Oble to introduce Finland’s Famous Detective to Global Audiences with ‘Helsinki Crimes’
F​ebruary 2nd, 2022

Oble, the Paris based drama producer and distributor, has inked a co-production and distribution agreement with ITV Studios Finland for brand new scripted crime drama ‘Helsinki Crimes’ (aka Harjunpää ). Based on the best-selling novels from award winning Finnish writer Matti Yrjänä Joensuu, the series has been given a bright, contemporary spin by scriptwriter Harri Virtanen, placing Finland’s renowned police detective Timo Harjunpää in present-day Helsinki.
Helsinki Crimes is an eight-part series (8 x 45’) filmed and produced in 2021 by Maria Kangas and Pete Paavolainen at ITV Studios Finland for MTV3 and CMore. CMore and MTV3 will officially present the series at Goteborg’s TV Drama Vision, the international television festival with a focus on Nordic drama (28 th January – 6 th February 2022), and will premiere in 2022 on C More streaming service.
Named after the series’ location, Helsinki Crimes follows vice and murder squad detectives Sergeant Timo Harjunpää (Olli Rahkonen) and his partner Onerva Nykanen (Olga Temonen) as they investigate a wave of serious crimes taking place in the Finnish capital. Lead character Timo Harjunpää is an honest, conscientious policeman but it’s his empathy and respect for all of humanity, including those who commit the most brutal crimes, that distinguish him and add depth to his investigations as well as providing him with a psychological advantage in his work.
“There are many police procedural TV shows but there are none like ‘Helsinki Crimes’ – a startlingly original, contemporary detective series set in the vibrant seaside Finnish capital. The never-ending days of the Scandinavian summer give this stylish, high-calibre series an atmospheric brightness which is enhanced by glossy characters and polished performances. Joensuu’s books have been imaginatively modernised providing a compelling creative backbone to this unique crime drama featuring reserved family-man and psychologically astute police detective Timo Harjunpää, brought to life by Olli Rahkonen.” Said Ekaterina Sol, Oble.
“Oble has a fantastic track record introducing premium local drama series to global audiences. They really understand how to make scripted content travel and we’re delighted to be working with them on Helsinki Crimes, we’ve found their advice and support invaluable.” Said Maria Kangas ITV Studios Finland.
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