Roadmap to Co-Producing with the UK

Roadmap to Co-Producing with the UK 

Photo: Grethe Nygaard

In 2023-24, New Nordic Films had a two-year Focus on the UK. This initiative has strengthened ties between Nordic and British filmmakers, fostering new partnerships and supported promising future projects. In collaboration with the British Film Institute, the Norwegian Film Institute, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London, New Nordic Films hosted 2 UK film industry delegations in Haugesund. Eight UK projects were pitched at the Nordic Co-Production Market and engaged in exclusive meetings with sales agents, festivals, and distributors.

In April 2024, a Norwegian producer delegation traveled to London, meeting UK counterparts at the Norwegian Ambassador's residence for project presentations and networking. Attendees also participated in a Film London studio tour arranged by Film London and a reception for UK and Norwegian industry professionals at the Norwegian Ambassador's residence.

The UK Focus has featured discussion panels, networking events, screenings, and a case study on UK-Nordic co-productions. A key highlight at New Nordic Films in Haugesund was The Roadmap to Co-Producing with the UK by Kamilla Hodøl and Emilie Jouffroy at Elation Pictures, offering essential guidance on funding, distribution, and collaboration in the UK. Commissioned by the Royal Norwegian Embassy with the Norwegian Film Institute and New Nordic Films, this document provides practical insights for international co-productions.

The initiative has already yielded success, notably with Let It Come Down, a feature film that gained traction at Haugesund. It secured full financing and is set to begin filming in November 2025 near Glasgow. One of the film's producers, Molly Murphy, who attended with the producer Isabella Speaight and director Anna Frederikke Bjerke, noted:

“Being selected for the Nordic Co-Production Market gave our project credibility. We connected with several sales agents, one of whom we hope to partner with on Let It Come Down.”

Beyond business, the British producer praised Haugesund’s intimate setting for facilitating meaningful meetings. She shared:

“The festival’s size made networking easy and relaxed. I especially appreciated the co-pro talk with Kamilla Hodøl and, of course, the unforgettable seafood buffet!”

The London event in April 2024 also received positive feedback. Claire Willats of Rockwood Pictures noted:

“It was a great event! I met new faces, gained industry insights—especially on co-productions." She also noted that she has started discussions on a project with a Norwegian producer. 

Other attendees echoed this sentiment:

“The gathering was tremendously valuable. We connected with new producers and projects, and while no specific collaboration has materialized yet, the relationships we built hold great potential.”

The UK-Nordic co-production initiative has set a strong foundation for future collaborations, ensuring innovative storytelling and creative excellence continue to thrive across borders.

In 2025, the Focus countries at New Nordic Films will be the Baltics. "The Baltic countries have distinguished themselves with a strongly growing and internationally oriented film industry in recent years. By focusing on the Baltic countries, we want to create an arena for increased production cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries" says Gyda Velvin Myklebust, Head of New Nordic Films.  

Norwegian filmmakers may receive a copy of the Roadmap to Co-Producing with the UK, by sending an email to Benedicte Danielsen at The Norwegian Film Institute: bd@nfi.no.

The UK Focus was presented in collaboration with and supported by the British Film Institute through the BFI National Lottery International Fund, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London, Norwegian Film Institute, the British Embassy in Norway, Film London and the British Council.  

Panel discussion on UK/Nordic co-production with Benedikte Danielsen (Norwegian Film Institute), director/producer Mikko Mäkelä (FIN/UK), producer Gabrielle de Cevins (UK), producer James Watson (UK), producer and moderator Kamilla Hodøl (NOR/UK) and producer Roosa Toivonen (Aurora Studios, FIN). Photo: Grethe Nygaard

Reception with UK and Nordic producers, hosted by Norwegian Film Institute. Photo: Grethe Nygaard

Let It Come Down, pitching at the Nordic Co-Production Market