Finland’s Helsinki-filmi is ready to hear “Dead Women Talking” in a new series set to be directed by Jojo Erholtz.
Based on the original concept by Johanna Holvikallio – with Tua Harno as head writer – it will see two ambitious reporters, Olivia and Noora, hosting a podcast about crimes against women. But a decades-old case of small-town beauty queen murders might cost them their lives.
“I believe original ideas are still worth investing in. Stories with unique but relatable hooks will continue to put bums in the seats,” said Head of Drama Mia Ylönen.
“Finns have grown to strive in the field of unique ideas, just look at Nordic Noir and ‘Finnish Weird.’ As a production company, we also want to highlight new voices and marginalized communities, while ensuring the film or series still attracts a wide mainstream audience.”
True crime podcasts have proven to be “incredibly popular” among young women, pointed out producer Anniina Leppänen.
“I believe this subject resonates deeply with the target audience of the series. Personally, I have been listening to them for years and it has been fascinating to explore why this format appeals so strongly to women. Especially considering that true crime magazines and documentaries have been around for decades,” she added.
“The series is a bold, addictive and modern addition to the world of crime dramas. While it focuses on violence against women – a critical social issue that cannot be ignored – it approaches the topic from a fresh perspective. It literally gives a voice to women: both those investigating crimes and those who have been victims.”
In the show, currently in development and lightened by main characters’ friendship and humor, women won’t be “faceless statistics.”
“They are real, multidimensional individuals with dreams, aspirations and opinions. While the series explores dark and heavy themes, it remains an engaging crime drama with compelling mystery elements.”
Jojo Erholtz
Credit: Anikó Kuikka
Jojo Erholtz, a Helsinki-based director, writer and editor behind “Detective Maria Kallio” and “Soulmates” – developing her debut feature with Aamu Film Company, also behind Juho Kuosmanen’s hits – was “excited” to get the call.
“What drew me was its complex narrative and well-drawn characters. The story takes place in two different timelines as our modern-day protagonists begin to investigate a murder which happened in the 1980s. The idea of using podcast narration and sound as the source of drama, and as a narrative guide, offers a unique way of approaching the style of the series,” she told Variety.
“And, of course, having two fierce female protagonists fighting for the truth while risking their lives makes for an entertaining rollercoaster.”
At the moment, Finnish scripts tend to be “more ambitious than our funding,” but shows like “Dead Women Talking” will “hopefully set the bar high.”
“It motivates not only the key creators but everyone who works on the series. I would love to see a Nordic zombie drama-thriller set in the coldness of the winter. Perhaps I should pitch this to Mia?”
Ahead of Göteborg’s TV Drama Vision, Helsinki-filmi also debuted an exclusive trailer for much-anticipated “Icebreaker.” The show, directed by Pete Riski, will have its international premiere on AMC+ in Spain on Feb. 13.
Led by actor Jessica Grabowsky, cast as a coast guard whose day is about to take a turn for the worse, it introduces a group of survivors left on a stranded icebreaker. Soon, they start to disappear and something supernatural might be at play.
“Both of these series combine something familiar with something surprising. ‘Icebreaker’ takes a mystery thriller to an unseen location: a literal icebreaker ploughing through the frozen sea. ‘Dead Women Talking’ investigates a murder case in an unusual surrounding: a true crime podcast. I believe that these titillating concepts, combined with strong female leads, are the unique selling points of these series,” said Ylönen.
“Icebreaker,” commissioned by Elisa Viihde, is distributed by APC. “Dead Women Talking” is commissioned by YLE.
“Our international shows will continue to focus on high-concept crime and thriller series, continuing in the footsteps of our flagship series ‘Codename: Annika.’ One that, again, merged something familiar – an undercover cop – with something unfamiliar: the world of art fraud. Our strength has always lied in creating unique drama concepts with an irresistible hook and a human heart.”
