The Mysterious Case of the Abducted Home Secretary

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The highly awaited TV Drama Vision event in Göteborg has revealed its schedule for 2025, featuring more than 50 series from top Nordic and European creative minds, to be displayed on January 28-29. Alongside this lineup, a comprehensive program of thought-provoking discussions is also planned.

Cia Edström, founder and leader of Scandinavia’s largest drama market, expressed that our carefully planned event is the result of a collective effort. We’ve poured our energy into it and have thoroughly enjoyed the process, hoping that our 700+ attendees from over 30 countries will find it equally enjoyable,” said Cia Edström.

Through rigorous evaluation by TV Drama Vision’s discerning panel, a record-breaking number of series from 14 different countries were chosen to be developed. According to Edström, the nine series currently in production were selected as they represent some of the most compelling and intriguing narratives emerging.

In full swing, Sweden, as the host nation, boasts four projects currently in post-production. These are supported by leading streaming platforms and television networks, with exceptional artists working behind and in front of the camera.

In the TV series “The Cruise,” overseen by Paramount Global Content Distribution, a cruise ship stranded between Sweden and Finland experiences pandemonium when it’s discovered that vampires are roaming free. The star-studded cast featuring Tuppence Middleton (“Downton Abbey”), Jessica Grabowsky (“Top Dog”), Björn Bengtsson (“The Last Kingdom”), and Kolbjörn Skarsgård (“Clark”) is directed by Jonas Alexander Arnby, who has previously worked on “Worlds of the Worlds.

Alexander Rönnberg from Northern Fable and Will Tennant from Imaginarium Productions, a company co-founded by “The Lord of the Rings”‘ Andy Serkis and veteran producer Jonathan Cavendish, are teaming up on a project. This collaboration is also backed by SVT and CBS Studios.

In the science fiction series titled “We Come in Peace,” featuring Fares Fares from “Cairo Conspiracy” and “Westworld,” and Evin Ahmad known for “Snabba Cash,” there’s an outbreak of turmoil in Stockholm as mysterious jellyfish-like entities descend from the sky. This captivating show is the brainchild of Lars Lundström, creator of “Real Humans.” Piodor Gustafsson, who worked on “Border” and “The Lamb,” produces it for TV4 and ZDF. Newen Connect manages its distribution.

In a different perspective, the world presented in Amazon Prime Video’s futuristic series “Paradis City,” which is adapted from Jens Lapidus’ novel of the same name, depicts a society divided by massive barriers akin to prisons. Production for this series is being handled by Strive Studios, which is owned by Lapidus himself.

In the acclaimed European series “A Life’s Worth,” produced by Yellow Bird for Arte France and Viaplay Content Distribution, the narrative unfolds during the 1990s Balkans conflict. The story revolves around a valiant unit of United Nations soldiers and their commander, grappling with the intricacies of war. Leading the cast are Edvin Ryding, known for his role in “Young Royals,” and Maxwell Cunningham from “Top Dog.

Iceland serves as the location for two productions: the crime thriller “Reykjavik Fusion,” funded by Channel 2 Iceland and Arte France, and the romantic comedy “Everybody Loves Horses” commissioned by Yle and RÚV. Meanwhile, a small Sámi community in Norway is the center of attention for NRK’s “Heajastallan-A Sàmi’s Wedding.” The series, represented by REinvent, will also be presented at the Berlinale’s Series Market Select.

In “Nepobaby,” Norwegian showrunner Henriette Steenstrup collaborates once more with her co-star from “Pørni,” Vivild Falk Berg. This TV2 Norway series is managed worldwide by Oble.

One project outside of Nordic countries, titled “How to Kill Your Sister” from Belgium, which was presented at TV Drama Vision’s Projects in Development last year, has been selected as a work in progress. Jonas Geirnaert will direct for production company FBO and broadcasters Streamz, Play4, and ZDFneo.

The Series in Development, a secondary highlight of Gothenburg, will present 13 series hailing from the Nordics, Romania, Portugal, Poland, Quebec, and Belgium. Noteworthy productions to keep an eye on include “The Case Against the Copenhagen Killer,” directed by Jens Dahl, who previously worked on “Pusher”; Danish drama “Rivals” written by Anders Rønnow Klarlund (of Apple Tree Productions and “Loving Adults”); the pan-European collaboration “The Rebel Queen,” a story about the legendary Swedish monarch Queen Christina; and “The Art of Magdalene” from Polish showrunner Wiktor Piatkowski, who has previously worked on HBO’s “The Pack.

Each time, it’s a thrill for me, as a cinephile, to witness the limelight taken by esteemed executives from the Nordic region. This time around, Jenny Stjernströmer Björk, VP Content at Netflix Nordics and their Head of Nordic Series Håkon Briseid will grace the stage, joined by the creative minds behind Netflix’s recent sensation, “Scandisaster: La Palma.” They’ll be sharing insights into their upcoming drama projects, which I can hardly wait to see unfold!

Panels, Keynotes

For this year’s conferences, the unifying themes ‘Collaborate, Innovate, Engage’ will be the foundation for the twelve discussions taking place at the Clarion Hotel Draken business center, as revealed by Edström. These key phrases were consistently mentioned during my conversations with industry leaders, providing the basis for our event lineup.

The meetings are geared towards fostering cooperation among all sector participants, including producers, investors, broadcasters, and scriptwriters. They aim to discover creative approaches and cultivate emerging talent.

Over the last two years, the Nordic industry has been quite challenging, but there’s a noticeable improvement now, albeit gradually. Edström emphasized that her plan is geared towards finding solutions for future success, aiming to instill optimism and positivity along the way.

Expressing her satisfaction with the large number and high caliber of European attendees, Edström noted that they would be contributing their expertise on stage. “Our goal is consistently to educate and motivate individuals,” she stated. “We anticipate that productive discussions and collaborative ventures will emerge from these two intensive days.

Prominent French drama artists are set to mingle with their Nordic peers at the unique French-Nordic Series Connect gathering. Additionally, a smaller group consisting of representatives from Quebec and Germany’s MOIN Film Support – Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein will also be in attendance.

Other highlights feature keynote speeches by French author-producer Fanny Herrero (“Call My Agent”), as well as Norwegian actor-cum-creator/writer Henriette Steenstrup (“Pørni”).

Ida Håndlykken Kvernstrøm, partner in production at Streenstrup’s Eldorado Content Club from Norway, will join the panel titled “Producers of the Now-Agile, Passionate, Original” along with Anna-Klara Carlsten from Media Res Studios and Max Malka from Banijay Finland.

Edström stated that independent producers ought to be recognized as valuable talents. He spoke about three emerging young female producers who are poised to shake things up in the industry, and he’s eager to hear their perspectives.”

Or, more casually:

“According to Edström, producers are just as important as actors or directors, and these three fresh female producers are going to bring some major changes to the game. He can’t wait to see what they have to say!

In other locations, French executive Emmanuelle Bouilhaguet from The Originals Production, Dutch actor and writer Samya Hafsaoui, Meg Thompson based in London from Worldwide Content Globalgate Entertainment, and Andrew Mcintyre from MHM will discuss audience engagement. Meanwhile, Guy Bisson of Ampere Analysis will provide essential data about the rapidly evolving market.

On January 28th, I’ll be joining the celebration for the Nordic Series Awards, where the best script and the most creative series from the Nordics will be honored with the Nordic Series Script Award and the Creative Courage Award respectively. It’s a privilege to witness such remarkable drama from this region.

Works in Progress

Titled “A Life’s Worth” (Sweden), this drama unfolds amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the 1990s Balkans war. The narrative revolves around a tight-knit group of young Swedish U.N. troops and their commanding officer, grappling with the intricacies of warfare. Starring in these roles are Edvin Ryding (“Young Royals”), Maxwell Cunningham (“Top Dog”), Erik Enge (“Tigers”), and Johan Rheborg (“Solsidan”).

The screenplay is a collaborative effort between Mona Masri, known for “Snabba Cash” and “Copenhagen Cowboy”, and Oliver Dixon from “The Lawyer”. Ahmed Abdullahi, director of “Top Dog”, helms the project. Yellow Bird Sweden, under Banijay’s banner, is producing this production for ARTE France and Viaplay Content Distribution, who also handle distribution and sales.

Everyone Loves Horses (Finland)”
Genre: Romantic Comedy
In the heart of Iceland, a horse farmer harbors disdain towards tourists but finds himself drawn to a Finnish tourist who is deathly afraid of horses. This enchanting tale is directed by Inari Niemi, renowned for her work in “Light, Light, Light”. The screenplay is penned by Tarja Kylmä and Hugleikur Dagsson. It’s produced by Kaiho Republic, a Finnish production company, in collaboration with RÚV from Iceland.

Heajastallan – A Sámi Wedding” (Norway)
Genre: Drama
In the lower echelons of her Sámi community, Garen views her son’s upcoming nuptials as an opportunity to elevate her standing. However, her own aspirations may be thwarted by the wedding preparations. This thought-provoking drama is written and directed by Åse Kathrin Vuolab, under the guidance of experienced producers Maria Ekerhovd, Eric Vogel (Mer Film, Forest People) and NRK. REinvent manages worldwide sales.

A Sibling’s Journey: A Road Trip to Remember”
– Genre: Drama
– Brief Description: Two estranged siblings embark on a road trip to Spain, where their deceased parents resided. The journey serves as an opportunity for them to reconnect and confront unresolved emotions. Jonas Geirnart directs from a screenplay by Evelien Broekaert and Pedro Elias. FBO produces in collaboration with Germany’s Madefor Film and broadcasters Play4, Streamz, and ZDFneo.

“Unexpected Inheritance: A Family Reunion”
– Genre: Comedy-Drama
– Brief Description: An unexpected inheritance leads a young woman to discover her extended family, which could potentially turn the lives of many upside down! The upcoming TV2 Norway series is spearheaded by “Pørni” showrunner Henriette Steenstrup and co-written with Vivild Falk Berg in mind. Co-creator Siri Seljeseth from “Young and Promising” also contributes to the project. Oble handles international sales.

Paradis City” (Sweden) – Genre: Dystopian Action Thriller

In a not-too-distant future, the troubled sections of Sweden are enclosed and governed under unique regulations. When the Home Secretary mysteriously vanishes in the largest impoverished zone, Paradis City, hardened agent Fredrika (Julia Ragnarsson) recruits Emir (Alexander Abdallah), a former MMA champion on the brink of a lifetime sentence, to locate the missing official. Adapted from Jens Lapidus’ book with the same title, Nicklas Wikström Nicastro is producing for Strive Stories. Fenar Ahmad, director of “Darkland”, takes charge. Amazon Prime Video handles worldwide distribution.

Reykjavik Fusion” (Iceland) – Crime Genre

The plot revolves around an ex-convict named Jónas, who is also a talented chef, as he opens a restaurant in an attempt to clear his name and rebuild his family ties. This series was developed and co-written by Hörður Rúnarsson and Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson under their production company Act4. Iceland’s Stöð 2 (Channel 2) commissioned the show, with additional support from Arte France. Erik Barmack’s Wild Sheep Content manages international sales for this intriguing series.

The Baltic Charisma Cruise” (Sweden) – Genre: Horror/Drama

This Baltic cruise ship voyage is marketed as the perfect escape for everyone – families, companions, and couples – but once darkness falls, a hidden vampire sneaks out, turning this idyllic journey into a horrifying reality. The cast includes Björn Bengtsson, Jessica Grabowsky, Kolbjörn Skarsgård, and Tuppence Middleton.

Instead of the relaxing trip you expected on “The Baltic Charisma Cruise,” a stowaway vampire comes out at night, transforming your dream vacation into a terrifying ordeal. The main characters are played by Björn Bengtsson, Jessica Grabowsky, Kolbjörn Skarsgård, and Tuppence Middleton.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the upcoming horror movie I’m involved with is an adaptation from the chilling pen of Mats Strandberg, renowned for his spine-tingling novels like “The Conference”. His collaborative effort with Malin Lagerlöf, titled “Conspiracy of Silence”, has also left its mark. This terrifying tale is being brought to life by Alexander Rönnberg from Northern Fable and Will Tennant from Imaginarium Productions for broadcast on SVT and CBS Studios. Paramount Global Content Distribution will handle distribution outside Sweden, ensuring this chilling story reaches movie-lovers worldwide.

Tranquility is shattered as an enigmatic, jellyfish-like entity descends upon Stockholm. Elias (Fares Fares), a Civil Defense Agency operative, and researcher Zandra (Evin Ahmad) delve into the mystery. The series is helmed by Lars Lundström, creator of ‘Real Humans’, with Jens Jönsson (‘Young Wallander’, ‘Snabba Cash’) at the helm as director, alongside episodic director Mani Maserrat-Agah. Produced by Piodor Gustafsson (Spark Film & TV) for TV4 Sweden and ZDF. Worldwide distribution is managed by Newen Connect.

European Series in Development

The show titled ‘Angelmaker’ (produced in Romania and the Czech Republic with six episodes each lasting 50 minutes) is a WWII drama penned and helmed by Cristina Grosan for Tangaj Production.

Reuniting after a 25-year hiatus from their career’s pinnacle, bandmates Tommy, Marco, and Ismaël find themselves confronted once more by their turbulent past. This drama series is brought to you by showrunner Gilles Coulier, produced by De Wereldvrede for broadcast on VTM. BE-Entertainment manages distribution rights.

In Paradise” (Poland/Germany, 8 episodes of 45 minutes)

This is a drama-comedy written by Corinna C. Poetter. It tells the story of a woman and her children who are compelled to adjust from their luxurious lifestyle to living in a social housing complex after the husband and father experiences a sudden burnout. The production company for this series is eitelsonnenschein GmbH.

“In Paradise” is an 8-episode drama-comedy about a family who must adapt to living in a social housing complex after their breadwinner has a breakdown. This show was created by Corinna C. Poetter and produced by eitelsonnenschein GmbH.

‘The Slumbering Cell’ (Portugal, 8×50′)”
A suspenseful thriller jointly written by Miguel Simal and Nuno Nepomuceno, produced by SPi.

Drama based on real-life events, titled ‘The Art of Magdalene’. This series, produced jointly by Bahamas Films and PIO Media in Poland and the UK, follows the journey of a diligent immigrant who establishes a successful art dealing business.

Appreciated, Rachel” (Québec, Canada, 10X60′) – A comedy series written by William S. Messier and Marie-Hélène Lebeau-Taschereau for KOTV. Directed by Francis Leclerc. KO Distribution manages distribution rights.

Nordic Series in Development

Manifesto” (Iceland, 6 episodes of 50 minutes) – This is a gripping crime drama written by Urður Egilsdóttir, revolving around an ambitious police officer who sets out to clear the names of her friends, who are falsely accused in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. The series is produced by Glassriver for Síminn.

“Competitors” (Denmark, 6X45′)
A drama written by multi-awarded Anders Rønnow Klarlund (“Strings”), exploring themes of family honor, family disputes, and power struggles, all while battling the complexities of climate change. Roni Ezra (“The New Nurses”) directs for Apple Tree Productions. ITV Studios is responsible for distribution.

As a dedicated cinephile, let me share my thoughts on the gripping hospital drama, “Still Breathing,” hailing from Norway with an eight-episode run of 45 minutes each. This compelling series was meticulously crafted by the brilliant minds of Karianne Lund and Nicolai Moland. The production house behind this masterpiece is Rubicon TV, helmed by Ivar Køhn, who brought it to life for NRK.

A Real-Life Thriller: ‘The Hunt for the Copenhagen Assassin’ (Denmark, 6 episodes x 45 minutes)”
This gripping suspense series follows a 23-year-old detective’s relentless pursuit of a serial killer. The story culminates in the prosecutor’s successful capture of the murderer. The show is created by Jens Dahl, who co-wrote Nicolas Winding Refn’s critically acclaimed film “Pusher”. Anagram Sweden and Fredo Film are the production companies.

The series titled ‘The Rebel Queen’ (produced in Sweden, Germany, France, or Italy) is penned by Giorgio Serafini, based on the life of Queen Christina of Sweden from the House of Vasa who abdicated in 1654 and later converted to Catholicism, moving to Rome. The series is being produced by Gudrun Giddings and P Sarni.

The Women Who Cross My Mind at Night” (Finland, 5 x 42 minutes)

This is a thoughtful series that explores a woman’s path to self-understanding. Jointly directed by Saara Cantell and Anu Kuivalainen from a script by Anna Ruohonen. The Napafilm initiative has recently been honored with the TV Beats Co-Production Development Award in Tallinn.

Step into the chilling world of ‘Hellnäs’ – my very own invitation to this 8×30-minute Swedish thriller! As a curious fan, I can’t wait to join a gang of daring teenagers on their quest to exonerate an unjustly accused friend and uncover the hidden truth about Nazi gold. This gripping tale is brought to life by the visionary direction of Jakob Arevärn, from the captivating script penned by Henry Stenberg. Linus Andersson produces this spine-tingling adventure for Lampray. Buckle up, fellow fans – we’re in for an unforgettable ride!

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2025-01-20 15:50