Red Arrow Studios International has picked up worldwide distribution rights to new comedy Perfect Commando (10 x 22′) from Fire Monkey in Finland.
Elisa Viihde in Finland has commissioned the series, and filming for the English and Finnish language comedy will commence at the end of July and premiere on Elisa Viihde’s Aitio streaming service early next year.
The series features actor and social media star Kian Lawley (Zac & Mia, Before I Fall) and US actress Katherine C. Hughes (My Dead Ex, Kingdom and Blue Bloods) in the leading roles, alongside an established cast of Finnish actors, including Johannes Holopainen (Heavy Trip, All The Sins), Fanni Noroila (HasBeen) and Tommi Korpela (Bullets, Deadwind).
Perfect Commando is based on two young characters, Van and Rachel, who have led carefree lives in their home of California. However, Van’s first ever trip to his mother’s home country of Finland takes an unexpected wrong turn as soon as he steps off the plane, when due to Van’s dual American-Finnish citizenship he is thrown into military service. Forced out of his comfort zone, will this privileged kid from LA survive this tough new life in the army barracks with a bunch of oddballs and rise to the challenge of Army Commando?
The series will be directed by Finnish director and scriptwriter Jalmari Helander (The Fakir, Rare Exports) who has worked with Samuel L. Jackson and Oscar winning actor Jim Broadbent in the 2014 film Big Game, while script writing credits go to Mikko Pöllä (Black Widows, Easy Living).
The series has been produced in collaboration with Business Finland.
Alex Fraser, EVP Acquisitions & Content Investment at Red Arrow Studios International, said: “Original Finnish content – particularly from Elisa Viihde – is really starting to make a name for itself internationally and we are delighted to be partnering with them and producers’ Fire Monkey to bring Perfect Commando to the small screen. A combination of quirky, younger-skewing storylines and the well-known cast will really help open doors around the world”.
“When I read the script, I immediately decided to take the job. The concept of the show, as well as the unusual combination of a comedy and drama really impressed me. It is great to be involved in making a series with such a strong cast,” says director Jalmari Helander.
“We wanted to make a comedy that would be youthful, international and edgy. Even though the main characters are American, the series also represents a contemporary Finland. The comedy effect stems from the interests of individuals and a community colliding. Pieces fly here and there,” adds Roope Lehtinen from Fire Monkey.
“Finnish drama attracts more and more viewers from abroad, and now we’re seeing Finnish comedy rousing a lot of international interest. Perfect Commando is the first Finnish comedy series to be co-financed by an international distributor right from its inception. Our slate of original series are our most popular content, so it’s fantastic to be involved in developing such high quality drama and comedy shows that meet international standards,” adds Ani Korpela, Head of Content at Elisa Viihde.