Format

ITV Studios has announced that Lars Finnland has been appointed as the new Managing Director of its Nordic label, ITV Studios Norway.

Finnland, who joins from events company 6.Sans Event where he was CEO, spent six years prior to that managing Nordisk Film TV, having also been Chief of Entertainment and initially a producer in his 16 years at the company.

While CEO at Nordisk Film TV, Finnland oversaw a reorganisation that established the company as one of the country’s leading production companies across drama, reality, event and factual entertainment. As Chief of Entertainment, he ran a department responsible for 150 shows, such as Vil du bli millionær, the local version of quiz show format Who Wants to be A Millionaire?, Jakten på kjærligheten, 71 grader nord, The Voice, Da damene dro, Heia Tufte and Åndenes makt, while before that, he produced more than 200 shows during a five year period for TV2, TV Norge, NRK and TV3.

Mike Beale, MD Nordics and Global Creative Network at ITV Studios, said: “Lars’ expertise and track record speaks for itself and I am delighted he is joining us to lead the label into a new and exciting phase. With the local creative talent alongside the strong catalogues of ITV Studios, Talpa Global, Twofour Rights and Elk Entertainment, we believe that the production entity can go from strength to strength.”

Finnland said: “I am incredibly happy and motivated to start the job as head of ITV Studios in Norway. We want growth in Norway. ITV Studios is undoubtedly one of the major international players in the market and, through a large and innovative international network, we hope to be able to bring new and modern TV concepts into the Norwegian market. I'm really looking forward to being a part of it.”

ITV Studios Norway has produced and co-produced over 40 television series, including Aber Bergen, Love Island, Ice Road Rescue and Nattpatruljen.