Viaplay Content Distribution has closed a licensing agreement with CANAL+ Group’s channel POLAR+ in France and all its territories for Nordic Noir "End of Summer". Based on former police officer Anders de la Motte’s bestselling Swedish novel of the same name and starring Julia Ragnarsson ("Midsommar", "The Bridge2) and Erik Enge ("Tigers", "The Sandhamn Murder"’), the six-part, psychological thriller follows a sister’s search for the truth behind her young brother’s disappearance and his potential return decades later. The package also includes the rights for POLAR+ in France and all its territories to six-part, Norwegian crime drama "Fenris", which follows mysterious disappearances in a wolf-inhabited forest.
Viaplay produced "End of summer" with Harmonica Films in co-production with SF Studios, Film i Skåne, and Paprika Studios. The series is directed by Jens Jonsson ("Blinded", "The Hunters") and Henrik Georgsson ("The Bridge", "The Man Who Played with Fire"), and produced by Per Janérus ("The Hunters") and Björn Carlström, with head writers Björn Carlström ("The Hunters") and Stefan Thunberg ("Wallander").
In addition, Viaplay Content Distribution has pre-sold the title to partners in more than 40 markets through Viaplay Select as well as traditional licensing, including WOWOW Japan, Deutsche Telekom Germany, Vodafone Greece, SBS Australia, CH Media Switzerland, Pickbox in CEE, EITB in Basque Spain, LGU+ South Korea, DMD Latin America, Mola TV Indonesia, NOS Portugal, among others.
The story begins in summer 1984 with 5-year-old Billy disappearing in rural Sweden, and the inconclusive police investigation that follows shattering the family. Two decades later, Billy's sister Vera (Ragnarsson), meets a hauntingly familiar young man (Enge), who forces her to unravel the truth behind her brother's disappearance.
Vanda Rapti, Viaplay Group EVP Viaplay Select & Content Distribution referred to the commercial success of the series: “Viaplay Content Distribution is excited to announce licensing to CANAL+ Group’s channel POLAR+ for two thrilling Nordic Noirs – ‘End of Summer’ and ‘Fenris’, which are sure to delight their viewers. Additionally, we are thrilled for the ongoing buzz around ‘End of Summer’ as it continues to sell globally to more than 40 markets. Having Nordic shows sold prior to their launch on their motherland, in so many markets in the world, is evidence to both the increasing appeal of Nordic story telling around the world, as well as the strength of Viaplay Select being an ideal platform for premium Nordic content," commented.
Finally, Jean-Marc Juramie, Deputy Managing Director, CANAL+ France, Channels and Content showed satisfaction with the development of the genre: “We’re glad to partner with Viaplay Content Distribution on more must-see Nordic Noir series. With extremely gripping scripts and engaging lead performances, ’End of Summer’ and ‘Fenris’ will definitely interest our high quality drama and mystery lovers," stated.
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