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Press Releases
Wallander – Kenneth Branagh in major new drama adaptation for Ö÷²¥´óÐã One
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Kenneth Branagh returns to Ö÷²¥´óÐã One to play the unique Swedish detective Kurt Wallander in three new single films for the channel.
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The drama will be adapted from Swedish author Henning Mankell's critically acclaimed Kurt Wallander Mysteries – an international publishing phenomenon with over 25 million copies sold worldwide.
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The series will be co-produced by Kenneth Branagh's production company with Yellow Bird (a part of the Zodiak Television Group) and Left Bank Pictures through Ö÷²¥´óÐã Scotland.
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Branagh, who is also a co-producing partner, has had a long time passion for the books, and the project came to fruition when he contacted Executive Producer of Yellow Bird Ole Søndberg, and after he met with Mankell in Sweden.
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Three of the Wallander stories have been commissioned for single 90-minute episodes – One Step Behind, Firewall and Sidetracked. All three of the dramatic tales are set in Sweden and will be shot on location there early next year.
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Simon Moseley, Branagh's long-term producing partner, will produce the films and the TV adaptation will be written by Richard Cottan (Men Only, Love Again) and Richard McBrien (Trust, The Debt).
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Executive Producers for Left Bank Pictures are Andy Harries (The Queen, Prime Suspect) and Francis Hopkinson (Danielle Cable, The Jury).
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Kenneth Branagh will also executive produce and Executive Producers for Yellow Bird will be Ole Søndberg (Beck series, Wallander series) and Anni Faurby.
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Kenneth Branagh said: "Wallander is a wonderfully complex and compelling character and, as a long time admirer of Mankell's novels, I am very excited to be playing this fascinatingly flawed but deeply human detective."
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Left Bank Pictures Head of Television, Francis Hopkinson, said: "These are fantastic stories set in a beautiful and rarely seen part of the world. Southern Sweden is a stunning place to film and the location will lend a magical quality to this unique production."
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Anne Mensah, Head of Drama for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Scotland, adds: "Wallander is an extremely ambitious project – after all we're looking to create an classic new detective character for British television.
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"The Henning Mankell novels are well loved around the world and have a depth and complexity which will make for exciting and compulsive viewing. We couldn't hope for a stronger team behind the project, nor could we hope for a more perfect leading man than Kenneth Branagh."
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Filming for Wallander is expected to start in early 2008 on location in Sweden – bringing together a production team from both the UK and Sweden. Details of further casting to follow.
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Wallander is the latest in a raft of new drama commissions through Ö÷²¥´óÐã Scotland including Phoo Action, P.A.s, Fiona's Story and God On Trial.
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Ö÷²¥´óÐã Worldwide has a 25% equity stake in Left Bank Pictures which gives it an exclusive first-look option on all Left Bank Pictures' television productions.
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Yellow Bird is one of the largest drama producers in Scandinavia. They have already produced 13 Swedish Wallander movies and are currently in production for two other Scandinavian detective series.
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