Nelonen returns to Banijay for dramedy series ‘Supporting Actor’

Supporting Actor

Finnish broadcaster Nelonen, and its streaming service Ruutu, have announced the pick up of their second Banijay scripted series in as many days, with an order for dramedy Supporting Actor.

The eight-part series, from local Banijay label Endemol Shine Finland, will be known locally as Kurjen Kirous, and written and directed by Niklas Lindgren. Starring Kari Ketonen and Antti Holma, it will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights.

The news comes just one day after it was revealed that Nelonen and Ruutu had ordered Murder In Hanko, a scripted series based on author Matti Remes’ Ruben Waara novels, to be produced by Banijay Nordic scripted label Jarowskij Finland.

Supporting Actor follows the story of Aki Kurki, a talented but difficult actor who has been stuck in supporting roles, never landing the leading parts

When a fortune teller reveals this is due to a curse that has been placed on him, he must begin a process of self-reflection. However, his lifelong focus on fame has led to a lot of burnt bridges that he now has to mend to find out who is responsible.

Endemol Shine Finland’s Max Malka and Unne Sormunen will serve as the show’s executive producers.

Malka, who is head of scripted at Endemol Shine Finland, said: “This series offers a satirical take on the industry and what success really means. Talented comedic actors combined with Niklas Lindgren’s exceptional writing and directing, makes this project a fresh dramedy for large audiences.”

Supporting Actor is the second scripted show from Endemol Shine Finland and follows Dance Brothers, a co-production with Netflix and YLE, which was Netflix’s first Finnish original series to premiere globally and is to come later to YLE.