Bonnier Broadcasting Sets Up Formats Outfit

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s Bonnier Broadcasting has set up a production company, in conjunction with former Strix Television and Silverback chief Anna Carrfors Bråkenhielm, that will develop, produce and distribute formats for the Nordic and international markets.

Scandinavian Studios, led by Carrfors Bråkenhielm as CEO, will develop, produce and exploit formats in cooperation with Bonnier-owned TV4 Group in Sweden and MTV Media in Finland. Jan Scherman, the incoming VP of Bonnier Broadcasting, will be chairman of the board for Scandinavian Studios.



"It’s an exciting challenge to work within Bonnier Broadcasting to create a new content company with a base in Sweden and with a lot of room to play on the international market," said Carrfors Bråkenhielm. "Most of the production companies in Sweden are owned today by big international players and these days, almost all of the big media companies in the world who have their own TV channels also have their own production companies. With some of Europe’s leading TV channels within the group, I believe we can be a strong player both in Sweden and internationally."



Scherman added, 

"Competition for the best TV format rights is only getting stronger. In order to succeed with audiences and create new business, it has become ever more important to develop, exploit and build new program format rights. That Bonnier Broadcasting now is starting its own company in this arena is eminently important. And the connection to the TV4 Group is an advantage."



Carrfors Bråkenhielm was CEO of Strix Television from 1996 to 2005. She went on to found Silverback, which she sold to ITV plc. in 2008.