Swedish Media Mogul to Be Played by Jakob Oftebro

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Viaplay is set to distribute the eagerly awaited drama series, “Vanguard,” which features Jakob Oftebro in the role of Swedish business tycoon Jan Stenbeck. In this captivating production, viewers will get a glimpse into Stenbeck’s life as portrayed by Oftebro, who has previously starred in shows like “Black Crab” and “Agent Hamilton.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in a gripping five-part series, co-produced by FLX, SVT, and New8 Alliance. This riveting production, skillfully directed by Goran Kapetanović, known for his work on “Caliphate” and “The Congregation,” offers an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The screenplay ‘Vanguard’ was written by Alex Haridi (known for ‘Quicksand’ and ‘Love & Anarchy’), Lotta Eriksson (‘The Hunt for a Killer’) and Helene Lindholm (‘The Hunt for a Killer’), inspired by the highly-acclaimed biography of a successful businessman, Per Andersson’s ‘Stenbeck: A Biography’.”

(Or)

“Alex Haridi (‘Quicksand’, ‘Love & Anarchy’), Lotta Eriksson (‘The Hunt for a Killer’) and Helene Lindholm (‘The Hunt for a Killer’) penned the screenplay ‘Vanguard’, drawing inspiration from Per Andersson’s celebrated biography, ‘Stenbeck: A Biography of a Successful Businessman’.”

(Or)

“The screenplay ‘Vanguard’ was crafted by Alex Haridi (‘Quicksand’, ‘Love & Anarchy’), Lotta Eriksson (‘The Hunt for a Killer’) and Helene Lindholm (‘The Hunt for a Killer’), based on Per Andersson’s well-known biography ‘Stenbeck: A Biography of a Successful Businessman’.

Viaplay Content Distribution acquires global distribution rights for the television series, planning to debut the pilot episode to potential buyers at the Viaplay Content Distribution’s London Screenings event happening in February.

This series explores Stenbeck’s significant time in 1970s New York, leading to his extraordinary success and lasting impact on Sweden’s media sphere. It delves into the thrilling business transactions, revolutionary advancements, and personal conflicts that marked his journey.

35-year-old Jan Stenbeck seems to have an enviable lifestyle: a distinguished position at Morgan Stanley, a glamorous existence in New York City, and a blossoming relationship with American socialite Merrill McCloud. However, when his family encounters a tragedy in Sweden, he is compelled to assume a leadership role at Kinnevik, the family’s esteemed industrial conglomerate. This transition triggers a power struggle between old ways and modern thinking, as Jan’s progressive ideas conflict with his siblings’ traditional perspectives. His tireless ambition results in pioneering projects in media and telecommunications, such as breaking Sweden’s monopoly on telephone services and launching TV3. Nevertheless, his rapid ascent to success is not without its drawbacks. Plagued by feelings of isolation and strained familial bonds, Jan’s life mirrors a stormy sea of upheaval and change.

Lejla Bešic (“Suburbia”) is producing a series that will debut in 2025 across the Nordics on SVT, NRK, DR, YLE, and RUV. This series will also be co-produced by ZDF, NPO, and VRT. Viaplay Content Distribution will handle distribution of the series in all other territories worldwide.

As a great admirer, I can’t help but express my awe for ‘Vanguard’, an exceptional drama that encapsulates the mysterious allure of one of Sweden’s most intriguing personalities – Jan Stenbeck,” I exclaim as EVP at Viaplay Select and content distribution. “This series masterfully portrays Stenbeck’s tale of ingenuity, drive, and internal battles, highlighting how he transformed media and telecommunications not just in Sweden, but globally,” I continue, further noting that “this production embodies the pinnacle of genuine and gripping Nordic storytelling. We feel privileged to distribute it worldwide through our SVOD channels, reaching markets such as the US, UK, and Canada, and our Viaplay Select branded content platform.

Erik Hultkvist, who leads the drama department at FLX, commented that “the show delves into the complexities of Jan Stenbeck’s life – a person of opposites who significantly influenced a period, yet struggled with personal inner struggles.

As a dedicated admirer, I’d say that Johanna Gårdare, the head of drama at SVT, referred to Stenbeck as one of Sweden’s trailblazing media innovators and a businessman with strong ideological convictions.

Stenbeck’s innovative thoughts and actions paved a fresh path for the advancement of media and telecommunications in Sweden, as suggested by Gårdare,” or simply, “Gårdare stated that Stenbeck’s groundbreaking ideas reshaped the direction of Sweden’s media and telephony development.

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2025-01-21 12:16