Exclusive: Trom written by Torfinnur Jákupsson is among ten drama projects to be pitched at Berlin’s Co-Pro Series from February 12-13.

Newly-created Copenhagen-based REinvent Studios has boarded the project as co-producer and world distributor. The premium crime drama with a docu-twist will be the very first TV drama originating from and set on the picturesque Faroe Islands. The company spearheading the project is the locally-based KYK Pictures, headed by former Zentropa producer Jón Hammer.

Trom is based on Jógvan Isaksen’s crime novels, adapted for television by emerging screenwriter Torfinnur Jákupsson. In the series journalist Hannis Martinsson investigates the murder of an animal rights activist, found floating in the bloody waters of a whale killing. Martinsson risks his own skin on the trail of a spectacular story, sending shock waves through the isolated island community, where every friend has suddenly become a suspect.

“Trom is a little gem, and when you’re competing with major players, you simply have to move fast,” said REInvent’s Director of Sales & Marketing Helene Aurø. “The screenplay is excellent, mixing scary elements with authentic Faroese customs and traditions, and the show will feature the Faroe Islands’ beautiful untouched scenery." 

Aurø continues: “Very much like the Icelandic series Trapped, you will have a story with a local investigation, involving a larger international network and in the case of Trom, the fishing industry.”

Rikke Ennis’ headed  REInvent Studios will start negotiating the series in Berlin, during the Co-Pro Series days, held within the scope of the festival’s Drama Series Days (February 11-13).

Another four high-end Nordic projects will be pitched at the Co-Pro series: 

  •  Reindeer Mafia (Finland) Co-directed by Mika Kurvinen (Invisible Heroes) and well-known Mika Kaurismäki from a script by Sami Parkkinen. Kaiho Republic is producing.
  • Family Matter (Denmark) DR Drama’s next prime TV show, directed by the established Pernille Fischer Christensen (Becoming Astrid), based on a script by Maja Jul Larsen (The Legacy, Follow the Money). 
  • Clone (Norway) Web series in which Out of Nature’s writer/director/actor Ole Giæver pursues his existential exploration by staging himself in outer space-in the year 2041. Mer Film is producing. 
  • Hacker (Norway) Written and directed by Andreas J. Riiser (Twigson the Explorer), co-written by Christian A. Owe and Amalie Kasin Lerstang. Produced by Motlys (Home Ground).