MIPCOM,18 October - Rainmaker Content, the international distributor that specialises in drama, factual and special-event programming, has announced a strategic alliance with Take Two Studios, the independent production company that focuses on high-end, high-concept drama, documentaries and podcasts. 

Under the deal, Rainmaker will engage in an advisory role on programming and strategy, and be granted a first look on all Take Two output. The first collaboration from the new partnership is a commission from Nelonen/Ruutu for premium scripted series Dirty Snow (6 x 42 mins).

Positioned at the intersection of true crime and sport, Dirty Snow is inspired by the doping scandal that shocked the world of cross-country skiing at the 2001 World Championships in Lahti. The suspense-filled drama, told from the perspective of a fictional freelance reporter, chronicles the series of events that, ultimately, led to a turning point in the war on illegal drug use in sport. But while the protagonist is fictional, the story itself is firmly rooted in reality.

Greg Phillips, Co-CEO of Rainmaker, said: “Finland is increasingly seen as a creative powerhouse and our partnership with Take Two gives us an all-access pass to one of the country’s most exciting production companies. Dirty Snow is brilliant project with which to kick off our collaboration. It’s not only a gripping story, but it’s a story with a strong and timely message for our post-truth world: cheating isn’t winning — it’s humiliation and disgrace.” 

Take Two Studios was founded by former Aito Media co-founder Eero Hietala (chairman and creative director) and Lasse Koskinen (CEO), together with Sara Norberg (chief operating officer). It recently announced its first investment deal with Intervisio, one of Finland’s best known and most prolific production companies. Intervisio is now a minority shareholder in Take Two Studios and has made a further strategic investment in new start-up Podzilla Studios. Under the strategic alliance between the three entities, Take Two Studios and Podzilla Studios have taken minority shares in each other’s businesses. 

Eero Hietala said: “I’ve known the Rainmaker team for years and I’m confident that they will be a great partner for Take Two. We’re still living a golden age of streaming content, but success requires being increasingly agile and choosing the right international strategy. Joining our forces in Dirty Snow is a perfect way to kick off our collaboration.”

About Take Two Studios 

Take Two Studios produces compelling stories with a glimmer of hope. Its output is targeted at an international audience and realised in partnership with co-producers outside of Finland. One of independent production company’s priorities is to develop series based on well-known true events. 

About Rainmaker Content

Rainmaker Content produces, finances and distributes commercially appealing scripted and non-scripted programming in collaboration with award-winning producers, production companies and directors with proven track records in the creation of premium programming for global audiences. 

www.rainmakercontent.com

For further information on Rainmaker Content, please contact:

Cheryl Clarke at Mushroom Media on:

Tel: +44 (0)7939554109


E: cheryl@mushroom-media.co.uk

For further information on Take Two Studios, please contact:

Lasse Koskinen, CEO

Tel: +358 40 772 6811

E: lasse@taketwo.fi, 

Eero Hietala, chairman/creative director

Tel: +358 50 368 2818

E: eero@taketwo.fi,