ALL3MEDIA INTERNATIONAL CRIME THRILLER "BLACK SANDS" STARTS PRODUCTION

Channel 2 Iceland and Glassriver confirmed that production had started on the new eight-part drama series, "Black Sands".  The show is being made in association with All3Media International, who also confirmed that they had secured presale partners in VRT Belgium, who will co-produce, and YLE Finland.

Glassriver ("Journey", "Ordinary People"), announced that the eerie crime thriller had started principal photography on location in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and around Reynisfjara, in Iceland. Directed by the award-winning director Baldvin Z ("Trapped" ), this character-driven drama centres on a young police detective who is forced to confront her past as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in her hometown.  

First-look images from the set have also been released, featuring Aldís Amah Hamilton ("The Valhalla Murders'') in the lead role as police detective Anita. The drama also stars Thor Tulinius ("Valhalla Murders") as police chief Ragnar, Kolbeinn Arnbjornsson ("Shadowtown") as the town’s doctor Salomon, and Steinunn Ólina ("Case") as Anita’s mother Elin.

"Black Sands" is created by Ragnar Jónsson, Andri Ottarsson, Aldís Amah Hamilton and Baldvin Z. Producers are Hordur Runarsson, Abby Haflidadottir and Andri Omarsson.  

Glassriver producer Hörður Rúnarsson commented; “We’re thrilled to be underway with our highly anticipated crime thriller 'Black Sands' – the team both in front and behind the camera is a tremendous ensemble ensuring the quality of the show. 'Black Sands' is a cinematic and bold show, set in this unique landscape and bringing forth the rich, emotional storytelling heritage of the region - as is the way with everything Baldvin Z touches. Channel 2 has been fantastic from day one and we are extremely thankful for the masters of the crime genre, All3Media International, who’ve been instrumental through their unwavering support and belief in the strength of the story and creative vision that we are bringing to the screen.”

Baldvin Z, Edda winning director, producer and writer said “The approach in 'Black Sands' is to heighten the tension in a way that draws us closer to the characters instead of purely plot-driven scenes that are meant to drive the story forward. I do not approach this only as a crime drama but as a dark romantic drama/thriller.”

Thora Clausen, Head of Programming and Acquisitions, “We are very excited to launch 'Black Sands' in Q4 2021 and believe this is a series that will be well received by our subscribers. We have always had strong belief in this project due to the quality of the scripts as well as the ambitious casting. Our cooperation with Glassriver on previous productions as well as Black Sands has always been successful and we are very confident that 'Black Sands' will meet its promise.”

Stephen Driscoll, EVP, EMEA & European Co-Productions at All3Media International, added, “We are so excited to see the Glassriver team start production on this brilliant new thriller.  Crime fans around the globe are in for a gripping investigation across this stunning landscape as our protagonists pursue a killer in their midst whose actions will devastate their community.  We are very grateful to YLE and VRT for backing this project from its first pitch.  We can’t wait to see Baldvin Z and his team realise their vision of a crime series that will enthral audiences the world over.”