The distribution and financing market has a new player: Maria Kivinen, former Sales Manager at the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, has launched Norse Key Studios. The new company will operate in film and TV distribution, focusing on international financing from Europe to the global market.
Norse Key Studios is set to work across a wide variety of genres, including unscripted formats, documentaries, kids and youth content, drama and comedy series, feature films, and music and performing arts projects.
Kivinen highlighted the company’s mission to act as a bridge for regional content. “Our mission is to bring distinctive Nordic and international stories to a global audience, from gripping drama series and feature films, bold new formats to powerful documentaries and inspiring music and arts projects,” she stated.
The company will also operate in the area of international co-productions, serving as an executive producer on series and films requiring financing through pre-sales and packaging.
For the launch, Kivinen has already secured distribution rights for The Sound of Tine Thing Helseth, a music documentary from Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. The initial portfolio also includes the high-performing show Influencer Apprentice from Podzilla Studios, which was a success on YLE, and content from Areena, YLE’s streaming service. In the nature and wildlife genre, Norse Key will distribute Finnish programs from producers such as DokArt Ky.
Kivinen concluded that there is great creative energy in the region and looks forward to collaborating with producers and partners globally to “unlock new opportunities.”
