Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Elin Kvist

  1. Björn Borg’s Memoir Heartbeat Set for Screen Adaptation by Acclaimed Writer/Director Jonas Åkerlund

    Comments Off on Björn Borg’s Memoir Heartbeat Set for Screen Adaptation by Acclaimed Writer/Director Jonas Åkerlund

    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Jarowskij/Yellow Bird and Mastiff Sweden are co-developing a scripted interpretation of Björn Borg’s bestselling memoir Hjärtslag (Heartbeat). The adaptation will be helmed by internationally renowned filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund, one of Sweden’s most influential directors, known for his groundbreaking music videos for Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones, as well as films like Polar, Spun, Lord of Chaos and the Netflix series Clark.

    Björn Borg says: “I’ve spent my entire life in matches – both on and off the court. Jonas wants to explore both sides, and I feel the time is right for that. He has the eye, the energy, and the courage to tell my story in his own way.”

    Currently in development, the screen adaptation will explore Borg’s meteoric rise to tennis superstardom, including his unprecedented five consecutive Wimbledon titles, and his shocking decision to retire at just 26 years old. Based on Hjärtslag, published by Norstedts last month, the story delves into Borg’s life beyond the court, from childhood and tennis stardom to the years of financial collapse, media scrutiny, and personal reinvention.

    Jonas Åkerlund, Writer/Director, says: “Everyone knows Björn Borg for his legendary moments on the court, for his fierce, unparalleled power as an athlete and icon. With his book, we finally dipped a toe into his enigmatic mind. But with this project, we’re canon-balling into the deep end.” 

    Mattias Olsson, Head of Creative at Mastiff Sweden, and Elin Kvist, Chief Executive Officer, Jarowskij/Yellow Bird say: “We are incredibly proud to have been entrusted with this unique story, about one of the greatest sports heroes of all time, Björn Borg. There’s only one person who can tell it, and that’s the cultural force of Jonas Åkerlund. This is going to be a memorable biopic that must be seen.”

    Mastiff Sweden is behind ambitious formats like the recently announced TV4 culinary showdown 100 Knives, co-developed with Banijay Americas label Bunim/Murray Productions, as well as a long-running local version of Survivor, and Love is Blind Sweden, serving as the production partner for multiple Netflix adaptations.  Meanwhile, high-end scripted production company Jarowskij/Yellow Bird has delivered successful productions like Diary of a Ditched Girl, A Nearly Normal Family, Millennium, The Restaurant, and the major upcoming reinterpretation of iconic detective Wallander.

    Banijay Entertainment is the number one scripted studio in Europe, home to over 60 labels, producing more than 110 titles annually. Its global portfolio includes House of Guinness, Half Man, The Law According to Lidea Poet, Motor Valley, Montmartre, Carême, The Anatomy of a Moment and the Culpa trilogy. The Nordic slate includes Fallen, My Brother, Billionaire’s Island, Still Breathing, Supporting Actor and Murder in Hanko.

    This project also reflects Banijay Entertainment’s growing expansion in sport storytelling, following the launch of Banijay Sports, and underscores its commitment to delivering a bold, cross-genre offering to audiences worldwide.

  2. Yellow Bird Appoints Elin Kvist as VP/Creative Director

    Comments Off on Yellow Bird Appoints Elin Kvist as VP/Creative Director

    Swedish scripted company Yellow Bird, part of Banijay Nordic, today announces it is bolstering its senior management team, with Elin Kvist joining as VP/Creative Director. She will begin the position in January 2024.

    Kvist joins from Stockholm-based company FLX, where for three years she has held the post as Head of Drama. The label is behind numerous scripted series, feature films, non-scripted series, and commercials. Notable scripted successes include The Dark Heart, helmed by Gustav Möller, Blinded by Jens Jonsson, and Surburbia, directed by Henrik Schyffert. FLX is also set to release upcoming series Marked for Life, directed by Felix Herngren and Henrik Björn, The Breakthrough, directed by Lisa Siwe, and Stenbeck, helmed by Goran Kapetanovic. Prior to her time at FLX, Kvist spent six years at broadcaster TV4, rising to become Head of Development, Drama.

    Elin Kvist comments: “I’m incredibly excited to join Yellow Bird, which has always been a strong producer of high-quality and impactful drama in the Nordics. Whilst there is a lot happening in our industry, the company is well-positioned to continue creating powerful series and films, and to further ramp up the collaboration with the international creative community. I’m really looking forward to joining the next phase of the company’s growth and to achieve great things together with the team.”

    Jakob Feeney, CEO at Yellow Bird comments: “Elin’s appointment marks the next step in Yellow Bird’s evolution. There have never been higher expectations on us as producers, both from broadcasters and audiences across platforms, to deliver scripted content with a wide reach that leaves a lasting impact. With Elin joining Yellow Bird, she brings the energy and vision to elevate our scripted slate in Sweden and internationally to the next level.”

    Yellow Bird credits include a TV drama prequel to Jo Nesbø’s highly acclaimed, fast-paced corporate thriller Headhunters for CMore, a third run of crime drama Bäckström, as well as well-known hits Threesome and The Truth Will Out. Earlier successes include Millennium Trilogy, Occupied, Rebecca Martinsson and over 30 Wallanderfilms.