Miso Film, a Nordic production powerhouse under the Fremantle umbrella, is not just surviving but thriving in a challenging Nordic market that is slowly recovering from the fallout of Viaplay’s decline and streamers reducing their commissions. Founded 20 years ago by Peter Bose and Jonas Allen, the company has built a reputation for producing high-quality, iconic series such as “The Investigation,” “Wallander,” “Beck,” and “Those Who Kill.” Now, as Miso Film celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is marking the occasion with a packed slate of ambitious projects, including films and series that showcase top Scandinavian talent. Recent highlights include the premiere of Tomas Alfredson’s “Faithless,” an adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s classic film, which competed at the Toronto Film Festival, and the announcement of a new six-episode series based on Linn Ullmann’s bestselling novel “The Cold Song.” Another major project, “Royal Blood,” is set in 1807 and explores the clash between royal families in Denmark-Norway and Sweden. These projects underscore Miso Film’s commitment to high-end storytelling that resonates both locally and globally.
One of the company’s latest ventures is “Uniform,” a six-part primetime crime series commissioned by a Danish broadcaster. Directed by Janus Metz, known for his work on “Armadillo” and “True Detective,” and written by Oscar Giese and Anders August, the series boasts a star-studded Nordic cast, including Lena Maria Christensen, Jakob Cedergren, Marco Ilsø, and Clara Rosager. Filming is set to begin in March 2024 in Copenhagen. “Uniform” delves into the complexities of police work and training, focusing on a trainee who becomes embroiled in a fatal shooting during a violent arrest. The series explores themes of accountability, force, and the challenges faced by both trainees and seasoned officers. Peter Bose has praised the writers and director for crafting a engaging and relevant story, emphasizing that Janus Metz’s unique style will bring a fresh perspective to the series. Miso Film’s ability to attract top talent and tackle timely themes is a testament to its enduring success.
Miso Film’s resilience in a tough market is a notable achievement. Two years ago, the Danish production sector faced significant challenges when commissions dropped by 50% due to a conflict over residuals with Create Denmark, a guild representing actors and filmmakers. The collapse of Viaplay, once a major player in Nordic streaming, and the withdrawal of HBO from the market, coupled with Disney scaling back on local productions, further exacerbated the crisis. However, Miso Film’s partnership with Fremantle provided a lifeline, enabling the company to continue developing projects during this difficult period. Jonas Allen and Peter Bose have credited their ability to fund development internally, with support from Fremantle, for keeping the company afloat. By the time streamers began commissioning again, Miso Film had a slate of strong projects ready, ensuring a smooth transition back to growth. This strategic approach has allowed the company to remain nimble and responsive to changing market conditions.
The duo behind Miso Film has always prioritized high-quality, locally rooted stories that appeal to a global audience. “Royal Blood,” for instance, is deeply Scandinavian in tone and relevance but has universal themes that resonate beyond the region. This balancing act is central to Miso Film’s DNA. The company has also expanded its repertoire in recent years, venturing into romantic comedies and dramedies. One such project, “A Copenhagen Love Story,” produced for Netflix, follows a young couple navigating fertility treatments and conception, blending humor and heartache in a relatable yet intimate story. This diversification reflects Miso Film’s willingness to explore new genres while staying true to its core strength: crafting compelling, high-end dramas. By collaborating with bold and courageous partners, the company continues to push creative boundaries and take risks on original stories.
Miso Film’s success is also tied to its close relationships with creative talent. Over the years, the company has cultivated strong connections with filmmakers and actors, ensuring access to some of the region’s most talented professionals. This strategic focus on talent has been a cornerstone of Miso Film’s strategy since its inception. Additionally, the company maintains a manageable slate of projects—typically between 10 and 15 at a time—to ensure that each one receives the attention and resources needed to bring its vision to life. This approach allows Miso Film to deliver exceptional quality while fostering innovation and creativity. Fremantle’s CEO of Global Drama and Film, Christian Vesper, has praised Peter Bose and Jonas Allen for their leadership during a challenging period, noting that they have successfully navigated market changes while stabilizing and restructuring the company for future growth. As Miso Film marks its 20th anniversary, it continues to be a driving force in Nordic storytelling, producing shows that leave a lasting impact both locally and internationally.
Looking ahead, Miso Film’s future appears bright. With a strong slate of upcoming projects, including “Uniform,” which is set to premiere on DR in early 2026 and has already been sold to public broadcasters in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, the company is poised to continue its success. Its ability to adapt to market shifts, maintain its creative edge, and foster strong partnerships with talent and broadcasters ensures that Miso Film will remain a key player in the Nordic production landscape for years to come. As the company celebrates two decades of creating compelling, boundary-pushing content, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in connecting audiences across borders and cultures. Miso Film’s journey is a reminder that even in turbulent times, creativity, resilience, and a commitment to quality can lead to enduring success.
