Based on a book by Finnish author Pekka Hiltunen, the eight-part series produced by Finland’s Luminoir is scripted by BAFTA nominated David Joss Buckley (Hinterland) and directed by Sweden’s Agneta Fagerström-Olsson (Seppan, Knockout).

The central characters are two young Finnish women in London, drawn inexorably together via the Studio – a clandestine group dedicated to bringing justice to those beyond the law. But as their battle against exploitation, violence and corporate greed intensifies, the question is will the Studio’s ends continue to justify its means? “The series deals with the political chaos in present Europe and how a group of ordinary people put their forces and minds together to challenge the big powers”, said producer Markku Flink. 

Thanks to the solid character-driven script and experienced creators on board, the Finnish producer has attracted an impressive group of Nordic, European and US/Chinese partners including co-producers A Private View (Belgium), Vico Films (Ireland), Sagafilm (Iceland), the Nordic streaming platform Viaplay, VTM broadcaster in Belgium and L.A.-based Global Road Entertainment.

The new mini-major backed by Chinese investors Tang Media Partners, will handle Cold Courage’s international distribution. “We had a lot of interest from various world distributors and Global Road Entertainment simply came up with the best offer,” told Flink to nordicfilmandtvnews.com.

Eli Shibley, President of International Television Distribution & Co-Productions at Global Road Entertainment said: “The first of several scripted productions lined up for Global Road Entertainment in 2019, Cold Courage is compelling and timely and we couldn’t be more thrilled to distribute the series on behalf of MTG, Luminoir, and the creative team behind the project. The partnership embodies the borderless approach to high-end content production, investment, and distribution that will become a calling card for us in the years to come.”

Jakob Mejlhede, MTG EVP and Head of Programming and Content Development added: “This is one of MTG’s most ambitious Originals so far. Our partnership with Global Road Entertainment reflects the series’ worldwide potential.” The series will go into production later this year, with an A-list cast. Viaplay will premiere it across the Nordics in 2019.