“We strongly believe in having writers in the role of executive producers and having Lars in this new position will strengthen our opportunities to create original series for an ever-evolving market,” said Rubicon TV CEO Ivar Køhn.

Gudmestad who will join Rubicon TV in April from Fantefilm, said: “Rubicon TV is recognised here in Norway, and internationally, as an innovative company built on the belief that originality is the key to shaping the future. I’m looking forward to working with the team to raise fresh emerging voices and using my passion to create new projects for Rubicon.”

The seasoned writer is credited for nearly 30 productions over the last two decades, working often as co-writer across a wide range of genres.

His credits include the acclaimed features Headhunters, The Orheim Company, The North Sea, and most recently last year’s second biggest Norwegian film in cinemas Teddy’s Christmas, co-written with Harald Rosenløw-Eeg.

In long-form scripted, he has worked on the hit comedy series Totally Perfect and Next Summer.

Meanwhile Banijay Group’s Rubicon TV is one of Norway’s most internationally established production outfits, behind successful series such as Countrymen, Beforeigners and Lilyhammer.

The company’s current premium series E14 Unit for Special Intel commissioned by TV2 Norway, is co-written by Sebastian Torngren Wartin and Erik Ivar Sæther.
The spy thriller based on true events, turns on the creation of a secret group within Norway’s Intelligence Service in the 1990s. The small group of agents were sent to what was then Yugoslavia to collect intelligence as part of the NATO intervention.

At this week’s European Film Market Industry showcases, producer Gudny Hummelvoll who was pitching the project, said “the story unfolds through the eyes of the secret agents, as we gradually understand how they become part of a big political game.” Hummelvoll said she is looking for European co-production partners.