SVT appoints drama commissioner

SVT has appointed Christian Wikander drama commissioner, a move that sees him join the Swedish pubcaster’s commissioning board.

Wikander has been at SVT since 2005 and has been upped from head of drama at the broadcaster. A producer who counts Rederiet (for SVT) and Tre Kronor (for TV4) among his credits. He replaces Hanne Palmquist at SVT after her departure last year for a role at the Danish Film Institute.

SVT told TBI it will recruit a new head of drama, with Wikander vacating that role to take new position.

“He has the necessary experience in scripted development and a vast international network, as well as knowledge and understanding of strategic work in the field of rights, distribution and new platforms,” said Lena Glaser, SVT’s director of programmes.

“Christian’s experience of working in SVT’s programming division will play an important role in the strategic work for the commissioning board in defining the future for our programmes and services.”

Speaking about his new role and priorities, Wikander said: “SVT is major player both nationally and internationally.”

He added: “One of the most important issues at the moment is the proposed changes to the Swedish government’s proposal for Swedish film, which is expected to come into power in 2017.

“We expect SVT to get an even more central role and I look forward to be part of that development.”