‘The Tourist’s’ Ólafur Darri, ‘See’s’ Hera Hilmar to Star in ‘Reykjavik Fusion,’ from ACT 4, Wild Sheep Content, Arte (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned industry veteran, I find the emerging international TV landscape particularly intriguing. The success of shows like “Reykjavik Fusion” without relying heavily on U.S. investment is a testament to the global potential that lies beyond our traditional boundaries. It’s refreshing to see creators and producers capitalizing on unique, local stories and talent, fostering a sense of cultural pride and authenticity that resonates worldwide.

Acclaimed Icelandic actors, Olafur Darri Olafsson and Hera Hilmar, will headline the cast of “Reykjavik Fusion,” a gripping Iceland-based crime series. This series is swiftly attracting pre-sales in numerous regions.

The series’ financing approach highlights a more appealing funding method, particularly for certain foreign-language programs, by securing partnerships and advance sales to European broadcasters instead of relying on a U.S. streaming service deal for the U.S. market.

“Erik Barmack, from Wild Sheep Content, stated that Europe’s current environment is bustling with promising collaborators, as they are involved in both producing and distributing internationally ‘Reykjavik Fusion’,” (paraphrased).

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but recognize the iconic, hairy-faced figure that resonates globally – none other than Ólafur Darri. He has graced international screens in blockbusters like “The Tourist,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and “True Detective.” His performances extend beyond borders, leading Icelandic productions such as the hit series “Trapped” and “The Minister.”

Hilmar has appeared in Peter Jackson’s “Mortal Engines” and the Apple TV+ series “See.” She has also been featured in shows like “Da Vinci’s Demons,” “An Ordinary Man,” and “Anna Karenina.”

The “Reykjavik Fusion” is the inaugural venture to commence production from the recently established Icelandic production company, ACT4, which was launched towards the end of 2022. This project also has co-production backing from Arte, based in France and Germany. In Iceland, it is recognized as an original production by Simmin Premium.

The announcement of Darri and Hilmar being cast in the upcoming crime thriller is made following its success in securing international pre-sales, including deals with AMC Iberia for Spain and Portugal, as well as with Finnish public broadcaster YLE.

The series has also been bought by ERR Estonia, among others.

“Hörður Rúnarsson, a renowned Icelandic TV series producer behind shows like ‘As Long As We Live,’ ‘Black Sands,’ ‘Fractures,’ and ‘Ordinary People,’ collaborates with Birkir Blær Ingólfsson, an acclaimed Icelandic writer known for his work on ‘The Minister’ and ‘Thin Ice,’ to create and write the TV series titled ‘Reykjavik Fusion.’ This series also bears the influence of ACT4 executive producer and creator.”

In the series “Reykjavik Fusion,” we find Darri as Jónas, a talented chef who’s been wrongfully jailed. His goal is to win back the trust of his family. Being ostracized by society, he decides to take illegal funds to establish a restaurant. This action leads him into the world of money laundering and debt, putting his parole, life, and loved ones in danger.

Hilmar assumes the role of Jónas’ most intimate ally, who intends to exploit Jónas’ innocence to craft an exit plan from their oppressive ruler. In tandem, they navigate treacherous criminal territories, where one misstep could prove lethal.

According to Rúnarsson, Hera serves as the trusted accomplice of a crooked loan shark who remains imprisoned when the series begins. She’s a small, clever woman with street smarts, having been involved in this line of work for quite some time. While she can be calm and collected at times, she is also ruthless when needed.

Produced by the Icelandic team of Sammi and Gunni, specifically Samúel Bjarki Pétursson and Gunnar Páll Ólafsson, “Reykjavik Fusion” is set to begin filming in August this year.

Lára Jóhanna Jónsdóttir (known for “Black Sands,” “Sense8,” and “Trapped”), Guðjón Davíð Karlsson (“Blackport,” “Trapped,” and “Let Me Fall”), Atli Óskar Fjalarsson (“Operation Napoleon” and “Sparrows”), Leó Gunnarsson (“Driving Mum,” “Solitude,” “Noi the Albino,” and “Fractures”) and Unnur Birna Backman are also part of this talented cast.

EbMaster discussed the intricacies of “Reykjavik Fusion,” including its funding structure, atmosphere, and ACT4’s aspirations, with Barmack (ex-Netflix International Originals head), Rúnarsson (executive producer), and Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson (CEO and executive producer of ACT4). Notably, Ingólfsson is also the creator-writer behind “The Minister,” “Thin Ice,” and “Stella Blómkvist 2.”

The “Reykjavik Fusion” project is experiencing significant pre-sale success. Nonetheless, we’re moving forward with production without yet having secured distribution in the United States.

Erik Barmack: The series resembles a band coming together. Traditionally, Scandinavian shows were produced by four or five broadcasters. However, with the arrival of streamers like Viaplay, this dynamic has changed. “Reykjavik Fusion” is an exciting Icelandic series featuring leads who have been part of globally successful titles and collaborated in France-Germany, Spain-Portugal, Finland, and Eastern Europe. It’s interesting to note that a viable business model for international TV can be established without initially considering the U.S. market. We believe we’ve created a global opportunity for our partners without requiring initial U.S. investment, which is quite an accomplishment.

“Is ‘Reykjavik Fusion’ similar to a blend of ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘The Bear,’ but could it also contain the same shockingly intense violence as ‘Breaking Bad’?”

Hörður Rúnarsson: “Reykjavik Fusion” isn’t just a quick-moving thriller; it also portrays the high-stress environment of managing a restaurant in a vivid manner, set against the backdrop of gloomy nights. However, acquiring money from an actual criminal isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The plot thickens, and Jonas finds himself navigating deeper into the criminal underworld, where lives are at stake. Yet, he yearns to maintain his kindness, reunite with his family, and continue running his successful restaurant.”

Jonas Margeir Ingolfsson: The restaurant is visually appealing and captivating. Renowned Icelandic chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, who oversees some of Reykjavik’s top-rated eateries like Sumac and Michelin-starred ÓX, is creating the menu and handling the cooking for the show. He has even extended his training to the kitchen staff appearing in the series, including Olafur Darri, by having them apprentice at his restaurant in Reykjavik.

How does Reykjavik Fusion” fit into your vision of ACT4?

Rúnarsson: Our approach is straightforward yet potent: We’re investing time and resources to grow, aiming always for larger, better, more daring productions. I believe we’re achieving this balance quite well. Frankly, I doubt you’ve witnessed such a rapid progression in a Nordic series, especially not in Iceland or perhaps anywhere in the Nordics. We’re delving deeply into the intricacies of the kitchen and restaurant scene, and we’re also pushing boundaries beyond them. Moreover, we’re executing production techniques unprecedented in Icelandic series, like bringing in specialized equipment for car chase scenes.

Margeir Ingólfsson: We’re not explicitly mentioned anywhere, but we aim to produce less yet more impactful series, focusing on projects we are passionate about. We’ve been engaging in co-production and pre-sales domestically in Iceland due to the small market size. Consequently, we’ve always had to seek international co-producers and pre-sale opportunities. This trend is often referred to as the Era of Co-production, but it has been our norm all along. As a result, we are well-prepared for the current market conditions.

Given that you’re both a show creator and a global distributor, Erik, would you consider applying the same financial strategy from “Reykjavik Fusion” to future productions as well?

Barmack: Wild Sheep is expected to increase sales with European broadcasters, as there are more enticing business opportunities available in Europe with local broadcasting networks. For instance, we’ve already produced a show called “Erica” in collaboration with TF1 in France. The networks here seem more willing to take risks, having learned from the potential dangers of allowing streamers to dominate their markets. Currently, Europe presents an intriguing ecosystem. Our global IP production, “Yakuza,” based on the Sega game, will be released on Amazon worldwide in October, and “Erica” [based on the Fjallbacka crime novel series by Camilla Lackberg] is being distributed by TF1 in France. We anticipate many more exciting projects with equally significant IP or partners that we believe will be well-suited for co-productions in Europe.

2024-08-05 16:17

‘The Tourist’s’ Ólafur Darri, ‘See’s’ Hera Hilmar to Star in ‘Reykjavik Fusion,’ from ACT 4, Wild Sheep Content, Arte (EXCLUSIVE)

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