EXCLUSIVE: There’s another distribution and financing house setting up shop in Europe.
Maria Kivinen is launching Norse Key Studios after spending 12 years at Finnish public broadcaster YLE as Sales Manager.
Norse Key is positioning as TV and film distribution and international financing company, and will work across unscripted formats, docs, kids and youth programs, drama and comedy series, feature films, and music and performing arts content.
Her slate includes Influencer Apprentice, which was a top performing show at YLE and comes from Podzilla Studios, and content from YLE’s streaming service, Areena. On the nature and wildlife front, Norse Key will sell Finnish shows, including docs from local producer DokArt Ky.
Kivinen has also snapped up rights to The Sound of Tine Thing Helseth, a music documentary from Norwegian pubcaster NRK.
Norse Key will also operate in international co-productions, working as an executive producer on series and films that require financing through pre-sales and packaging.
“After 12 fantastic years at YLE, I’m incredibly excited to start this new chapter with Norse Key Studios,” said Kivinen.
“Our mission is to bring distinctive Nordic and international stories to a global audience, from gripping drama series and feature films, bold new formats to powerful documentaries and inspiring music and arts projects. There is so much creative energy in our region, and I look forward to collaborating with producers, broadcasters, and partners worldwide to unlock new opportunities.”
The launch of Norse Key comes just weeks after another Finnish TV professional, actress and producer Salla Kozma, unveiled Pig & Horse Productions. Kozma’s business is focused on developing and producing unscripted shows and docs.
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