Playing second fiddle
Finnish dramedy Supporting Actor explores society’s obsession with success through a frustrated actor striving to become a screen star. Producer Max Malka and writer-director Niklas Lindgren tell DQ about their partnership behind the scenes and what they wanted to say about the film and television business. Fresh from exploring the clash between the artistic and commercial demands of the dance industry in Dance Brothers, producer Endemol Shine Finland (ESF) has turned to the film and television industry for its latest project. Supporting Actor centres on Aki Kurki (Kari Ketonen), 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 broken many relationships that he now has to mend to find out who is responsible, with the support of one of the only people he can truly trust – his manager (played by Antti Holma). Written and directed by Niklas Lindgren (Idiomatic), Supporting Actor is produced by ESF for broadcasters Nelonen and Ruutu, with ESF duo Max Malka and Unne Sormunen as executive producers. Here, Malka and Lindgren discuss skewering the film and television business, and how Lindgren balanced writing and directing a series that blends comedy and drama. Hi Max, please introduce us to the story of Supporting Actor. Malka: Our lead character is Aki Kurki, a well-known but overlooked actor who … Continue reading Playing second fiddle
