Based on an original idea by Norwegian best-selling novelist Nesbø, the project has been further developed by key writer Harald Rosenløw Eeg. Erik Skoldbjaerg (Insomnia, Pioneer) is concept director and attached to the first two episodes.
Occupied is a multi-layered political suspense thriller set in a not so distant future where Russia has invaded Norway to control its oil resources. The series explores the themes of loyalty to oneself, one’s family and one’s country under foreign invasion. “Everything is thrilling about Occupied: not only the gripping story, but also the fact that our Norwegian King of Crime Jo Nesbø is writing for TV. It’s also the first time Yellow Bird is producing for us and that we have Arte on board,” said NRK Commissioning Editor Tone Rønning.
Zodiak Media’s production subsidiaries Yellow Bird in Norway and GTV in France are co-producing and Zodiak Rights is handling international sales. The crime series was just awarded NOK10 million production support from the Norwegian Film Institute. It is set to air on NRK and Arte in 2015.