Pinewood : Christian Wikander joins Pinewood Television as Co-production Director

Christian Wikander, current Head of Drama with SVT, Sweden's public broadcaster, is joining London-based Pinewood Television as Co-Production Director.

During his tenure at SVT, he and his department are credited with developing and producing international sensations like The Bridge, Real Humans and Jordskott.

Wikander's remit at Pinewood Television will be to devise a co-production strategy outside of the UK, working with production companies, broadcasters and OTT providers to develop, produce and finance high-end drama series. Reporting to Pinewood Television's Creative Director Helen Gregory, Wikander will source projects looking for finance as well as taking the company's own projects to international partners. He joins a growing team that now includes Head of Development Louisa FitzGerald, whose credits include Abi Morgan's River and The Secret starring Jimmy Nesbitt.

Commenting on Wikander's appointment, Helen Gregory said,

'Christian's pedigree in creating and producing such high quality drama and some of Scandinavia's most popular long-running series as well as his experience in international co-production is exceptional and I'm thrilled he's joining the team at Pinewood Television.'

Wikander created one of the first successful independent production companies in Sweden, and negotiated its sale to Metronome Film & Television Group. As well as leading SVT's Drama and Entertainment divisions through an exciting period of growth and reinvention, including online content development, he has an unprecedented record in international co-production and sales.

Commenting on his new role, Wikander said,

'I am very happy and proud to be joining Pinewood Television. It's an exciting and challenging time for drama. To become part of this strong and ambitious venture is a privilege.'

Wikander starts with Pinewood Television in October 2016 and will divide his time between London and Sweden.