on board to direct the series which is penned by Björn Carlström (“Jägarna”) and Stefan Thunberg (“Wallander’) as head writers. Per Janérus at Harmonica Films is producing with Sf Studios and Film i Skåne.
A Viaplay Original, “End of Summer” will premiere on the platform in 2023. A prominent cast will be announced at a later stage. Worldwide sales are handled by Viaplay Content Distribution.
The show opens on a summer evening in 1984 when a 5-year-old boy vanishes in rural southern Sweden. The police investigation fails to find the truth, leaving behind rumors, suspicion and a grieving family. Twenty years later, the boy’s older sister Vera is leading a group therapy session in Stockholm,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Spanish streaming service Filmin has acquired Lars von Trier’s “The Kingdom” trilogy, along with the full library of films by the director, from TrustNordisk.
Von Trier is currently completing the third and final instalment of “The Kingdom,” his cult 1990s TV show about the good, evil and paranormal inside the neurosurgical ward of Denmark’s main hospital.
Filmin is also acquiring the restored Seasons 1 and 2 of the show and will launch the complete series in Spain. The trilogy has already been acquired in several territories, including Germany and Austria (Koch Films), Japan (Synca Creations) and South Korea (AtNine).
“We are pleased to experience this high level of interest in the series among buyers, who are evidently intrigued and excited about the series’ epic story, director and cast, which of course comes as no surprise,” said Susan Wendt, TrustNordisk’s managing director.
Von Trier penned the script in collaboration with Niels Vørsel,...
Von Trier is currently completing the third and final instalment of “The Kingdom,” his cult 1990s TV show about the good, evil and paranormal inside the neurosurgical ward of Denmark’s main hospital.
Filmin is also acquiring the restored Seasons 1 and 2 of the show and will launch the complete series in Spain. The trilogy has already been acquired in several territories, including Germany and Austria (Koch Films), Japan (Synca Creations) and South Korea (AtNine).
“We are pleased to experience this high level of interest in the series among buyers, who are evidently intrigued and excited about the series’ epic story, director and cast, which of course comes as no surprise,” said Susan Wendt, TrustNordisk’s managing director.
Von Trier penned the script in collaboration with Niels Vørsel,...
- 6/1/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Streamer Viaplay is once again looking beyond Scandi Noir by greenlighting a feature about a woman in two timelines, experiencing a messy divorce and difficult teenage years.
There’s Something Going On is based on the popular novels from Martina Haag and features well-regarded Swedish actors Alexandra Rapaport and Ella Hammarsten Liedberg in the dual title roles of Petra. Haag is adapting alongside Peter Arrhenius.
Petra is portrayed at two turning points of her life – the protagonist as a contemporary 50-year-old struggling through a divorce, and as a 15-year-old in the 1980s nearing the end of school while facing up to her own parents’ disintegrating relationship.
Shanti Roney (The Unlikely Murderer), Gustaf Hammarsten (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Jessica Liedberg (Together) and Adrian Macéus (The Truth Will Out) all feature in the film, which explores universal themes of love, angst and the search for oneself.
The commission...
There’s Something Going On is based on the popular novels from Martina Haag and features well-regarded Swedish actors Alexandra Rapaport and Ella Hammarsten Liedberg in the dual title roles of Petra. Haag is adapting alongside Peter Arrhenius.
Petra is portrayed at two turning points of her life – the protagonist as a contemporary 50-year-old struggling through a divorce, and as a 15-year-old in the 1980s nearing the end of school while facing up to her own parents’ disintegrating relationship.
Shanti Roney (The Unlikely Murderer), Gustaf Hammarsten (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Jessica Liedberg (Together) and Adrian Macéus (The Truth Will Out) all feature in the film, which explores universal themes of love, angst and the search for oneself.
The commission...
- 5/25/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle’s Fiction Valley Ties With ‘Dirty Lines’ Creator Pieter Bart Korthuis
Fremantle label Fiction Valley has struck a three-year deal with Netflix’s Dirty Lines creator and showrunner Pieter Bart Korthuis. The agreement will see Fiction Valley, which is run by Annemike van Vliet, develop and produce a slate of scripted drama series from Korthuis, one of Holland’s leading creatives. The pair have already tied on Dirty Lines, Netflix’s series about late-1980s Amsterdam and Korthuis’ other work includes political series The Year of Fortuyn and Penoza. Fiction Valley’s credits include Suspects and a remake of The A-Word. “Pieter’s extraordinary talent as creator, writer, director and showrunner is unique and beyond limits,” said van Vliet. Striking talent deals and acquiring labels is a key plank of Fremantle’s strategy at the moment and the group signed a landmark deal with Angelina Jolie earlier this year.
Fremantle label Fiction Valley has struck a three-year deal with Netflix’s Dirty Lines creator and showrunner Pieter Bart Korthuis. The agreement will see Fiction Valley, which is run by Annemike van Vliet, develop and produce a slate of scripted drama series from Korthuis, one of Holland’s leading creatives. The pair have already tied on Dirty Lines, Netflix’s series about late-1980s Amsterdam and Korthuis’ other work includes political series The Year of Fortuyn and Penoza. Fiction Valley’s credits include Suspects and a remake of The A-Word. “Pieter’s extraordinary talent as creator, writer, director and showrunner is unique and beyond limits,” said van Vliet. Striking talent deals and acquiring labels is a key plank of Fremantle’s strategy at the moment and the group signed a landmark deal with Angelina Jolie earlier this year.
- 5/18/2022
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Viaplay has lightened the tone of its originals slate with the greenlight of R.S.V.P., a Swedish romcom featuring The Emigrants star Lisa Carlehed as lead.
Airing later this year and based on award-winning Danish feature Long Story Short, the Nent streamer’s latest spans four years and is structured around nine chapters, each of which focuses on a different holiday celebration. At the center of the narrative is Klara (Carlehed), a 37-year-old single nurse whose perpetual search for love is increasingly causing her to question whether it even exists.
Miso Film, who last week revealed it had signed former Dr Head of Drama Christian Rank, is producing, award-winning Jordskott actor Moa Gammel is directing and Ella Lemhagen is writing.
Alongside Carlehed, who was recently nominated for Best Actress at Sweden’s Guldbagge Awards for Erik Poppe’s The Emigrants, the film features Oscar Töringe (Thin Blue Line...
Airing later this year and based on award-winning Danish feature Long Story Short, the Nent streamer’s latest spans four years and is structured around nine chapters, each of which focuses on a different holiday celebration. At the center of the narrative is Klara (Carlehed), a 37-year-old single nurse whose perpetual search for love is increasingly causing her to question whether it even exists.
Miso Film, who last week revealed it had signed former Dr Head of Drama Christian Rank, is producing, award-winning Jordskott actor Moa Gammel is directing and Ella Lemhagen is writing.
Alongside Carlehed, who was recently nominated for Best Actress at Sweden’s Guldbagge Awards for Erik Poppe’s The Emigrants, the film features Oscar Töringe (Thin Blue Line...
- 5/9/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Viaplay’s next Norwegian original series “The Fortress” is currently shooting in Bergen with a cast including Tobias Santelmann (“Kon-Tiki”), Selome Emnetu (“Luka and the Magical Theater”) and British star Russell Tovey (“Years and Years”).
Directed by Cecilie Mosli and Mikkel Brænne Sandemose (“State of Happiness”), the ambitious eight-part dystopian drama is set in 2037 in Norway. The country has decided to build an enormous wall around its borders to isolate itself and its citizens from the rest of the world. When a deadly pandemic breaks out, the inhabitants soon realize that the wall intended to protect them is instead holding them prisoner.
The show was written by Linn-Jeanethe Kyed (“Bø”) and author John Kåre Råke (“The Quake”). It will launch on Viaplay in 2023.
“Cecilie has directed most of the scenes involving my character, and she is talented, generous and committed,” said Santelmann. “My experience is that both Mikkel and...
Directed by Cecilie Mosli and Mikkel Brænne Sandemose (“State of Happiness”), the ambitious eight-part dystopian drama is set in 2037 in Norway. The country has decided to build an enormous wall around its borders to isolate itself and its citizens from the rest of the world. When a deadly pandemic breaks out, the inhabitants soon realize that the wall intended to protect them is instead holding them prisoner.
The show was written by Linn-Jeanethe Kyed (“Bø”) and author John Kåre Råke (“The Quake”). It will launch on Viaplay in 2023.
“Cecilie has directed most of the scenes involving my character, and she is talented, generous and committed,” said Santelmann. “My experience is that both Mikkel and...
- 5/5/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) and Nordic streamer Viaplay has agreed a multi-year extension to their content partnership, bringing the likes of Kraven The Hunter, Madame Web and Morbius to the Nordics following their theatrical run and home entertainment windows.
The extension of the deal, which has already run for several years, will see some of Spe’s biggest film and TV shows hitting the region, while Sony Pictures Television (Spt) will contribute to Viaplay’s international originals content pipeline.
Further new releases will be added and upcoming films such as Brad Pitt’s Bullet Train and Where the Crawdads Sing will also launch in the Nordics on the Nent Group streamer, which is on a growth path and soon to rebrand to Viaplay Group if given shareholder approval.
Major new Spt series such as Accused and Without Sin will join the roster of Viaplay international originals, which is targeting 60 premiers this year alone.
The extension of the deal, which has already run for several years, will see some of Spe’s biggest film and TV shows hitting the region, while Sony Pictures Television (Spt) will contribute to Viaplay’s international originals content pipeline.
Further new releases will be added and upcoming films such as Brad Pitt’s Bullet Train and Where the Crawdads Sing will also launch in the Nordics on the Nent Group streamer, which is on a growth path and soon to rebrand to Viaplay Group if given shareholder approval.
Major new Spt series such as Accused and Without Sin will join the roster of Viaplay international originals, which is targeting 60 premiers this year alone.
- 4/28/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A Nordic Noir-style thriller about one of The Netherlands’ most high-profile murder cases has been greenlit as the latest Viaplay original and third from Holland.
The Hunt for Jasper S. (De Jacht op Jasper S) will tell the story of the capture of Jasper Steringa, who eventually confessed 13 years after killing someone in a case that led to a widespread debate about the use of DNA and was fuelled by conspiracy theories. Steringa was a farmer who forced his victim with a knife into a field where she was later found dead, and local asylum seekers were initially blamed.
The show from Newen-backed Pupkin was described as “one of the first Dutch productions to employ the globally successful Nordic Noir aesthetic” by Nent streamer Viaplay, which last month unveiled dark comedy Something Stupid and crime drama The Guilty as the first two Dutch originals. The streamer is attempting to...
The Hunt for Jasper S. (De Jacht op Jasper S) will tell the story of the capture of Jasper Steringa, who eventually confessed 13 years after killing someone in a case that led to a widespread debate about the use of DNA and was fuelled by conspiracy theories. Steringa was a farmer who forced his victim with a knife into a field where she was later found dead, and local asylum seekers were initially blamed.
The show from Newen-backed Pupkin was described as “one of the first Dutch productions to employ the globally successful Nordic Noir aesthetic” by Nent streamer Viaplay, which last month unveiled dark comedy Something Stupid and crime drama The Guilty as the first two Dutch originals. The streamer is attempting to...
- 4/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Greenlights Drama On Football Sexual Abuse Scandal; Nick Rowland & Matt Greenhalgh Attached
The BBC has greenlit a factual drama telling the story of the former footballer whose revelations about the sexual abuse he suffered as a youth player sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Calm With Horses’ Nick Rowland is directing and Control’s Matt Greenhalgh is writing Floodlights, which will spotlight Andy Woodward, whose public retelling of the horrific trauma he experienced led to a national inquiry. The Last Kingdom’s Gerard Kearns will play Woodward and the show will also feature Jonas Armstrong (The Bay), Morven Christie (Lockwood & Co) and Steve Edge (Benidorm). “Since speaking out in 2016 I wanted to continue to encourage people to talk without fear, to make a change,” said Woodward. “Floodlights tells my story, which no child should ever have to go through. I hope this film helps to stop abuse in football...
The BBC has greenlit a factual drama telling the story of the former footballer whose revelations about the sexual abuse he suffered as a youth player sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Calm With Horses’ Nick Rowland is directing and Control’s Matt Greenhalgh is writing Floodlights, which will spotlight Andy Woodward, whose public retelling of the horrific trauma he experienced led to a national inquiry. The Last Kingdom’s Gerard Kearns will play Woodward and the show will also feature Jonas Armstrong (The Bay), Morven Christie (Lockwood & Co) and Steve Edge (Benidorm). “Since speaking out in 2016 I wanted to continue to encourage people to talk without fear, to make a change,” said Woodward. “Floodlights tells my story, which no child should ever have to go through. I hope this film helps to stop abuse in football...
- 3/29/2022
- by Max Goldbart and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Viaplay has ordered a third and final season of “Face to Face,” the popular Danish psychological crime drama starring Lars Mikkelsen.
“Face to Face” is created and directed by Christoffer Boe and produced by Miso Film. The new season will premiere exclusively on Viaplay later this year.
“Face to Face” takes place following the murder of Christina Rasmussen for which suspects range from Copenhagen’s underworld to the highest echelons of business and the police. Mikkelsen plays Holger Lang, a tycoon who had named Christina his heir and receives a video revealing that she was killed by a contract assassin. Consumed by fury, Lang confronts his colleagues, friends and enemies in a desperate bid to uncover the truth once and for all.
Filming recently started in Copenhagen with all-star Nordic cast, including additional talents to be announced later on. Seasons one and two received eight nominations at the Danish Film Awards.
“Face to Face” is created and directed by Christoffer Boe and produced by Miso Film. The new season will premiere exclusively on Viaplay later this year.
“Face to Face” takes place following the murder of Christina Rasmussen for which suspects range from Copenhagen’s underworld to the highest echelons of business and the police. Mikkelsen plays Holger Lang, a tycoon who had named Christina his heir and receives a video revealing that she was killed by a contract assassin. Consumed by fury, Lang confronts his colleagues, friends and enemies in a desperate bid to uncover the truth once and for all.
Filming recently started in Copenhagen with all-star Nordic cast, including additional talents to be announced later on. Seasons one and two received eight nominations at the Danish Film Awards.
- 3/11/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
LADstudios Behind ‘Lens On Ukraine’
Exclusive: LADbible production arm LADstudios is to produce Lens on Ukraine, a wealth of short and mid-form factual content dedicated to sharing reliable, informative and supportive content focused on the war in Ukraine. The series of shorts will include animated explainers, vox pops, and clips from contributors on the ground in Kyiv and other conflict zones covering events on TikTok. LADbible has also launched an initiative to raise funds for the British Red Cross, with each piece of content produced for the campaign linking to the charity’s Ukraine Humanitarian appeal where viewers can donate funds. “The unfolding tragedy in Ukraine has shocked us all,” said LADstudios Director Alex Morris. “The LADstudios team is committed to creating a wide range of content covering the crisis from a number of different angles.”
Stv Studios Buys ‘Ex Rated’ Producer Mighty Productions; Posts 2021 Growth
Scottish producer Stv Studios...
Exclusive: LADbible production arm LADstudios is to produce Lens on Ukraine, a wealth of short and mid-form factual content dedicated to sharing reliable, informative and supportive content focused on the war in Ukraine. The series of shorts will include animated explainers, vox pops, and clips from contributors on the ground in Kyiv and other conflict zones covering events on TikTok. LADbible has also launched an initiative to raise funds for the British Red Cross, with each piece of content produced for the campaign linking to the charity’s Ukraine Humanitarian appeal where viewers can donate funds. “The unfolding tragedy in Ukraine has shocked us all,” said LADstudios Director Alex Morris. “The LADstudios team is committed to creating a wide range of content covering the crisis from a number of different angles.”
Stv Studios Buys ‘Ex Rated’ Producer Mighty Productions; Posts 2021 Growth
Scottish producer Stv Studios...
- 3/9/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Nent streamer Viaplay has unveiled its debut duo of Dutch dramas as it prepares to launch in The Netherlands tomorrow, Deadline can reveal.
Something Stupid and The Guilty come from best-selling Dutch novelist Saskia Noort and Liesbeth Strik, as the streamer targets 60 originals this year and expands into the UK and U.S. as well as The Netherlands.
Noort, dubbed ‘The Dutch Queen of Suspense’, is behind Something Stupid, a dark comedy following three women seeking revenge on the man who betrayed them, which explores themes of equality and exploitation in the TV industry.
Meanwhile, Strik is behind The Guilty, a thriller about a mother attempting to keep her teenage son out of prison.
Nent Group Chief Content Officer Filippa Wallestam described the shows as “compelling, thought-provoking and above all unique.”
“Viaplay has rapidly become a major player in international drama and we have high ambitions for the Netherlands,...
Something Stupid and The Guilty come from best-selling Dutch novelist Saskia Noort and Liesbeth Strik, as the streamer targets 60 originals this year and expands into the UK and U.S. as well as The Netherlands.
Noort, dubbed ‘The Dutch Queen of Suspense’, is behind Something Stupid, a dark comedy following three women seeking revenge on the man who betrayed them, which explores themes of equality and exploitation in the TV industry.
Meanwhile, Strik is behind The Guilty, a thriller about a mother attempting to keep her teenage son out of prison.
Nent Group Chief Content Officer Filippa Wallestam described the shows as “compelling, thought-provoking and above all unique.”
“Viaplay has rapidly become a major player in international drama and we have high ambitions for the Netherlands,...
- 2/28/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Nordic streamer Viaplay is partnering with filmmaker Mikael Håfström to produce the ambitious period film “Stockholm Bloodbath.” The female-led epic adventure movie will mark the service’s second English-language film original, following Oscar-nominated helmer Lasse Hallström’s biopic “Hilma,” which will premiere later this year.
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital. The story is told through the eyes of Anne and her foster sister Freja as they seek revenge on the men who murdered their family at Anne’s wedding. Their quest leads them to Stockholm, where they are drawn into a ruthless political power struggle between Sweden and Denmark that culminates in a mass execution known to history as the Stockholm Bloodbath.
“It was a game changer in Sweden, and the country has been at Norway and Denmark, there...
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital. The story is told through the eyes of Anne and her foster sister Freja as they seek revenge on the men who murdered their family at Anne’s wedding. Their quest leads them to Stockholm, where they are drawn into a ruthless political power struggle between Sweden and Denmark that culminates in a mass execution known to history as the Stockholm Bloodbath.
“It was a game changer in Sweden, and the country has been at Norway and Denmark, there...
- 2/10/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Nent streamer Viaplay is seeking to partner with more major U.S. distribution platforms as it beds in “for the long term,” according to EVP and Chief Content Officer Filippa Wallestam.
The Scandi SVoD, which launched in the U.S. last month on Comcast Xfinity at $4.99 per month, is speaking to other partners and hopes to unveil more tie-ups later this year, with plans to go D2C further down the line.
“The U.S. is the biggest streaming market in the world and we are in it for the long term,” said Wallestam, who was speaking exclusively to Deadline before an appearance at the Television Critics Association (TCA) tour.
“We don’t have U.S. subscriber targets but would like to add more distribution partners and strengthen our offering.”
The move to the U.S. represented the next stage in Viaplay’s expansion and further launches in The Netherlands...
The Scandi SVoD, which launched in the U.S. last month on Comcast Xfinity at $4.99 per month, is speaking to other partners and hopes to unveil more tie-ups later this year, with plans to go D2C further down the line.
“The U.S. is the biggest streaming market in the world and we are in it for the long term,” said Wallestam, who was speaking exclusively to Deadline before an appearance at the Television Critics Association (TCA) tour.
“We don’t have U.S. subscriber targets but would like to add more distribution partners and strengthen our offering.”
The move to the U.S. represented the next stage in Viaplay’s expansion and further launches in The Netherlands...
- 2/2/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Big Brother’ Spain Label Zeppelin Unveils MD
Zeppelin, the Banijay Iberia label that introduced Big Brother and entertainment format The Bridge to Spain, has promoted Miguel Martín to MD, replacing Amparo Castellano. Martín joined the label two years ago to work for Banijay Birds, the territory’s creative hub for original streamer IP development, which has seen him exec big local non-scripted titles such as Amazon’s Lol: Last One Laughing. He has previously worked in the U.S. on formats for NBC-Telemundo and Fox. Zeppelin, which will soon turn 30, has introduced Secret Story, Big Brother, The Bridge and Skam España to the Spanish market. Banijay Iberia CEO Pilar Blasco called Martín a “born leader who has shown unbounded creativity.” Castellano spent eight years with the label and one as MD.
ITV Orders ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ Spin-Off
ITV has ordered a spin-off of hit gameshow...
Zeppelin, the Banijay Iberia label that introduced Big Brother and entertainment format The Bridge to Spain, has promoted Miguel Martín to MD, replacing Amparo Castellano. Martín joined the label two years ago to work for Banijay Birds, the territory’s creative hub for original streamer IP development, which has seen him exec big local non-scripted titles such as Amazon’s Lol: Last One Laughing. He has previously worked in the U.S. on formats for NBC-Telemundo and Fox. Zeppelin, which will soon turn 30, has introduced Secret Story, Big Brother, The Bridge and Skam España to the Spanish market. Banijay Iberia CEO Pilar Blasco called Martín a “born leader who has shown unbounded creativity.” Castellano spent eight years with the label and one as MD.
ITV Orders ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ Spin-Off
ITV has ordered a spin-off of hit gameshow...
- 1/21/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Where is the next Squid Game, Line of Duty or The Bridge coming from? These are questions we frequently pose at Deadline and, hopefully, we’ve identified some key contenders below.
From World War Two epics, to Boris Johnson biopics, to the first ever original from the Faroe Islands, here are seven dramas we think are going to make waves in 2022.
Sas: Rogue Heroes (UK)
Everything Steven Knight touches of late turns to gold, with Peaky Blinders going from strength to strength and Spencer set to sweep up at awards season, so it’s no surprise to see a great deal of hype surrounding his latest offering for BBC1, produced by Humans indie Kudos and Nebulastar. Starring Jack O’Connell, Dominic West and Sex Education‘s Connor Swindells, Rogue Heroes, which tells the story of the creation of the famed undercover unit in World War Two, has already sold to North...
From World War Two epics, to Boris Johnson biopics, to the first ever original from the Faroe Islands, here are seven dramas we think are going to make waves in 2022.
Sas: Rogue Heroes (UK)
Everything Steven Knight touches of late turns to gold, with Peaky Blinders going from strength to strength and Spencer set to sweep up at awards season, so it’s no surprise to see a great deal of hype surrounding his latest offering for BBC1, produced by Humans indie Kudos and Nebulastar. Starring Jack O’Connell, Dominic West and Sex Education‘s Connor Swindells, Rogue Heroes, which tells the story of the creation of the famed undercover unit in World War Two, has already sold to North...
- 12/23/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Viaplay has set YA drama Boys as its latest Danish original, a coming-of-age series from 27-year-old Jonas Risvig.
Risvig will create and direct the eight-parter, which has just wrapped filming in the Danish town of Silkeborg and is set to air next year as one of 60 Viaplay originals across Europe.
Based on Risvig’s experience of growing up in a small Danish town, REinvent Studios’ drama follows a group of 10 young men who gather every week in Silkeborg to sing in a church choir. Over the years, the group has formed a close bond, and after the bells fall silent, they meet to push their limits and test the forbidden pleasures of adult life. But when one of the boys drowns under mysterious circumstances, their unity and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.
Risvig is one of Denmark’s brightest talents, having received the Publikum prize and two...
Risvig will create and direct the eight-parter, which has just wrapped filming in the Danish town of Silkeborg and is set to air next year as one of 60 Viaplay originals across Europe.
Based on Risvig’s experience of growing up in a small Danish town, REinvent Studios’ drama follows a group of 10 young men who gather every week in Silkeborg to sing in a church choir. Over the years, the group has formed a close bond, and after the bells fall silent, they meet to push their limits and test the forbidden pleasures of adult life. But when one of the boys drowns under mysterious circumstances, their unity and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.
Risvig is one of Denmark’s brightest talents, having received the Publikum prize and two...
- 12/10/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Viaplay has set its Norwegian Original film in the shape of World War II drama Gold Run (Gulltransporten), based on the true story of a group of unlikely resistance fighters who smuggled Norway’s gold reserves out of the country ahead of invading Nazi forces.
Jon Øigarden (Exit), Sven Nordin (Wisting) and Axel Bøyum (Delete Me) lead the all-star Norwegian cast in the feature-length production, which is due to begin filming in early 2022 with an exclusive premiere on Viaplay later in the year.
Pic will be directed by the Hallvard Bræin (The Giant) and is produced by Jørgen Storm Rosenberg and Kjetil Omberg at 74 Entertainment, with Tanya Nanette Badendyck as executive producer for Viaplay.
The movie is set on 9 April 1940 when German soldiers entered Oslo to seize three targets: the country’s king, government and gold. In just a few chaotic hours, parliamentary secretary Fredrik Haslund (Øigarden) assembled an improbable team,...
Jon Øigarden (Exit), Sven Nordin (Wisting) and Axel Bøyum (Delete Me) lead the all-star Norwegian cast in the feature-length production, which is due to begin filming in early 2022 with an exclusive premiere on Viaplay later in the year.
Pic will be directed by the Hallvard Bræin (The Giant) and is produced by Jørgen Storm Rosenberg and Kjetil Omberg at 74 Entertainment, with Tanya Nanette Badendyck as executive producer for Viaplay.
The movie is set on 9 April 1940 when German soldiers entered Oslo to seize three targets: the country’s king, government and gold. In just a few chaotic hours, parliamentary secretary Fredrik Haslund (Øigarden) assembled an improbable team,...
- 11/11/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM International Television Productions and Scandinavia’s local streaming leader Nent Group have signed a multi-year deal to develop and co-produce six English-language original international series for the Nordic company’s SVOD service Viaplay.
The partnership’s first two projects will be “Billy the Kid” and “Last Light,” both of which were previously announced. Under the deal, all six series will be Viaplay Originals and will launch exclusively on the service throughout the Nordics, Baltics, Netherlands and Poland, with MGM handling distribution in the rest of the world.
“Billy the Kid” is an epic romantic drama series from Michael Hirst (“Vikings”) starring British actor Tom Blyth (“Benediction”) as the famous American outlaw. The series is a co-production with Epix Studios and MGM International Television Productions, in association with Nent Group. Otto Bathurst (“Peaky Blinders”) is directing the first two episodes of the eight-episode first season.
“Last Light,” which MGM is...
The partnership’s first two projects will be “Billy the Kid” and “Last Light,” both of which were previously announced. Under the deal, all six series will be Viaplay Originals and will launch exclusively on the service throughout the Nordics, Baltics, Netherlands and Poland, with MGM handling distribution in the rest of the world.
“Billy the Kid” is an epic romantic drama series from Michael Hirst (“Vikings”) starring British actor Tom Blyth (“Benediction”) as the famous American outlaw. The series is a co-production with Epix Studios and MGM International Television Productions, in association with Nent Group. Otto Bathurst (“Peaky Blinders”) is directing the first two episodes of the eight-episode first season.
“Last Light,” which MGM is...
- 11/10/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
IndieWire and Variety announced Wednesday a planned virtual panel discussion about curating content in the global marketplace in order to build a streaming audience, featuring executives from a range of domestic and international executives.
The online panel, titled “Succeeding in Global Content Discovery and Curation to Build Audiences,” is part of the Variety & IndieWire Streaming Room presented by Vuulr and will take place November 10 at 12:30Pm Est/9:30Am Pst. Moderated by Variety International Editor Manori Ravindran, the panel will feature Reemah Sakaan, CEO of BritBox International; Ian McKee, founder and CEO or Vuulr; Jason Kwong, chief strategy and digital officer of Redbox; Amy Kuessner, SVP of content strategy and global partnerships at ViacomCBS Streaming; and Filippa Wallestam, EVP and chief content officer of Nordic Entertainment Group.
Among the topics covered in the discussion will be how today’s TV channels are assessing the best content for their target...
The online panel, titled “Succeeding in Global Content Discovery and Curation to Build Audiences,” is part of the Variety & IndieWire Streaming Room presented by Vuulr and will take place November 10 at 12:30Pm Est/9:30Am Pst. Moderated by Variety International Editor Manori Ravindran, the panel will feature Reemah Sakaan, CEO of BritBox International; Ian McKee, founder and CEO or Vuulr; Jason Kwong, chief strategy and digital officer of Redbox; Amy Kuessner, SVP of content strategy and global partnerships at ViacomCBS Streaming; and Filippa Wallestam, EVP and chief content officer of Nordic Entertainment Group.
Among the topics covered in the discussion will be how today’s TV channels are assessing the best content for their target...
- 10/27/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Crime novel Cell 8 by Swedish authors Roslund & Hellström is being be adapted as a Viaplay Original by Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent Group).
The gritty crime drama, centered on the subject of the death penalty, is the second Roslund & Hellström novel to become a Viaplay Original after the drama Box 21. The series will feature a Nordic cast and will premiere exclusively on Nent Group’s Viaplay streaming service in 2022.
In Cell 8, a man presumed dead is arrested on a ferry between Sweden and Finland, throwing detectives Mariana Hermansson (Mimosa Willamo) and Ewert Grens (Leonard Terfelt) into a mysterious and increasingly dark series of events. The case soon reveals a personal connection not only to Hermansson herself, but to a Death Row prisoner in the U.S. and a grieving parent consumed by the quest for revenge.
Willamo (Aurora) and Leonard Terfelt (Young Royals) both reprise their lead roles from Box 21, which...
The gritty crime drama, centered on the subject of the death penalty, is the second Roslund & Hellström novel to become a Viaplay Original after the drama Box 21. The series will feature a Nordic cast and will premiere exclusively on Nent Group’s Viaplay streaming service in 2022.
In Cell 8, a man presumed dead is arrested on a ferry between Sweden and Finland, throwing detectives Mariana Hermansson (Mimosa Willamo) and Ewert Grens (Leonard Terfelt) into a mysterious and increasingly dark series of events. The case soon reveals a personal connection not only to Hermansson herself, but to a Death Row prisoner in the U.S. and a grieving parent consumed by the quest for revenge.
Willamo (Aurora) and Leonard Terfelt (Young Royals) both reprise their lead roles from Box 21, which...
- 10/21/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Happy Friday International Insiders, Tom Grater here delivering your weekly batch of international headlines. To get this sent to your inbox every Friday, sign up here.
The Numbers Game
New record: South Korean action drama Squid Game is officially a phenomenon. It was already widely accepted that the show was on its way to becoming one of the biggest original streaming hits of all time, and on Tuesday Netflix confirmed it. The series drew 111 million viewers in its first month on the platform, per internal estimates, which makes it the biggest launch in the company’s history. That’s including all English-language content, with the show surpassing Bridgerton to hit the mark.
What does this mean? Squid Game is yet another example of how global platforms such as Netflix don’t rely on the English language for hit content. The likes of Money Heist, Dark and Lupin have all proven...
The Numbers Game
New record: South Korean action drama Squid Game is officially a phenomenon. It was already widely accepted that the show was on its way to becoming one of the biggest original streaming hits of all time, and on Tuesday Netflix confirmed it. The series drew 111 million viewers in its first month on the platform, per internal estimates, which makes it the biggest launch in the company’s history. That’s including all English-language content, with the show surpassing Bridgerton to hit the mark.
What does this mean? Squid Game is yet another example of how global platforms such as Netflix don’t rely on the English language for hit content. The likes of Money Heist, Dark and Lupin have all proven...
- 10/15/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
ViacomCBS’ SVP Programming and Acquisitions has sought to calm “confusion” surrounding the upcoming simultaneous European rollout of Paramount+ and Sky Showtime, while talking up the former’s European ambitions.
Douglas Craig said ViacomCBS “sees Europe through the lens of Paramount+” but made the call to partner with Comcast on Sky Showtime in 20 smaller territories in the region due to “scale.”
Although content-crossover will be plentiful, there will be no overlap between the two services in terms of territory, he added, with Paramount+ launching next year in the likes of the UK, Ireland, Germany and Italy while Showtime opens in places like Bulgaria, Denmark and Portugal.
“To be crystal clear, Paramount+ will not be in the same markets as Showtime and vice versa, they are mutually exclusive” Craig told today’s Mipcom audience.
“For some people it might be confusing but if you’re a consumer in those markets you’ll only have access to one.
Douglas Craig said ViacomCBS “sees Europe through the lens of Paramount+” but made the call to partner with Comcast on Sky Showtime in 20 smaller territories in the region due to “scale.”
Although content-crossover will be plentiful, there will be no overlap between the two services in terms of territory, he added, with Paramount+ launching next year in the likes of the UK, Ireland, Germany and Italy while Showtime opens in places like Bulgaria, Denmark and Portugal.
“To be crystal clear, Paramount+ will not be in the same markets as Showtime and vice versa, they are mutually exclusive” Craig told today’s Mipcom audience.
“For some people it might be confusing but if you’re a consumer in those markets you’ll only have access to one.
- 10/12/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Mediawan takes ‘For The Record’ rights
Exclusive: French distributor Mediawan has taken worldwide distribution and European/LatAm format rights for For The Record, CBC Gem’s shortform comedy from Suits actor Julian De Zotti. Mediawan will take the comedy, which stars De Zotti alongside The Expanses’ Anna Hopkins, on the road following this week’s Mipcom. The show had its international premiere earlier this year at SXSW and features an interconnected cast of characters who are brought together in each episode by a song from Universal Music’s back catalogue. Mediawan’s move is “part of a larger effort of Canadian content and its creators to cross borders and find success abroad,” according to De Zotti, who was speaking exclusively to Deadline and cited the success of Schitt’s Creek. Mediawan VP content, Charles Touboul, said: “For The Record is a timeless love story with universal themes and unforgettable music, perfect for a global market.
Exclusive: French distributor Mediawan has taken worldwide distribution and European/LatAm format rights for For The Record, CBC Gem’s shortform comedy from Suits actor Julian De Zotti. Mediawan will take the comedy, which stars De Zotti alongside The Expanses’ Anna Hopkins, on the road following this week’s Mipcom. The show had its international premiere earlier this year at SXSW and features an interconnected cast of characters who are brought together in each episode by a song from Universal Music’s back catalogue. Mediawan’s move is “part of a larger effort of Canadian content and its creators to cross borders and find success abroad,” according to De Zotti, who was speaking exclusively to Deadline and cited the success of Schitt’s Creek. Mediawan VP content, Charles Touboul, said: “For The Record is a timeless love story with universal themes and unforgettable music, perfect for a global market.
- 10/11/2021
- by Max Goldbart, Tom Grater and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A trio of Sweden’s biggest acting talents will headline Limbo, an original six-part drama series being made for Nordic major Nent Group’s in-house streamer Viaplay.
Rakel Wärmländer (Eva & Adam), Louise Peterhoff (The Truth Will Out) and Sofia Helin (The Bridge) will lead the show, which is produced by Warner Bros Itvp Sweden (Nent Group’s Love Me and the Canneseries winner Partisan).
Here’s the synopsis: A late-night phone call changes everything for Ebba (Rakel Wärmländer), My (Sofia Helin) and Gloria (Louise Peterhoff). The news that their respective sons have been involved in a serious car crash puts their friendship and priorities to the ultimate test, and with Ebba’s son Jakob hovering between life and death, the three women find themselves in a devastatingly uncertain situation – in limbo.
The series is scripted by Emma Broström (Knocking) and Rakel Wärmländer...
Rakel Wärmländer (Eva & Adam), Louise Peterhoff (The Truth Will Out) and Sofia Helin (The Bridge) will lead the show, which is produced by Warner Bros Itvp Sweden (Nent Group’s Love Me and the Canneseries winner Partisan).
Here’s the synopsis: A late-night phone call changes everything for Ebba (Rakel Wärmländer), My (Sofia Helin) and Gloria (Louise Peterhoff). The news that their respective sons have been involved in a serious car crash puts their friendship and priorities to the ultimate test, and with Ebba’s son Jakob hovering between life and death, the three women find themselves in a devastatingly uncertain situation – in limbo.
The series is scripted by Emma Broström (Knocking) and Rakel Wärmländer...
- 10/7/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
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