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Seasoned Finnish writer-director-producer Aku Louhimies is plotting multi-season TV drama “Conflict,” a near-future political action thriller that turns on a Finland threatened by an unknown military force.

Comparing the project to high-profile Norwegian TV show “Occupied,” the director said he had the idea for “Conflict” after his war epic “Unknown Soldier,” Finland’s record-breaking movie with over 1 million ticket sales. “I started thinking what if Finland was suddenly threatened by foreign forces. How would we react and how would that affect geopolitics in the Nordic region?” reflected Louhimies, who contemplates building the project as a major international TV drama.

The project is co-penned by actor Andrei Alén, novelist and officer in reserve Helena Immonen, and long-time writing partner Jari Olavi Rantala.

Set on Midsummer’s Eve, the story follows an unknown military unit, as it invades a peaceful sea-side town in Finland. All residents are taken hostage, and civilians, used...

Exclusive: Cliffhanger and The Long Kiss Goodnight filmmaker Renny Harlin has completed filming on Class Reunion 3, his debut Finnish-language feature and the third entry in the highly successful series of comedy films from his native country.

The Solar Films production wrapped a rare pandemic era shoot after employing extensive Covid-19 safety regulations, including distancing, hygiene measures, and having a specially appointed virus safety supervisor on set.

As Deadline reported back in June, the pic was set to be one of the first European features to roll cameras since the pandemic gripped the production sector back in March, forcing near total shutdown of production around the world.

Class Reunion 3 is produced by Markus Selin and Jukka Helle of prominent local outfit Solar Films. It stars Jaajo Linnonmaa, a popular radio host in Finland, local celebrity actor Aku Hirviniemi, and famous standup comedian Sami Hedberg. The script was written by Harlin and...

Renny Harlin, one of Finland’s most successful exports to Hollywood having helmed the likes of Cliffhanger, The Long Kiss Goodnight, and Deep Blue Sea, is switching to his native language for his latest project, the third chapter in the highly successful comedy series Class Reunion.

The project is aiming for a late June production start date in Finland, local producers Solar Films told Deadline. This will be dependent on cast availabilities and ongoing consultation regarding Covid-19 safety, they outlined. The project could become of the first European features to roll cameras since the near-global production shutdown caused by the pandemic.

Finland has managed to largely contain the coronavirus spread, recording 320 deaths to date, which despite its fairly small population of 5.5 million still looks favorable in comparison with other European nations.

Class Reunion 3 will shoot with various Covid-19 safety measures in place, including having a specifically allocated person to supervise regulations on set,...

Finnish production from Frozen Land director will feature 14,000 extras.

Finnish director Aku Louhimies will start shooting his new epic The Unknown Soldier (Tuntematon Sotilas) on June 6, with 80 filming days scheduled.

Sf Film Finland has the theatrical launch slated for October 2017, timed to the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence.

The World War 2 historical-drama tells the story of a platoon of ordinary Finnish soldiers in the battlefield between Finland and the Soviet Union.

The script is adapted from Väinö Linna’s bestselling 1954 novel, and its uncensored version from 2000.

The book, translated into 23 languages, has been filmed twice before as 1955 and 1985 hits.

“The story of The Unknown Soldier is very universal. It’s a gripping portrayal of how a tragedy changes us all,” said Louhimies.

Eero Aho (Tears Of April, 8-Ball) will play Corporal Rokka, Jussi Vatanen (Lapland Odyssey) will play Second Lieutenant Koskela, and Aku Hirviniemi (Finland’s Saturday Night Live) will play Corporal Hietanen.

The production...