Swedish-French Drama Midnight Sun Clinches Global Deals

CANNES: STUDIOCANAL has sold the drama Midnight Sun to a host of broadcasters ahead of its premiere, with sales to, among others, ZDF in Germany and HOT in Israel.

The 8×1-hour thriller, produced by Atlantique Productions and Nice Drama, is set for SBS in Australia, NRK in Norway, DR in Denmark, RUV in Iceland, MTV3 in Finland, VRT in Belgium and Lumière in Benelux. It makes its official debut on October 23 on SVT and will air later this year on Canal+ under the Création Originale banner.

Susanne Mueller, the executive director for feature films and international co-productions at ZDF, said: “Midnight Sun is a wonderfully crafted, nail-biting thriller series and will be an absolute highlight in our 2017 schedule. It is a perfect fit for our Sunday late night crime slot, where we air the finest European crime drama. Midnight Sun is the next big Scandi-series with a twist after our successful co-productions like The Bridge, Modus and also the upcoming Springtide.”

Marshall Heald, SBS’s director of television and online content, commented: “Midnight Sun is Nordic Noir at its finest, delivering a thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seat to the very last. This truly international series offers sweeping scenery, compelling storytelling and stunning performances, and is an exciting addition to our program offering as we continue to showcase the very best in world drama.”

Marike Muselaers, the head of acquisitions and co-productions for TV series at Lumière, added: “We have been following Midnight Sun from a very early stage and we are thrilled to start working with STUDIOCANAL on this topical, gripping and beautiful drama/thriller series. As both STUDIOCANAL and Lumière specialize in bringing high-end quality TV series to the public, we are sure this will be the start of a long and fruitful partnership. Soon the Midnight Sun will shine everywhere in Benelux!”

Katrina Neylon, the executive VP of sales and marketing at STUDIOCANAL, added, “Midnight Sun is a beautifully shot, absorbing drama series which also raises real and current issues such as racism and damage to our environment. The series has hit a nerve with buyers internationally already ahead of its premiere, appealing to both Free and Pay TV networks and we’re in advanced negotiations to close additional sales in the coming months.”