SF Studios and SVT to produce new adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s Life on Seacrow Island, Beta Film handles international sales
Photographer: Petrus Sjövik
SF Studios and SVT (Sveriges Television) in collaboration with Beta Film Kids & Family are producing a new adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s beloved series Life on Seacrow Island (Swedish title: Vi på Saltkråkan), directed by Fredrik Edfeldt. The six-episode series, written by Karin Arrhenius, takes place in modern times and will begin filming in Stockholm’s archipelago in June.
Life on Seacrow Island is a series about the children of two very different families; one from the rural archipelago and one from the bustling city. Their lives are intertwined on the island during a long and memorable summer. The story is seen mainly from the children’s perspective where their clear, unobtrusive gaze rules the world and leads to imaginative and dramatic adventures.
The new Life on Seacrow Island is an entertaining feelgood story about togetherness and the adventures of summer. It is a humor filled series, but with an existential depth that comes with portraying genuine human beings. The series is largely built from the original series by Astrid Lindgren with her timeless and universal themes, and which has been one of the most popular Swedish series of all time.
Life on Seacrow Island is written by the acclaimed scriptwriter Karin Arrhenius (Blackwater) and directed by Fredrik Edfeldt (The Girl). The ensemble portraying the iconic characters consists of actors such as Henrik Norlén (Tsunami), Nora Rios (Caliphate), Göran Gillinger (First Responders), Philip Zandén (438 days), Anna Bjelkerud (The Giant), Johan Marenius Nordahl (The Hunters) and Karin de Frumerie (Tsunami), with the children being played by Vega Åhman, Elton Larsson, Lovisa Lindblad, Lisa Varger, Ingrid Andersson Curman, Sami Fagerström Erfan and Bertil Mancini.
"I am so happy to be able to spread Astrid Lindgren's progressive perspective on children and celebration of nature in our time", says Fredrik Edfeldt, director.
"To be involved in preserving and renewing the free and wonderful universe of Life on Seacrow Island with all its colorful characters has been incredibly joyful", adds Karin Arrhenius, screenwriter.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to recreate Astrid Lindgren's cherished world of Seacrow Island for a modern audience. We are also delighted to continue the fruitful collaboration between Astrid Lindgren and SF Studios, a partnership that began back in the 1960s. With Fredrik Edfeldt directing, Karin Arrhenius writing the script, an outstanding cast and crew, and the support of our co-producers, we eagerly anticipate the start of filming this summer", says Brita Lundqvist and Jon Nohrstedt, producers at SF Studios.
“At Beta Film, Astrid Lindgren’s stories are deeply ingrained in our company history, so we are thrilled and honored to be part of this new adaptation and to introduce a new generation of children to Life of Seacrow Island. This uplifting series is full of positivity, escapism, and nostalgia, faithfully adhering to its source material. Lindgren’s work is timeless and universal, resonating with audiences of all ages”, says Claudia Schmitt, Head of Kids & Family Entertainment at Beta Film.
SF Studios has a long history of producing popular and acclaimed children’s films and TV series starting with their collaboration with Astrid Lindgren with productions of classic films such as Pippi Longstocking, Ronia the Robber’s Daughter and Emil in Lönneberga. Recent family and children’s productions include JerryMaya’s Detective Agency film-series, Pelle No-Tail, the Bamse trilogy (2014-2018) and the Nelly Rapp film-series.
Life on Seacrow Island is produced by SF Studios with producers Brita Lundqvist and Jon Nohrstedt in co-production with SVT, Film Stockholm and The Astrid Lindgren Company. Beta Film’s boutique label Kids & Family handles international sales. The series will be released in Sweden on SVT and SVT Play in 2025.
For more information, please contact:
Jesper Larsson, Communications Specialist, SF Studios +46 73 359 96 06
Brita Lundqvist, Producer, SF Studios, +46 70 497 17 21
Jon Nohrstedt, Producer, SF Studios, +46 70 643 42 65
About SF Studios
SF Studios, established in 1919, is one of the world’s oldest film companies. Today SF Studios is the leading film studio in the Nordic region with its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden and offices in Oslo, Copenhagen and Helsinki. The company is producing and distributing feature films and TV series as well as providing the streaming service SF Anytime and Blockbuster. SF Studios is part of the leading Nordic media company Bonnier.
About SVT Drama
SVT Drama is part of the Swedish public service television company (Sveriges Television) whose aim is to create content that engages, entertains, and enriches. The focus of SVT Drama lies on strong original stories that can make an impact on society. The latest successes, apart from worldwide Caliphate is Thin Blue Line, Blackwater and Pressure point.
About Beta Film
Beta Film is a leading independent Film & Television group. Beta Film produces, finances and distributes high-end content for the global market. It has stakes in production companies across Europe as well as renowned brands such as Beta Cinema (international sales and distribution of feature films) and Autentic (international sales, production and distribution of documentary and factual content). Founded by Leo Kirch in 1959 and owned by Jan Mojto since 2004, Beta Film is based in Munich, Germany, with offices in the US, Latin America and throughout Europe.
About Film Stockholm
Film Stockholm is a regional film fund with the mission is to promote and develop film production in the region through co-production, talent development and film commission services. Film Stockholm is owned by Region Stockholm and run in close collaboration with the city of Stockholm.
About The Astrid Lindgren Company
The Astrid Lindgren Company is owned by Astrid Lindgren’s children and grandchildren. There are currently 18 people employed by the company, most of whom are experts in different fields of copyright. The foundation on which the company is built is the love of Astrid Lindgren and her work and the belief that the world needs Astrid Lindgren – perhaps now more than ever before.
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