Blockbusters Gang merges with Helsinki Casting
We’ve gotten together with Helsinki Casting to provide our clients, freelancers and performers a better and wider selection of services and contribute even more to the development of the Nordic film industry. Together we’re bringing you everyone you’ll need for a great production – in front of the camera and behind the scenes. As Helsinki Casting will take over all casting we at Blockbusters will manage the recruitment of the crew.
Navigating through ups and downs of the film industry is never easy. By being accompanied by another team we hope to gain even more strength, understanding and know-how to take our company together to a new level. Our aim has always been to bring the latest knowledge from the field to our office. We feel like now we’re more capable to that than ever.
As a CEO it’s a new start. We’ve got more staff and freelancers on board, we’re handling more productions all together and we’ve got rather ambitious plans for what’s to come. To be witnessing yet participating a merger like this – especially as the CEO – cannot be called anything else but interesting and exciting.
Call it a supernatural spectacular merger – we’re here, we’ve suited up and we’re ready to kick ass!
Looking forward for the future adventures,
Emma
CEO
Blockbusters Gang / Helsinki Casting
Inquiries of the merge:
Emma Ilves
CEO
Blockbusters Gang & Helsinki Casting
+358 40 5542086
emma@blockbustersgang.com
Katri Aksola
Partner
Blockbusters Gang & Helsinki Casting
+358 44 333 1764
katri@helsinkicasting.com
Behind the scenes of BBG AD Bootcamp: Why was the program created?
AD Bootcamp kicked off on 3rd May with a live start meeting and first lecture by the program leader Iiris.
Excitement was in the air as the group met for the first time and got the first glimpse of what the coming months would be like. We were quite overwhelmed our selves too – we had planned the program for 10 participants but after interviewing dozens of applicants, decided to take in as many as 19 potential future AD’s. And we’re glad we did!
The reason why we created AD Bootcamp was the lack of professional Assistant Directors in Finland (and in Scandinavia). The Bootcamp wouldn’t magically make everyone professional, but would futher everyone’s knowledge and skills of the department and make it easier for them to go towards professional AD positions. And now the program being finished, we’ve already been able to offer some level of AD jobs for almost every Bootcamp participant. We think this alone tells enough of how desperately this kind of program was needed. Can’t wait to see what kind of results we’ll see in the long run!
Blockbusters Blog has turned 6 years old! Sharing our favourite posts through the years!
Our blog has turned already 6 years old! This blog has always been more like a diary for us – a channel to dig a bit deeper or to share stories on a more personal tone. Now looking back at what this blog has turned out in 6 years, we can say that we’ve pretty much succeeded on the mission (though sometimes we feel bad for not writing often enough).
To celebrate this big day, we wanted to share some of our favourite memories – starting with some Cannes Film Festival stories as that’s where the blog originally got started!
Take a look at the linked posts below to find out our favourite ones or let us know which one is yours! Enjoy!
CANNES THROUGH THE YEARS
ANOTHER YEAR ANOTHER CANNES IN 2017
EXPLORING AND MAKING MEMORIES IN 2018
BERLINALE – HIGHLIGHTING YEAR 2017
THOUGHTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
EMMA’S ADVENTURE IN AFM IN 2016
IIRIS’ DJIBOUTI DIARIES FROM 2019
RANDOM FAVOURITES
NEEA’S SUMMER AT LUOKKAKOKOUS 3 SHOOT
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MORE ECO-FRIENDLY SET WORK
ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE IN THE MAKING
And last but not least – THE FIRST EVER BLOG POST, VOILÀ!
Non-scheduled Motherhood Story
Happy Mothers Day!
As a celebration to all mothers working in film we’re sharing Iiris’ experience of becoming a mom last year 2021 – spending 6 months of her pregnancy filming abroad…
1ST TRIMESTER
I’ve just started filming in Sweden. We’re working on a post-apocalyptic feature – largest I’ve had on my plate so far – and there’s a lot of moving elements. Though most of the projects are hectic and stressful at some point I’m surprised of how nauseous I’m feeling in the first weeks as I’ve never reacted to stress like that. We’re suspecting catering isn’t offering me gluten free food (I’ve got a celiac disease) and Aino is investigating this to keep me standing.
Our On-set Nurse Niki gets me a pregnancy test I take in the office bathroom in the middle of out stunt rehearsals before leaving to shooting location. After that she books me a visit to the doctors for the coming week and I start moving the crew for lunch completely ignoring the fact it looks like I’ve got some company in my body.
After around a week of getting things in order I’ve somehow accepted the fact of being abroad in the middle of a pandemic, surprisingly pregnant, without my boyfriend or basically anyone except my colleagues at work. Luckily they’re like a family – Aino handles everything with maternity clinic while I’m on set and books me a visit to sometime in April when we’re back in Finland.
Aino reading facts of having a baby.
Covid-19 makes the weird situation even harder as my nausea looks a lot like virus symptoms and visits to Sweden with quarantines etc. make travelling difficult. I end up telling of the pregnancy very early to the Director, DP and my own crew. Aino, 3rd AD Richard and Key Set PA’s Alex and Dessi keep me alive by sneaking in snacks and carrying my apple box around so I can sit down as much as possible.
I’m more tired than ever in my life. After getting back from set I’m laying on the hall floor of our apartment with all my clothes on for ages as it’s too much to even take my shoes off. I’m only getting by with pure mind force of not giving up on this project and my career – and a lot of good thoughts and help from my crew.
In the end of 1st trimester we’re filming on location up north and 12 hour night shoots on ice with freezing temperatures take a toll on me. Niki sends me home on our last filming day on crew call as I’m having difficulty on even standing up. I’m hitting a low point – can I finish this film? Can my body really be so unfair it takes this project from me?
2ND TRIMESTER
Still in Sweden – after getting back to Stockholm we only have a week of night shoots left. My boyfriend comes over with our dogs after finishing his film shoot in Estonia. It’s like having a 5-star hotel service at home. He cooks, cleans, washes our clothes (Aino shares my flat) and I get to lay on the floor again with my clothes on but getting a smoothie on my hand the minute I step in and having the dogs cuddling with me. Yes I can do this.
Last night shoot day we’re filming a long dialogue scene on a cliff by the sea with all actors sitting and talking for minutes. I’m falling asleep within every take, sinking in my huge jacket. It’s raining freezing slush and we’re all exhausted. I’m so very very happy we’re soon inside a dry studio.
However the worst day hits me in the studio – mask makes me even more nauseous in interior locations. I feel and hear the disappointment of my supervisors on me. They’re laying the cold facts on me: we just need to make it well. I agree saying if I’m not capable of doing it I see no other choice than getting someone else in. Luckily it’s just another low point and we get around it. My body is still allowing me some flex for the next weeks.
I’ve been revealing the pregnancy news to people in production when needed – luckily Niki takes care of lot of arrangements, talks through the new food limitations with catering and hides puke bags on my jacket pockets. I’m surprised how positive and encouraging especially the “big bosses” are. Only one person is suggesting me to instantly stop and step out. One out of dozens isn’t much.
After entering the 2nd trimester I announce to the whole crew that I’m pregnant and that’s the reason I look rather bad every now and then. I’m getting a lot more encouragement and support on learning how to be less impulsive – soon I’m not let to carry anything and have help on all possible things I could need. Though it feels weird and even unnecessary at times, I’m touched. It’s not once or twice that I’m the first one to jump in to help moving set pieces etc. by a habit and our grip yells me to get out of there.
I’m wrapping the project and returning to Helsinki on the 4th month of my pregnancy – and catch covid from the airport upon my arrival. What a treat! Suddenly me and my boyfriend are n a full-on quarantine for weeks. Nausea is slowly getting better fortunately so something’s easing up. I’m also seeing my family for the first time – in the mid-point of the whole process.
3RD TRIMESTER
Though I managed everything until now me and Emma agree I should not take any longer projects for the rest of the year. I’ve been working on a couple of short films and commercials and plan on “taking it easy” over the summer. Well – plans tent to change.
I’ve successfully declined a bunch of projects I really wanted to participate realising it wouldn’t just be schedule wise possible. I’ve had very deep discussions with myself on what’s important in life and why do I love film so much and how do I somehow work on all this together soon. I’m getting a call from – again! – Sweden late May and am asked to run a feel-good film over July and August in Stockholm and Gothenburg. I reply “I’d love to, but I’m due 16.9. so it’s difficult” and the PM answers “oh, 16.9, we can work with that”. Somehow I’m forgetting most of difficulties I had earlier when shooting a film daily and promise to join for prep and first three weeks of filming. Emma rolls her eyes as again I’ll suddenly be travelling to Sweden for 1,5 months, now 7-8 months pregnant, alone, to work.
As I’m now already very pregnant when entering the project experience is different than the earlier one. We’ve been very straight to everyone that it’s in universes hands on how capable I’m of things. Again I’m having the sweetest crew possible, gaffer keeps making sure I have a place to sit during each take and even Niki has returned to my life – she really is the fairy godmother if this child (and me)! I’m only missing the first 45 minutes of one day by visiting the local ER quickly to check if everything’s alright (it is). When coming back to the shoot I find our Director telling all actors I’m soon going into labour. He’s slightly disappointed I came back in one piece and no baby joined the crew yet. We all laugh at it.
On set with amazing Niki!
Once we wrap on my last day the Producer and her team have bought a lovely gift for both me and the coming baby. I’m filled with gratitude of having a chance to work on a team like this at this stage of my life. I’m truly feeling my career won’t be over soon.
After arriving back to Finland I’m working on a week long shoot of a Bulgarian film in Helsinki and then starting up a short film for 2 days before giving it on to another 1AD. My last day on set is 2,5 weeks before my due date by filling in for a sick 1st AD on a TV series shoot. Week before I’m teaching at Aalto University for 5 days – what a fantastic way to pass time waiting for something to happen!
BABY’S HERE!
Our child came to this world 3 days late (time management genes obviously gotten from their DP daddy) and I’ve been at “home” for the last 8 months learning filmmaking isn’t as difficult as keeping energetic and sane with a newborn. To be honest I haven’t been missing work too much – everything’s been so incredibly intense I haven’t had the time to.
I’ve been lucky to make a slow and steady start – I’ve been lecturing at Aalto University, Academy of Moving People & Images and YLE (Finnish National Broadcaster) of my work for some hours, jumping to set for couple of days here and there besides completing few breakdowns and schedules. I’ve noticed being tired has new dimensions after becoming a parent and filmmaking in the side is quite a combination. I truly am the most tired I’ve ever been NOW.
The child has visited shoots, tech recces, premiere, lectures and HOD meetings with me – loves walkies and attention, but prefers less people and hassle. Balancing with them, 2 dogs, filmmaker-father, little productions and this company on the side — well, let’s say I understand why people call these “the rush years” in Finnish. Sometimes it feels great, sometimes I’m questioning all my choices in life leading to this moment. But I fully agree on the fact someone said to me last year on a low moment: “Having kids is the one and only thing in life you’ll never regret.”
Ending in this thought, raising a glass to all kids and parents on this lovely spring day: hurray for family first and moms who save our asses time and time again (my mom is the best, just to point that out)!
Lots of love,
Iiris
1st Assistant Director
Co-Founder of BBG
Lecturer & Film Teacher
New, overwhelmed and confused mom
Casting with western vibes
Here’s some western vibes for your Friday! Few months ago we got to take part in this fun Steve’n’Seagulls music video production as our member Emma Ahola took care of extras casting!
Take a look at the end result and have wild wild weekend! 🤠🚂
Band: Steve’n’Seagulls
Production: Mutant Koala Pictures
Director: Jukka Vidgren
Casting (extras): Emma Ahola / Blockbusters Gang
Voitto shortlist is out!
The shortlist of the Finnish commercial film competition Voitto has just been released! Among all the wonderful shortlisted films there are couple one’s our Gang members have worked in – see these films below:
HSL / Ei kotiintuloaikoja
Client: HSL Helsingin seudun liikenne
Agency: Sherpa
Production Company: Long Story Short
Casting: Pia Nurmi / Blockbusters Gang
Kansallislehti (KÄÄK)
Client: Sanoma Magazines / Aku Ankka
Agency: Ryhmä Creative
Production Company: Ryhmä Creative
1st Assistant Director: Pauliina Talikka / Blockbusters Gang
Hintaharmitus
Client: Nordea Rahoitus
Agency: N2 Creative
Production Company: N2 Studio
Casting: Pia Nurmi / Blockbusters Gang
Elisa: Pidetään yhteyttä. Pidetään yhtä.
Client: Elisa
Agency: Bob the Robot
Production Company: Pictures Helsinki
1st Assistant Director: Pauliina Talikka / Blockbusters Gang
Congratulations to all the clients, agencies, production companies, crew & cast members involved in these and other productions in the competition for making it to the shortlist! Check out the full shortlist on Voitto’s page here.
Looking forward to the gala in April..!
Huonot Naiset in theaters today!
Cinemas are finally open and there are a lot of theatrical releases coming up – like the feature Huonot Naiset premiering today! We we’re happy to have two of our gang members, Reetta Somppi and Milla Möltsi, in the crew of this production last year. Support your local theater and all the filmmakers in these challenging times by booking a ticket. 📽
Production Company: Tekele Productions
Director: Niklas Lindgren
2nd Assistant Camera: Reetta Somppi / Blockbusters Gang
Catering: Milla Möltsi / Blockbusters Gang
Enjoy the trailer of Skimba Girls – a feature film by Kaiho Republic!
Due to Covid-19 many films have had to reschedule their premiere dates. Luckily that doesn’t stop us from enjoying the trailers however – looking forward seeing this on 2023!
Production Company: Kaiho Republic
Director: Marja Pyykkö
2nd Assistant Director: Janne Lähteenmäki / Blockbusters Gang
Tips for businesses: how to develop your sustainability strategy
*This post is part of our Focus on the environment 2022 campaign.*
We often highlight specific daily actions anyone can take in order to work more environmentally friendly. Now we want to share some of our tips to businesses and executives on how to get started or to develop their company sustainability strategy – which we hope every business would have these days!
The following websites and tools have helped us on the way – take a look at these and feel free to share your own tips too!
UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
The UN has set 17 sustainable development goals for 2030. These goals are divided into multiple more specific targets. It’s quite a lot to take in at once, but we can warmly recommend to have a closer look, at least if this is something completely new for you! Going through the goals gives you a broader understanding of the global sustainability challenges. Knowing the big picture can help you to find the most relevant sustainability goals to your company’s strategy. What are the global challenges you can or want to make an impact on with you business?
Corporate responsibility self-assesment tool
Whether you’re just about to get started with your sustainability strategy or think you’ve already mastered carrying it out, this free of charge self-assesment tool helps you to get a better understanding where you’re at. You just need 15-20 minutes to fill in a questionnaire and after you can download a report describing how well your company covers the different areas of corporate responsibility. The report is a valuable tool for internal use so be critical with your own responses to get as realistic picture as possible!
The report can be found here: Yritysvastuun itsearviointi (only in Finnish). The tool’s been developed in cooperation with FIBS – the largest corporate responsibility network in the Nordics.
The benefits of a sustainability strategy
It’s good to remind yourself (or the panicking CFO) that taking sustainability actions doesn’t automatically equal more costs. There can be short term benefits such as lower operating costs and increase in sales, and in the long run you might have for example happier employees and clients, leading to better financial performance. Sustainability can be your competitive advantage or in the near future it might be something the clients and investors require.
Here are two articles on the topic to dig deeper:
Why Corporate Strategies Should Be Focused On Sustainability (Forbes)
Why You Need Sustainability In Your Business Strategy (Harward Business School
Warm memories from the 1st AD Aino’s work days at Zone B series!
Available TODAY at Yle – fantastic Zone B series we loved to be part of last Summer 2021! Here’s a bunch of warm memories of the 1st AD Aino Niemi’s work days during the shooting period. Just looking at these BTS pictures makes us want to watch the whole season!
Hoping more projects like this one will be in production in Finland soon..!
Check out the trailer below and watch all the episodes here!
Production Company: Elokuvayhtiö Aamu
Directors: Juho Kuosmanen, Khadar Ayderus Ahmed, Siiri Halko
1st Assistant Director: Aino Niemi / Blockbusters Gang
BBG’s environmental awareness month kicks off!
In February we focus on the environment!
Environmental awareness is one of our core values and this month we want to bring forth how it guides our decisions on our daily lives and when planning the future. We will reflect on how we’ve succeeded in our goals for 2021 and will set new ones for the coming year. We also want to make the environmental issues more visible by sharing good practices and raising issues to be resolved, especially concerning our industry.
Jump onboard on our environmental awareness month by sharing your good tips, joining the conversation and by keeping the environment on the top of your mind when making choices at work (and on the personal side too).
Let’s get inspired and help each other to make a more positive impact for the environment!
Tekele’s Transport TV series coming out in March!
Something interesting coming up soon – TRANSPORT TV-series will be available on Yle in March 2022 in Finland. We were lucky to be part of the project during the development and in production too. Congratulations to all cast and crew involved!
Production Company: Tekele
Director: Auli Mantila
2nd Assistant Director: Olli Kasper / Blockbusters Gang
Catering: Juha Ala-Korpula / Blockbusters Gang
Catering (additional days): Neea Havu, Annina Juuso, Laura Väli-Torala / Blockbusters Gang
Production Planner (script breakdown & shooting schedule) / Pre Production: Iiris Orasmaa (Juutilainen) / Blockbusters Gang
Ps. The trailer’s already been released and you can find it on Variety’s article here: https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/finland-tekele-transport-trailer-1235161410/?fbclid=IwAR3tVvFi4SQ5Dc1ks2xcdggBx-NMhlDeGAEeZRKlvPncaZTLbNKBjL60DkQ