Oslo readies to host biggest Scandinavian Screening event ever

The exclusive biennial market Scandinavian Screening to be held for the first time in Oslo, is co-organised by the five Nordic public broadcasters NRK, DR, SVT, YLE, RÚV, in cooperation with TV2Norge, TV2 Danmark, Viaplay, Elisa Viihde, Siminn, REinvent, TrustNordisk, Eccho Rights, Sola Media, the Norwegian Film Institute, Danish Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, Audiovisual Producers Finland and Oslo Series Days.

Top companies who have signed up to watch more than 40 pitches of brand new commissioned Nordic content include Disney, Netflix, Topic, US, MHz Networks, Mediaset, Spain, France Televisions, Canal+, ZDF, NDR, Germany, Lumiere Benelux among others.

Organiser Bente Sagplads, NRK Rights & Business Affairs summarises the uniqueness of Scandinavian Screening: “The most important for our specially invited guests is that they can find absolutely all Nordic produced content in all categories at one place, as Scandinavian Screening is the only market where all Nordic TV-platforms, distributors, film institutes are invited in as a partner to unite and present the very latest content coming from the Nordics.“

“With approximately 170 international attendees, this year’s Scandinavian Screening will be the biggest in its history, but it is still an intimate market for strengthening existing relations, as well as to create new relations, both among colleagues in the Nordics and from rest of the world.“

Sagplads adds: “Scandinavian Screening has never before been arranged in Oslo, and it is especially important to NRK to show international buyers that NRK is the TV-platform behind quite a few high-end drama series that have travelled very well during the last few years.”

DR Sales’ Head of Marketing and PR Nanna Lykke says Scandinavian Screening is “an informal and very intimate way to meet and connect with some of the biggest players in broadcasting and streaming, just a month before MIPCOM”.

Headlining the company’s upcoming programmes are Carmen Curlers, Prisoners starring Sofie Gråbøl, David Dencik, the ‘Next Generation’ thriller drama Nordland 99, and the documentary Hostage Takers .

REinvent’s Sales and Marketing Director Helene Aurø also underlines the importance of Scandinavian Screening where she can showcase “substantial new content to world buyers and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere”. Among REinvent’s hottest TV series to be pitched is TV2’s crime show Oxen written by Int’l Emmy-winning duo Mai Brostrøm and Peter Thorsboe (see separate story: CLICK HERE).

Yle’s Head of Sales Jukka Kaivola says the Scandinavian showcase is “a great opportunity to get customer feedback on the spot, and engage in more in-depth conversations with clients in a stress-free environment.” The Finnish broadcasting sales team will be launching several new drama projects - such as the hit dark comedy series Stop Nyqvist - as well as short form youth dramas with strong read-made potential.

Besides pitches and screenings, Scandinavian Screening will hold a talk from NRK’s Jørgen Svennevig on the Norwegian broadcaster’s 10-year streaming experience, while Ivar Køhn, Rubicon CEO, will invite Nordic drama heads to discuss sales strategy and co-productions.

Delegates will also have access to top series producers and creatives, taking part in Oslo Series Days (September 12-16). Highlights include a masterclass with Greg Yaitanes, US producer and director of Game of Thrones, the prequel House of the Dragon, and the panel ‘Call My Mentor!’ With screenwriters and story mentors Adam August (Follow the Money 3, Cry Wolf), Maria Clauss (All that is Left, Beartown 2) and Margrete Soug Kåset (Mammon 2).

The panel will be moderated by Nordisk Film & TV Fond CEO Liselott Forsman, initiator of the new screenwriting training initiative Nordic Script - for more information on Nordic Script - click here.