Interviews

Hello Marcella! How long have you been working at SF Studios?

I have been working at SF Studios since August 2019. 

What do you do in your role as Producer?

My main goal is to create films that people love. As a producer, I am involved in the full production cycle - from idea and funding to shooting and marketing of the film. In all phases I work closely with creative people involved in the film making process – directors, production crew, scriptwriters amongst many. I usually run several projects at the same time, which are often in different stages of the development process.

At the beginning of the process, when we have an idea that we think will work commercially, I sit down together with the creative team to brainstorm how the idea can be developed further. The idea will then be translated into synopsis, a treatment and later a script. It is typically when we have a treatment or first draft for a script that we seek financial support for the project – either from our own distribution team, the film institute, a regional film fund, a TV station, or other streaming services.

I am involved in everything that has to do with the film, from finding the production crew and cast, to handle budgets and social media content. The shooting takes about 6-7 weeks for a film, while it takes longer for a TV series. During this phase I am coordinating the work and making sure that everything runs smoothly and that we do not go above budget. The film is thereafter put into post-production and visual effects may be added. From early idea, I work closely with our own distribution team to stay ahead and make sure that the film gets the attention it deserves. And together with the film institute and our sales agent I start building an international launch outside the Nordics. 

Why did you join SF Studios?

For many years I have worked in production companies, having fewer colleagues than now at SF Studios. It has its advantages and disadvantages. In relation to my personal development, I missed having more colleagues. SF Studios were distributing some of the films I made and as I worked closely with the distribution team at SF Studios, I got to get a strong impression of the company and what it is like working here. SF Studios has a good reputation within the industry, and I knew there were a lot of great people working there. Joining SF Studios was a great opportunity for me – I got more colleagues to collaborate with in my daily work and got to work even closer with the distribution team.

What do you like the most in your role today?

I enjoy working close to the distribution team. Working together under the same roof enables us to develop ideas and brainstorm on how to bring the film to the market early in the development process. We all get a genuine interest in the film from the beginning, and a personal drive for the film to succeed. I truly like that we work cross-functional and meet in the creative space.

How would you describe the culture at SF Studios?

We are a value-driven company, which I think is seen in everything we do. I like that we are honest and that we work together as one team. You never feel lonely - there are a bunch of great colleagues and managers that are always happy to support each other. I think this is what makes us stand out – we have good core values and that is why people choose to work with us.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find a lot of inspiration in things happening in our world and surroundings. I also watch films and TV series to get inspired. It is not always inspiration by the direct content, but in the following discussions with colleagues. There are always subjects to dig into – it can be sad, heavy, or fun. It is about finding the essence of things.

What is your best film/TV memory?

I love a good comedy – such as Bridesmaids. I like the relatable humor, where you sometimes want to hide behind a pillow because you can relate to the embarrassment in the film.

But I also watch thrillers – The silence of the lambs with Hannibal Lecter is one of my favorites. I like the intriguing story that continues to surprise you throughout the film and I also like that there is a woman in the leading role. 

Do you have any tips for people who are interested in joining SF Studios?

I believe a positive attitude is essential to fit in our team and you should definitely be a team player.

Hello, Nico! How long have you been working at SF Studios?

I have been working at SF Studios since 2009. I started as an intern in the finance department, and during my years at SF Studios I have grown into the role of Senior Business Controller.

What do you do in your role as Business Controller?

My main task is to support the distribution business with analysis and reports. I work with financial statements, forecasts, budgets, and reporting. I am part of the Nordic financial team and work with the distribution business across the Nordics.

An important part of my job is pricing and how we can improve our margins on each individual film or TV series title. When setting the price for our home entertainment titles, we look at the numbers from the theatrical ticket admissions and evaluate how the film performed. Every month we follow up on the numbers to see how we performed and evaluate if the pricing was correct.

Why did you join SF Studios?

I found the workplace and the products exciting – numbers in combination with a fun product really caught my eye!

What do you like the most in your role today?

I like that my work has an impact on our entire business and its performance. My ideas are valuable, and it is great to see when they are realized. I also like that I can be self-going, I manage my own time and responsibility areas.

In my role there are good growth opportunities – I steadily grow within this role. I get more responsibility on an ongoing basis. I never get bored at work – I develop all the time.

How would you describe the culture at SF Studios?

I like the team spirit – not only within finance but within the company as well. In the Business Controlling team, everyone is in Sweden except for me – but we have daily contact and help each other out. In the company everyone cares for each other and help each other out – if you cannot solve a problem by yourself, you will find someone who is there to help.

At SF Studios, there is an open and transparent culture – you can speak your mind and be your true self. It does not matter who you talk to, you are always treated respectfully. SF Studios feels like a family – you know everyone and can talk to anyone. Online meetings are like being on the phone with your mum – you start the meeting with chit-chatting about anything. It is a great feeling!

What is your source of inspiration?

I appreciate the coffee machine talk – the unexpected calls that can turn into value for the business because we can support each other in a way that we did not know we could.

What is your best film/TV memory?

My best movie experience so far is Avatar! It was the first time I experienced 3D and I was really enchanted. 

Do you have any tips for people who are interested in joining SF Studios?

Films and TV series is an exciting product to work with, but also challenging. The tasks are nowhere near regular accounting or what you learned in school – and that is what I enjoy. To succeed here, I think you need to be independent, driven, and willing to take responsibility. 

Hello Julia! How long have you been working at SF Studios?

I have been working at SF Studios for 3 years in total.

What do you do in your role as Marketing Manager?

As Marketing Manager, I am responsible for the marketing of our theatrical releases. The main goal is defining the right target group and create buzz around the film. This includes marketing activities such as strategy and campaign planning and implementation, budgeting, events, and premieres. I work with both international blockbusters as well as local titles.

Why did you join SF Studios?

I had dreamed about working in the film industry for a long time and I knew SF Studios was a leading distributor. When I heard about a job opening within marketing at SF Studios, I knew it was the perfect match!

What do you like the most about your role today?

I love working with different kinds of films because each project feels unique. It never gets tiring; you learn something new with each project. I love the excitement when you are about to see a new film in the cinema – not only because you may experience something mind-blowing or heartbreaking – but to see what the film is about to offer professionally. I always walk in with the question: Who is the target audience and how can I convince them that this is the movie they need to see? That tickling feeling never gets old.

What do you like the most about working at SF Studios?

My colleagues! I have the best colleagues I could wish for. We have fun together and the atmosphere is relaxed. It is an open environment where you can throw ideas and get feedback from your colleagues. I think teamwork is the key to our success and we are steadily finding new ways to work together – both locally and across the Nordics.

How do you find inspiration in your work?

It is not hard to find inspiration when the product itself is so inspirational, but I often get the best ideas when I am not working but doing something totally different. I also like to find inspiration in other industries and think about how this could be translated into marketing films.

What is your best film/TV memory?

A few years back I did voice acting for the animated film “Finding Dory”. Seeing the film in a crowded cinema during the premiere event was amazing – it was just a few lines I did and I could barely recognize my own voice but it was so much fun.

Do you have any tips for people who are interested in joining SF Studios?

You do not have to be a movie expert to work in the industry. We need all kinds of talent and yours can be something else than knowing all the movie classics by heart. Other experiences give us new perspectives and help us succeed as a team!

Hi, Ulrika! How long have you been working at SF Studios?

I started working at SF Anytime when it started in 2001 – this was before SF Anytime was acquired by SF Studios. I was one of the first 5 employees at SF Anytime. I started as an administrative assistant, but as time passed the company grew - so did my responsibilities. 

Why did you join SF Studios?

When looking for jobs, I was excited to find SF Anytime, a company that created something entirely new. This was during the DVD era, and digital streaming was not that common at this time. I was excited to join this opportunity and I am still happy to see the development – from using physical DVDs to create digital files, compared to today where SF Anytime is the leading streaming service in the Nordics.

What do you do in your role as Traffic Lead?

 As Traffic Lead, I make sure that all master material is in place when we have a new release at SF Anytime. I make sure we have trailers, subtitles, correct language (dubbing) and that the file format works for our platforms. I set up requirements and coordinate the work between us and the film companies and vendors.

What do you like the most about your role today?

I like that I am responsible for making sure that the workflow is working as it should, and that I am part of contributing with new content for our streaming services. I also like to work close to vendors and partners, and not to mention my colleagues! There is great trust in each other, everyone wants SF Anytime to succeed and put their hearts in their work. You can always trust the people do their best and we are in this together.

What makes SF Studios special?

I like the products we work with and that there is a creative film vibe all over the company. Since we have production, distribution and streaming services in the same company you get to see film making from different angles which are fascinating. 

There is also a good atmosphere with a mix of people with different competencies. We like to spend time together and celebrate each teams’ success together!

What is your best film/TV memory?

In our family, we have film breakfasts now and then. We create a delicious breakfast, wake the kids up early and watch a good film together while enjoying breakfast. We have done it for many years, and the genre of the films has changed as the children become older. From Bob the Builder to The silence of the lambs. It is a great way to start a good weekend!

Do you have any tips for people who are interested in joining SF Studios?

It is important that you like to work both high and low – you should be ready to roll up your sleeves when needed. We are all experts in our own area, and that requires that you are responsible for everything that comes up within your area of expertise. Be flexible and prepared that no day will be the same!

Hello Sampsa! How long have you been working at SF Studios?

I have been working at SF Studios since 2010 – so I just celebrated my 10th anniversary. Time flies, I still remember my first day.

What do you do in your role as HE Sales Manager? 

I am responsible for sales, rights and budgeting for our Home Entertainment Distribution in Finland. I work with both physical products (such as DVD and Blu-ray) as well as digital. Before a film is launched on home entertainment, I do budget and forecasting to understand what happens in the Finnish market and what we can sell. Together with the Nordic Home Entertainment team and local Finnish theatrical team, we discuss upcoming films, target groups etc. to understand how the film would work on the market. It is about finding the films biggest potentials. The products we sell and market is local films, major blockbusters, TV-series and some smaller attractive non-theatrical films.

The sales team within Home Entertainment Distribution is Nordic, the team is spread out in all Nordic countries. 

Why did you join SF Studios?

I used to work as a buyer, where I worked closely with SF Studios. One day, I was contacted by SF Studios because they had a new job opening – which included working with both local films and majors. I decided to make the change and I am still happy I did!

What do you like the most about your role today?

We set up a common strategy and ways of working in the Nordics – but at the same time, we can all create our own methods to achieve our common goals. I like that I am given that trust and seeing the results of my efforts and finding new possibilities to boost sales. I am steadily challenged and that is why I have stayed within SF Studios for such a long time. I enjoy it every day.

What makes SF Studios special?

SF Studios’ ambition, competence, hunger to grow, and creating something new. And that we all do it together! It is the people that make SF Studios special. They challenge me, inspire me, and make my day – every day. We trust and rely on each other. I always enjoy coming to work, even during the more challenging times, I also try to bring a good feeling back home with me after work.

How do you find inspiration in your work?

The lineup we have is constantly changing, and I like that there is something new behind every corner. Being proactive and talking about new films at an early stage helps me to come up with new ideas for working. When there is a local film produced, I can be part of the development early, to give my view of the film and how to make it more commercial.

What is your best film/TV memory?

I got to visit the shooting of the James Bond film Skyfall in Istanbul. The film became a huge success, and I think the participation boosted the team to perform even better. The film became the biggest Bond film ever at that time.

Another great film memory was with the Finnish film Unknown soldier. I worked closely together with the production company on DVD marketing. I set up the strategy and planning – and the campaign was a huge success. I was proud to be part of the creation and seeing how being part of the project early on helped to succeed on the sales side.

Do you have any tips for people who are interested in joining SF Studios?

Keep a positive attitude. Prepare to be inspired and that there is something new happening all the time.

Hi Jon! How long have you been working at SF Studios?

I started working at the production company Tre vänner in 2011. Tre vänner was acquired by SF Studios in 2013.

What do you do in your role as Producer?

In the role of producer, I am responsible for the film – from idea to final product. I hire a production team such as a director, scriptwriter and photographer. My responsibility as a producer ends when the film is delivered, and the financing of the project is accounted for.  

What is the process of making a film?

Basically, you could say that making a film involves two different parts - a financial part, and a creative/production part. These two parts need to be closely connected for the project to run smoothly.

The financial part is about seeking support from co-producers and other stakeholders who want to finance the film at an early stage. Throughout the project, the producer stays in contact with the financiers regarding the progress of the project.

The creative part is about having a vision for the film. This vision is created by the director in close cooperation with the producer and other creative functions in the team. Since the producer is responsible for the finances of the film it is essential that the vision is aligned with what is affordable and doable. That is why communication is so important throughout the entire process.

The creative part involves roughly 3 phases: First comes scriptwriting, where you develop the initial idea. Then the shooting of the film – which is essentially redoing the scriptwriting, but on film. Thereafter you cut the film based on the material that you have shot. The final product can look different from the manuscript, but it cannot – or should not - be too big of a difference. 

The producers' work changes a bit during the process of making a film. During the scriptwriting process, it is a lot of listening and being in contact with the financiers. During the shooting, you support the director and ensure that the production team is doing well. The last part of the project is to make sure that we get the best final product based on the material that we have and that it gets as close as possible to the vision of the project that we had in the beginning. 

What do you like the most about working at SF Studios?

I like that we support each other in the creative process, a process that can be challenging. There is an open environment where you can say what you think, but always respectfully.

What do you like the most about your role today?

I enjoy creative collaboration. It is fantastic to be in a room full of creative people and to work with an idea that is realized in a film. I also enjoy the focus of a well-planned shooting day, when a lot of people work together towards the best scene or performance. In short, I could say that I enjoy working in a creative environment, and that is what film production is to me.

As a producer, you have the possibility of creating a product that affects other people and will be there forever. For example, the films about the Swedish comic book character Bamse have had around 1 million visitors in the cinemas, and many of the visitors were children who went there for the first time. For these kids, this will be an experience that they will remember, because who does not remember their first visit to the cinemas?

How do you find inspiration in your work?

It is mostly in the daily meetings with my colleagues and friends that I find inspiration – you discuss ideas, thoughts or just get inspired by a vision that someone has. I also find inspiration by watching films, TV series and of course books.

What is your best film/TV memory?

The premiere of the film Bamse was huge, as it was my debut as a feature film producer. The film got great reviews. It was an experience of its own and an important milestone in my career.

Another great memory was when the film Borg premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was the first Nordic film to ever open that festival. The film got awareness globally and has since then been shown all over the world. As a kid, I imagined creating a film that would be watched all over the world. The film Borg gave me that moment.

Do you have any tips for people who are interested in working as a producer?

It is always hard to give good tips, but I think that you need to be a good listener – what in the conversation should I react to? How do we proceed in the process to make the most out of the project? Being responsive is a valuable attribute.

Hi Stine! How long have you been working at SF Studios?

I have been working at SF Studios since 2014. I started as a temporary Marketing Consultant and later developed into the role of Marketing & Fulfillment Manager.

What do you do in your role as Marketing & Fulfillment Manager?

I have the overall marketing responsibility for Warner Bros. films and our international acquisitions films in Norway. Once we have defined our target audience(s) and estimated the theatrical potential, I then work closely with our media agency planning the different campaigns. Our goal is to reach our audience in the most cost-efficient and engaging way. We also aim to come up with new ideas which will generate attention and a WOW-factor. The campaign strategy is set in close collaboration with producers. 

I also handle the dubbing and subtitling process. I order trailers and the DCPs (digital cinema package) and make sure that the cinemas receive them in time. On top of that, I also help the Home Entertainment team with local production material.

Why did you join SF Studios?

It was mostly a coincidence. I stumbled upon the opportunity as I was looking for jobs. At first, I didn’t know anything about SF Studios besides the logo I had seen outside of movie theaters. During the interview process, I got to learn more about the company, and I realized that I had been very lucky to find this opportunity. It is a great industry with a lot of fun people and great products to market.

What do you like the most about your role today?

I like the variation in my work - no day is the same and every film is unique. The marketing trends are forever changing, so you need to adapt the marketing strategy to the trends. Working closely with great international producers is challenging, but also very exciting and I learn a lot. I also like the part that I work closely with so many different people from all around the world – from producers to dubbing studios, translators, exhibitors, partners, The Norwegian Media Authority, influencers, media-people, post-production companies and many more.

How would you describe the culture at SF Studios?

From my first day I was welcomed with open arms, everybody was so nice and including – and they still are! There is an open and social environment, you can speak your mind and give feedback and suggestions on things that could need some improvement. What I love, and need, is that even though we have a lot to do and it might be a very stressful week, there is always room for a joke and a good laugh. There is a great team spirit here, and you know you can rely on the team; we always help each other out. Because of my wonderful colleagues I am always happy to go to work on Mondays!

What makes SF Studios special is that everyone takes pride in their work and is willing to make an extra effort for SF Studios’ success.

What is your best film/TV memory?

I saw Young Guns when I was a kid (probably a bit too young to watch it). This was a western movie about Billy the Kid. The movie has it all – cowboys, horses, and Emilio Estevez! At that time, I had a pony, so I pretended I was a cowboy in the wild west and rode around on our farm. I have seen Young Guns countless of times, and it will forever be my favorite movie. If you have not seen it, you know what movie to watch next!

Do you have any tips for people who are interested in joining SF Studios?

Be a team player!  As you work with several films at the same time multitasking skills will be a big plus too. The film industry is a social industry with many events, so if you like socializing you will like it here!