Mediawan Rights Boards Crime Series ‘Elma’ from Iceland’s Glassriver
Glassriver, a prominent production company in Iceland known for hits such as “Black Sands” and “As Long as We Live,” has recently secured a significant international distribution deal with Mediawan Rights for their highly anticipated crime thriller series, “Elma.” The series is based on the best-selling book series by Eva BjörgÆgisdóttir.
The distribution deal includes partners such as Lunanime in Belgium, MTV Finland, private equity investors, and other parties to be announced later, according to Glassriver CEO and producer Andri Ómarsson in an interview with Variety. Ómarsson expressed his excitement for “Elma,” stating that the series is ready to make a mark on the global stage. Glassriver has acquired the rights to all five books in the “Elma” series and is thrilled to collaborate with Mediawan Rights, a company known for its success in high-end drama.
Valérie Vleeschhouwer, CEO of Mediawan Rights, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing their commitment to bringing top-tier European shows to audiences worldwide.
The first season of “Elma,” titled “The Creak on the Stairs,” is set to begin production on October 7 in Iceland. The series will be directed by Katrín Björgvinsdóttir and Thora Hilmarsdóttir, known for their work on acclaimed projects such as “The Minister” and “Stella Blómkvist.”
Eva BjörgÆgisdóttir’s book series has garnered critical acclaim for its blend of Nordic Noir and psychological depth. The first book, “The Creak on the Stairs,” topped the charts in Iceland and received the CWA Debut Dagger-Blackbird Award. The TV adaptation, led by head-writer Karen Björg Eyfjörð Þorsteinsdóttir, follows police detective Elma as she navigates a murder investigation in her hometown of Akrane.
In addition to “Elma,” Glassriver boasts an impressive slate of series, including the climate disaster drama “Avalanche,” the comedy “Hot Stuff,” and upcoming projects based on the works of acclaimed crime author Arnaldur Indriðason.
With its commitment to producing high-quality content and partnering with industry leaders like Mediawan Rights, Glassriver is poised to make a significant impact in the world of international television. Stay tuned for more updates on “Elma” and other exciting projects from this Icelandic powerhouse.
