| Early Short Articles
Inspector Norse
Radio Times, 30 August - 5 September 2008 (see the photo here)
Meet TV's latest addition to the ranks of TV detective. Kenneth Branagh brings a brooding, Bergmanesque quality to his performance in Wallander, a new BBC1 series adapted from the award-winning crime novels of Swedish author Henning Mankell.
Our exclusive picture is also a first glimpse of what could soon be known over here as "Wallender country". The gingerbread houses and flower-filled square of the sleepy town of Ystad on Sweden's south coats are scarcely what you expect from Scandinavia's rival to our own Midsomer, but it's already a big tourist draw. Shooting in the precise locations mentioned by the novels, the film crew have found that they have to fight for space with fans of the books - and numerous Swedish TV and film adaptations - pilgrimage to their hero's picturesque stamping ground.
Branagh to Play Wallander in TV Series
UPI, 14 July 2008
Kenneth Branagh is to star in a new TV series based on the Kurt Wallander detective books by Swedish author Henning Mankell, "Masterpiece Mystery" announced.
Branagh, a co-producing partner and longtime fan of the novels, said in a statement his latest character is "wonderfully complex and compelling."
Shot in rarely seen locations in southern Sweden, "Wallander" is to air on "Masterpiece Mystery" on PBS in the spring or summer of 2009.
"We're thrilled to be presenting Kenneth's passion project on 'Masterpiece Mystery'," executive producer Rebecca Eaton said in a statement. "'Wallander' will introduce PBS audiences to a stunning part of the world -- and a fascinating new detective."
Branagh, a Northern Irish actor-filmmaker who recently directed a remake of "Sleuth," has starred in the films "Much Ado About Nothing," "Hamlet," "Celebrity" and "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein." He will soon be seen in the big-screen war movie "Valkyrie," opposite Tom Cruise.
Plans for New Wallander Films
Sveriges Radio P4 Malmö, 31 May 2008 (go to the site for a link to an audio clip)
** Thanks Jonas for the translation
The BBC is planning for at least three new Wallander films in Ystad, probably next year.
This was announced when the production management let the press have access to the film team of the English language Wallander films for the first time.
The British actor Kenneth Branagh, who portrays Kurt Wallander, says it was the multi-faceted character of Kurt Wallander that lured him to the role.
"I appreciate a man, who as an experienced inspector, constantly encounters violence and the dark sides of human behavior and still takes it personally and is emotionally affected by this."
Yesterday the film team was filming in a townhouse area and was shooting a scene from "One Step Behind". They have already wrapped up "Sidetracked" and have "Firewall" left before they end in August. If proven popular, the plan is to film three more next year.
It was Wallander's slightly complicated character that attracted Branagh. An interesting lack of predictable manliness, as he put it. Tough but, also emotional. But the British Wallander will be a bit different than the original. He does not listen to opera, the British audiences are too familiar with the opera-loving Inspector Morse. Branagh has worked hard at making Wallander his own.
More English Wallander Films in the Works in Ystad
Ystads Allehanda, 31 May 2008
By Ulf Mårtensson
** Thanks Jonas for the translation
There will be more British Wallander films in Ystad than the three current ones.
"This has always been our and Branagh's goal, as long as the audience enjoys them", says Francis Hopkinson, producer with Left bank, one of the companies involved.
Yellow Bird Producer Ole Søndberg, says two of Mankell’s books could be hard to film. He mentions "The White Lioness" and "The Dogs of Riga" as being hard to film.
This leaves three five films, if one is to stick to original Mankell novels.
Three films a year is the work pace, so maybe the British filmmakers will already be back in Ystad next year. If that is the case, this is good news for the film town of Ystad and Ystad studios.
Almost Classic
The film companies' ambition is to make Inspector Wallander the next classic British copper.
Comparisons have been made with Midsummer Murders. "But that series is too traditional. Mankell’s stories are much more interesting and deal with social issues in a very different manner", says director Philip Martin.
Here Is Where They Are Shooting the New Wallander Films
Sydsvenskan.se, 17 April 2008
By Olof Åkerlund
** Thanks Jonas for the translation
There have been many secrets surrounding the British Kurt Wallander
series. But on Thursday the star actor Kenneth Branagh (Wallander) was seen,
as well as the rest of the Anglo-Swedish film team at Häckeberga
castle outside the town of Genarp.
Originally another castle was scheduled as a shooting location but when
that plan fell apart, Bo Madsen, the manager of Häckeberga castle, was
quick to offer a filming location to the 60-person strong film crew and
the roughly 50 extras.
The guests had to be moved to the castle stables, but that worked out
very well. This is really exiting, a true circus. It is not everyday
that you encounter Kenneth Branagh, says Bo Madsen.
Kick-off for the BBC-Wallander Film Shooting
Ystads Allehanda, 14 April 2008
** Thanks Wenda for the translation
Shooting for the British version of the Henning Mankell Wallander mysteries started on Monday at Sodra Anggatan in Ystad.
The star actor Kenneth Branagh, who plays the opera-loving inspector, and a large film team were in place in a functional house [i.e. a house from around 1920s or 1930s]. In parts of Agatan and Anggatan it was not permitted to park during the week-end or on Monday. But the people of Ystad are used to film teams in action and did not seem to take very much
notice of the start of shooting. The football match continued on Dammen at the Bleke school and neighbourhood life continued as usual. For the next 3 months 3 films will be shot for the BBC in Ystad and nearby locations. |