From the Dance Brothers series, they wanted a Finn without a sauna and a kantel

Finland put itself on the world map again by releasing its first Netflix series Dance Brothers May 10th.

The story of the dancing brothers, Roni and Sakari Luodo, and their growth story, both together and alone, is important to present to the whole world, according to the entire working group.

Series creator, screenwriter and producer Max Malka describes the project as “made with love”. He started as Endemol Shine Finland’s drama manager at the end of 2019, when the idea for the series was also born.

According to Malka, the series was written with the idea of ​​creating a Finnish series for the Finnish audience, but which could also appeal universally to the international market.

– We boldly set out to offer the idea to Netflix. They are very open to Finnish content and are happy to hear suggestions. They don’t always go through the first time and it can be a long road, but even more rewarding, Malka tells Iltalehte at the press conference for the series.

Domestic Yle is also involved in the production of the series, which makes the collaboration more unique.

According to Malka or the other screenwriter Reeta Ruotsalainen, there was no need to think too much about internationality during the production phase, because the script was created with its own printing.

– The Finnishness of the program is perhaps more diverse than what has been seen in series before, but it reflects the reality of our creators here in Finland. I am especially happy that the language of the series is Finnish, the working group is Finnish and the entire series was shot in Finland, Malka opens.

– Domesticity is therefore very strongly present. Of course, if you want to do something with a lot of saunas and kantel, it’s probably more of a wooing commercial video for travelers than a series that resonates with the domestic audience, he adds.

“Bro!”

The main stars of the series are Roderick Kabanga and Samuel Kujala. The actors playing the brothers did not already know each other, but at the press conference, a sisterly connection between the two is noticeable.

– Dance bro! Kabanga exclaims to Kujala when he sees him.

The actors have had to learn different dance choreographies both together and separately for hours, which are By Sanaz Hassan and created by Ima Iduozee.

Kujala states that the dance served as a good ice breaker between the actors, as both had to be physically present and open from the first moment. Kabanga is on the same page.

– We also saw each other every day for three months and were physically in contact with each other. In that, you get to know the other person without fail, Kabanga opens.

The actors especially appreciate the richness of ideas and creativity in each other. Kujala has acted in television series and movies before, while for Kabanga this was the first long project with cameras.

– I really learned a lot by watching Samuel work and I am extremely grateful to him for that, Kabanga says, looking at Kujala.

Both Kabanga and Kujala are eagerly and excitedly waiting for the feedback from the series. Both Actors find it confusing that feedback can actually come from the other side of the globe due to international distribution.

Kabanga highlights his Afro-Finnish roots, because of which he has had to hear comments throughout his life.

– Since there have been comments about skin color for almost 30 years, I feel that I am prepared to receive feedback. Even today, the topic may come up in this series as well, even though it is wrong, Kabanga emphasizes.

From movies to series

Dance Brothers The director of the series is, among other things JVGTaito Kawata, who previously directed the documentary. When Malka approached Kawata with his idea, the director saw great potential in the growth story of two brothers.

– Although this is a series aimed at young adults, as the director I wanted to bring a slightly more mature and darker approach to this. The idea was that there is something “not so nice” in the series, which is usually found in youth series, Kawata states.

Kawata has previously directed music videos and films where the narrative style is different from the TV series. However, the director wanted to use the feeling of a music video brought by music and dance in the storytelling.

The long filming session was new for Kawata, but an even more fulfilling experience.

– At first, I was afraid how I would be able to get through all the days without feeling anxious. After the project was finished, I thought I could do another one right away!

Dance Brothers available to watch on Netflix. See program information for streaming services at Telku.