Viihde & A+E Networks team on original series Next of Kin
September 16, 2020
Elisa Viihde’s new original series Next of Kin begins filming this week in the Helsinki metropolitan area. This eight-part series will become available next year on the Elisa Viihde Viaplay, a brand-new streaming service launching this autumn. The show is produced in partnership with Global Media Company A+E Networks® who will also be distributing Worldwide.
The story is set in the near future in Finland’s capital city of Helsinki and poses some fundamental questions about humanity; who are we and how does genotype link us to one another? In this compelling drama, lead character Liv, played by Nika Savolainen decides to discover what happened to her DNA sample when it was stolen from a biobank, but unknowingly ends up being dangerously pursued.
“We are seeing Finns are increasingly using streaming services to watch new series, and so are keen to continue introducing fresh Finnish content. When Elisa Viihde Aitio and Viaplay join forces this autumn, Finnish, Nordic and international series will be available on one service in the future. It’s great that we can offer the first Elisa Viihde original series to our customers that is the result of stellar talent from both Finland and Denmark,” says Ani Korpela, Head of Elisa’s content business.
This thought-provoking drama series is directed by Akseli Tuomivaara, who has previously directed the movie Korso., whilst Minna Panjanen from Finland and Valeria Richter from Denmark collaborated to script the series.
“It has been particularly interesting to write this script, because the series deals with the next stage of evolution, which people themselves have developed. At the same time, Next of Kin is an entertaining family drama in which the characters keep challenging each other,” adds scriptwriter Minna Panjanen.
The leading roles are played by Nika Savolainen (Shadow Lines) and Elmer Bäck (Idiomatic). Matleena Kuusniemi (Hooked) and Antti Virmavirta (Man in Room 301), well-known Danish actors Sarah Boberg (The Bridge), Sonny Lindberg (known for the series The Rain and The Legacy) also star in the series along with May Lifschitz, a Victoria Secret’s model who is seen in the Netflix’s Warrior Nun series, and featured in other key roles.
Mark Lwoff, Misha Jaari and Pilvi Kuusrainen from Bufo are producing the series for Elisa Viihde. It is produced in collaboration with A+E Networks who will also be distributing worldwide; as well as with Business Finland and the Finnish Film Foundation.