Industry

A new scripted studio with global ambitions and a distinctly northern spirit has been born. Whatever Pictures officially launches today, following the merger of two leading Finnish scripted indies: Whatevergroup and Mutant Koala Pictures.

Based in Oulu, Whatever Pictures draws inspiration from the extremes of its northern environment — long winters, the midnight sun, and raw wilderness. These elements infuse its stories with tension, resilience, and flashes of unexpected humour.

The company’s slate includes thrillers, mysteries, dramas, comedies, and select high-end documentaries, all united by sharp storytelling and international appeal. Whatever Pictures will work with leading writers, directors, and creative talent both in Finland and abroad, developing original projects from scratch while also engaging in co-productions, production services, and post-production coordination. Its focus is on originality, strong concepts, and market-ready execution, supported by partnerships with trusted co-producers, sales agents, and broadcasters.

Among the first projects on its slate is Torna a Surriento, a European co-production with Glassriver (Iceland), Rein Film (Norway), and Viola Films (Italy), commissioned by Finland’s YLE, Icelandic streamer Síminn, and Italy’s RAI. Further announcements on original and co-produced series and feature films will follow soon.

“Our job up here is equal parts grit and ambition,” says CEO Antti Kaarlela. “Crossing a swamp on Tuesday and walking a red carpet on Friday are part of the same week. We know the North, we know our craft, and we believe the extremes we live with every day — light, dark, isolation, humour — are the perfect foundation for stories that resonate everywhere.”

Creative Producer Jukka Vidgren adds: “Telling stories people want to watch is what we’ve each done for years – in Finland, across Scandinavia, and globally. Now, together, we’re building on that experience. The best stories are the ones worth sharing everywhere.”