WRITTEN BY: Annika Pham
Elsa Berg Bjärtun promoted to EVP Distribution
Elsa Berg Bjärtun promoted to EVP Distribution
As SF Studios’ EVP Distribution, Berg Bjärtun will drive the Scandi film giant’s distribution activities across all platforms, both in the Nordics and internationally, reporting to the group’s CEO Michael Porseryd.
Berg Bjärtun was previously EVP Digital Services where she played a key role in improving the company’s digital services SF Anytime and SF Kids Play; she also held a managing role in the acquisition business.
Porseryd said: “I am very pleased that Elsa has agreed to become SF Studios’ EVP Distribution. In addition to her extensive experience in different parts of the business, she has the skills required for this position - she has the ability to drive change and a great understanding of the film and television industries and the challenges ahead of us."
Asked if this position was new, SF Studios’ CEO said “it is not, but the role of EVP Distribution has developed along with the organisation. During the fall/early spring we have made adjustments to our organisation to streamline and simplify it even further."
SF Studios' two main business areas are split between Production and Distribution.
The Production department run by EVP Tim King oversees:
The Distribution department run by EVP Elsa Berg Bjärtun oversees:
Antti Toiviainen, previously Chief Sales and Distribution Officer is temporarily covering for Stjernströmer Björk during her maternity leave until November, and will then take on the role as Country Manager for Finland.
Last year, SF Studios had a market share of 22.3% in Denmark, 33.44% in Finland, 21.8% in Norway and 8.8% in Sweden. Current BO hits include Mikael Persbrandt’s vehicle The Cake General (Tårtgeneralen) by Swedish comedy specialists Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson, number one at the Swedish box office, and the Finnish war film The Unknown Soldier by Aku Louhimies, which has exceeded the one million admission mark in Finland.