Audiovisual Producers Finland Taps Executive Director

Audiovisual Producers Finland (APFI) has appointed Teemu Kalliala as the organization’s new executive director, effective June 1.

Previously, Kalliala served as general counsel for MTV in Finland.

APFI is charged with representing the interests of Finnish audiovisual content producers, promoting their internationalization, collectively managing their copyrights as well as organizing key events and competitions within the field. The newly formed organization is the result of the recent merging of The Association of Independent Producers in Finland, Finnish Film Producers, Audiovisual Finland and Tuotos.

Mika Toivainen, APFI’s chair of the board, remarked: “We are thrilled to have Teemu on board to launch our new association! Teemu has been an active figure in the industry for years, and his expertise regarding contractual practices, for example, is unparalleled. Teemu’s experience both with production companies and TV broadcasters is extremely valuable in terms of APFI’s core activities. The pace at which the audiovisual sector is changing and its working environment developing requires an experienced lawyer to head our organization. The APFI board has already begun its term and made preliminary plans concerning the association’s operational activities. Teemu is coming on board at precisely the right moment to continue building the new association.”

Kalliala added: “The audiovisual industry has truly given me the most interesting experiences of my career. I eagerly await the future. APFI offers the best possible cross-sectoral view of our entire industry. We’ve set the bar high for ourselves and there is plenty to do in terms of developing a level playing field across our industry. It’s very motivating to start cooperating with APFI’s board comprised of top-class professionals, and together building a new, wonderful producers association.”