Norwegian producer/writer/director Anne Bjørnstad, (pictured) creator of the successful TV series Lilyhammer is preparing a new series for Rubicon TV: Vekterne (Watchmen) produced for TV2. The NOK18 million series was awarded NOK4.1 million in production support from the Norwegian Film Institute and will start filming this winter.

Vekterne is a 12 episode mockumentary series about a team of dysfunctional security guards at a shopping center, led by a former Afghanistan veteran. Henrik Elvestad shares the writing credit with Lilyhammer duo Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin.

Also received support is the 13x13’ kids TV series Karsten og Petra based on Tor Åge Bringsværd books just started filming for Cinenord Kidstory. Norway’s children’s film specialist Arne Lindtner Næss is directing. The NOK15 million series which received a NOK2.3 million grant from the NFI was also supported by Nordisk Film & TV Fond. A feature film version is being made at the same time.

Two other TV series set to start filming in March 2013 received production support. The 6 episode TV series Køber produced by Funkenhauser Production for TV2Norge combines love, spiritualism and a possible murder. It is based on a true story featured in Ivo de Figueiredo’s documentary Mysteriet Ingeborg Køber. Andreas Riiser is directing. 

Trio is an action/fantasy TV series for children and youth set in the Gudbrandsdalen valley. Atle Knudsen who has several kids productions under his belt (Orps-the Movie) will direct with Morten Hovland also attached as key writer. Nordic Stories AS is producing the NOK23.4 million series with Fabbelaktiv AS.