Alveberg, who died after a long illness, had been active in the Norwegian film and television industry since the mid 1970s. He produced almost 20 films, often taking personal risks on projects in which he believed, such as his first film Orion's Belt by Ola Solum (1984) and Elling by Petter Næss (2001), two films that became huge hits and put Norwegian cinema on the world's map.
Elling was produced by Maipo which he founded in 2000. Other titles produced for Maipo include Jens Lien's Jonny Vang, and Bård Breien's The Art of Negative Thinking. Synnøve Hørsdal, producer and managing director of Maipo said: "After having had ten inspiring, challenging and fun years with Dag it is a great loss and sorrow to all of us in Maipo. Dag was always striving for us all to get better and for our films to be optimized and he was a visionary that made Maipo into what it is today. He was also a good friend and partner that can not be replaced."
Alveberg also held senior positions at Nordic public audiovisual organizations, such as head of Drama for NRK (1994) and for Danmark Radio (1999), and head of Nordisk Film & TV Fond (1995-1999). Furthermore, he produced the opening and closing ceremonies at the Lillehammer Olympics in 1993.
Hanne Palmquist, CEO of Nordisk Film & TV Fond pays tribute to Dag Alveberg.
A day with Dag
Last June on a Sunday afternoon I was invited to visit Dag and Ellen at their house at Nærsnes by the Oslo fiord. Tired after yet another busy week and looking forward to lying in a deck chair in the garden doing absolutely nothing, I drove down south. It was a warm and humid day - dark clouds were building up.
Upon my arrival Dag was full of energy and eager to get going - there was no hanging around in deck chairs - it was time to go sailing to one of the little islands in the fiord. Politely I tried to avoid the journey, but in vain - Dag's mind was set on action and adventure and there was only one thing to do - follow the leader.
As we sailed out the clouds turned darker, the wind was picking up and with the biggest smile on his face Dag was driving the boat even faster. We reached our destination, anchored and jumped onto the cliffs. It turned out that the place was a deserted island with no paths only dense forest. Dag's goal was naturally to climb to the top.
Within a few minutes it started raining cats and dogs and the firm forest bed turned to mud. There was no talking underway only the sound of Ellen and I trying to keep pace. Finally Dag turned around and we all started laughing. We were standing there soaking wet in the middle of the Norwegian wilderness and for no good reason - other than going all the way. Back to the boat - and another fast drive later we were sitting in the best restaurant in Drøbak with a glass of wine waiting for our food to come. It was time to celebrate and enjoy.
This is how I will always remember Dag Alveberg. A man full of will, energy, focused stubbornness, humor and joy. A generous man - a very fine friend - someone to count on no matter what. My thoughts and condolences to his sons and family and to his lovely, strong and faithful wife, Ellen Alveberg.
Hanne Palmquist - December 2010.