Two prominent Finnish production companies, Whatevergroup – recognized for Elisa Viihde’s renowned crime series “Evilside” – and Mutant Koala Pictures have entered into a strategic merger to form Whatever Pictures.
Positioned as a dynamic film and TV production entity and scripted studio, Whatever Pictures aspires to embody a blend of “global ambition and northern soul.” The new company will witness the fusion of two imaginative Finnish scripted independents as they collaborate from the scenic reaches of the Arctic north, concentrating on pioneering productions, co-productions, as well as offering top-tier production services and post-production coordination.
Based in Oulu, country’s northern region, Whatever Pictures aims to combine advanced technological expertise with the resolute spirit synonymous with Arctic life. The company seeks inspiration from the extreme landscapes surrounding it—the long, harsh winters, the dazzling midnight sun, and the untamed wilderness—which will inherently influence its storytelling. Their narratives are expected to reflect the tension, resilience, and surprising humor drawn from these unique experiences.
“This merger is the result of a thoughtful strategy. It positions us more robustly to tackle the evolving challenges in the Finnish funding landscape,” the teams remarked in a joint statement to Variety. “It began with the desire to seek out strong partnerships, and together we feel we have broadened our reach.”
Despite the merger, Whatevergroup and Mutant Koala Pictures will continue to function as sub-labels under the Whatever Pictures umbrella, providing dedicated production and service expertise.
“We remain committed to delivering exceptional writing and will prioritize time and resources on stories from their inception, aiming to present the best fiction to audiences worldwide,” the team emphasized.
Whatever Pictures has an exciting lineup forthcoming, featuring a diverse slate of thrillers, mysteries, dramas, comedies, and high-quality documentaries. Among its upcoming initiatives is “Torna a Surriento,” a European co-production involving Glassriver in Iceland, Rein Film in Norway, and Viola Films in Italy, developed for Finnish broadcaster YLE, Icelandic streaming service Siminn, and Italy’s RAI.
In this captivating narrative, a savvy Neapolitan hustler unexpectedly inherits a remote estate in Finland’s enchanting Lapland. What seems like an effortless financial opportunity turns into a clash against the local Sami community and an unexpected romance with a spirited reindeer herder.
Another thrilling project in the pipeline is “Transporter,” an action thriller that unfolds in a single day in northern Finland, capturing the chaos when a donor heart is stolen during transport. Directed by Jussi Hiltunen, known for his work in “Bordertown” and “Arctic Circle,” this gripping tale will be featured at the upcoming Finnish Film Affair event in Helsinki.
CEO Antti Kaarlela encapsulated the essence of their geographic locale, stating, “Our work here is a blend of resilience and ambition—navigating a marsh on Tuesday and walking a red carpet by Friday comprises an ordinary week for us.”
Creative producer Jukka Vidgren remarked, “For years, we have been dedicated to crafting stories that capture audiences’ imaginations—both within Finland and across the globe. United, we are confident that the most compelling stories are those we can share collectively.”
The key leadership team at Whatever Pictures is rounded out with notable figures: Antti Kairakari (creative producer), Pia Ervasti (CFO/line producer), Aleksi Puranen (head of development), and Petteri Staven (VFX supervisor).
“We know the North intimately, we understand our artistry, and we believe that the extreme conditions we face daily—light and dark, solitude and humor—lay a perfect foundation for narratives that resonate globally,” Kaarlela concluded.
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