Who should I contact if I want to use still images or film clips belonging to SF Studios?

If you want to use images or posters from this website, please contact Bildarkivet at the Swedish Film Institute (SFI), bildarkivet@filminstitutet.se, for permission. For clips and other commercial purposes, please contact the SF Studios Rights Department, rightsdepartment@sfstudios.se, for permission. We encourage the use of materials, as long as we clear all copyright issues. Please note that both SFI and SF Studios reserve the right to charge for the use of materials.

What is the difference between AB Svensk Filmindustri and SF Studios?

In 2016, the company name AB Svensk Filmindustri and all other subsidiary registered company names were all re-branded as SF Studios to create a more cohesive company brand in the Nordics and the international marketplace.

What is the difference between SF Bio/ Filmstaden and SF Studios? 

Historically, AB Svensk Filmindustri encompassed film production, distribution and cinemas (the SF theatres). In 1998, Bonnier divided AB Svensk Filmindustri into two separate companies: AB Svensk Filmindustri (nowadays SF Studios) and SF Bio (nowadays Filmstaden) with the former restructuring as only a production and distribution company while the latter became a cinema chain. In 2013, Bonnier sold off the majority share of SF Bio to Ratos and later, in 2015, Bridgepoint took over the majority share. In 2017, SF Bio was sold to AMC Theatres which led to that SF Bio changed its name to Filmstaden.

What is the history behind SF Studios’ logotype?

Nils Hårde, the head of the marketing department at SF Studios for more than three decades between 1920-1953, created the famous SF Studios’ logotype. Hårde was one of the most popular poster designers of his time, having created the poster for the only SF Studios’ film Greta Garbo starred in, Gösta Berlings Saga, which was released in 1924. On that poster, his signature is on the top right-hand corner and the SF logo is on the top left-hand corner. 

In the early days, the logotype was very simple with a white S and F against a black background. It was not until the late 30s that the company changed it to two thin circle lines with the two beautifully shaped capital letters (still in black/white). The logo was mainly used for print media and in news reels (SF Journal). It was rarely used in films, only occasionally in the end credits, but never at the start of the film. During the 60s, a somewhat thicker logo was created, and the SF mark was placed on a square-shaped plate. From then on, several variations were created but in the mid-80s, it was decided that the original shape and form (the one from the early 30s) should be used in red. 

What is the history behind SF Studios’ vignette?

The SF vignette tune was composed in 1943 by Jules Sylvain to introduce SF-Journalen, a newsreel that were produced until the 1960s. Jules Sylvain headed SF Studios’ music department between 1937 and 1945, and composed both film scores and popular schlager music. Many of his 800 compositions are considered Swedish classics today. 

When TV had its breakthrough, SF-Journalen and the vignette tune were abandoned. In the early 80s, SF decided to improve the presentation of their films screened in cinemas and the tune was once again put into use. The score was re-arranged by Peter Wiberg and kept in its new arrangement for almost twenty years. In 2002, the score was once again re-arranged to give it a more classic touch. This time the arrangement was conducted by Adam Nordén, a well-known film composer. We have since also created a more playful version which is used for “Children’s SF Favourites” brand, nowadays referred to as "SF Kids".

Is SF Studios a public institution? 

No, SF Studios is a private company owned by the media company Bonnier AB. However, SF Studios receives funding for some film productions from public institutions such as the Swedish Film Institute, Danish Film Institute, Norwegian Film Institute and Finnish Film Foundation. 

What production and tax incentives can be offered on international co-productions?

Sweden and Denmark do not have any tax incentives on productions yet, but the Swedish entertainment industry is working actively to promote the issue to the government, and it is included in the political agenda. However, Norway and Finland are offering tax incentives on local and international productions.