STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 13, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Modern Times Group MTG AB (Nasdaq:MTGNY), the international media group, today announced that it will begin production of an English-language feature film. This film will be made by the MTG-owned Sonet Film, Sweden's leading distributor and producer of feature films. The production of the first out of two English films will start this summer.
The first film is called "Rancid" and is a thriller with an unusual twist in the tale. It takes place in New York and Canada. The director will be Joakim Ersgard, who has written the script together with his brother Jesper and Patrik. His break-through as director came with the feature film "The Vistors" in 1988. Since then Joakim and Patrik Ersgard have been making films in Hollywood. "Rancid" will be Sonet Film's first big feature film production in the U.S. Casting began recently. An established foreign actor will be cast for the main role.
The other film is called "Miss Idilia" and originates from the book "Miss Idilia's diary." The book, written by Genevieve Hill, was released in Sweden last year.
Sonet Film is the main producer of this period film which is based on a true, dramatic love story that takes place in the 1850's, in Scotland and in Germany. The director will be an established foreign director.
Sonet Film is Sweden's leading feature film distributor and is encouraging a new generation of directors and actors in Sweden, which is contributing to a renewal of the Swedish film industry.
Sonet Film was the distributor for the most popular Swedish films of 2001, Josef Fares' "Jalla! Jalla!" and "Livvakterna," and produced the second of these films. Sonet Film also distributed the most successful Swedish film of 2000, Lukas Moodyson's "Together," and has previously distributed such successful films as "Jagarna," "Show me love" and "Anglagard."
Hans-Holger Albrecht, President and CEO of MTG, commented: "Following Sonet Film's success in making Swedish-language films in recent years, it is now time to take the next step and begin production of films in English, a natural progression for MTG as an international media group."
Modern Times Group MTG AB has six business areas: Viasat Broadcasting (free-to-air and pay TV channels in nine countries, and the new media businesses -- teletext operations and the Everyday interactive TV, internet and mobile portals), Radio (local and national networks in five countries), Publishing (financial news and information services), Modern Interactive (home shopping, e-commerce and logistics), SDI Media (subtitling and dubbing services) and Modern Studios (content production and rights library).
Modern Times Group MTG AB's class A and B shares are listed on the Stockholmsborsen O-list (symbols: MTGA and MTGB) and ADRs are listed on the Nasdaq National Market in New York (symbol: MTGNY).
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