Throughout the spring, both Yale and Helsingin Sanomat published extensive articles focusing on the questionable activities of Kajavud, who called Hollywood and Black Lion Pictures of Finland, which focused on film distribution and production. In the same context, we wondered where the previously mentioned Rendell sequel disappeared to.
If the ups and downs of Cajawood and Black Lion Pictures have stayed off the radar, you might want to read these two articles on the subject to get into CART:
YLE: Hollywood Dreams and Empty Promises
Helsinki news: a 50 million euro movie to be shot in Kainu’s “cagewood” – financiers and production company not disclosed, studio doesn’t have a building permit
Today, Black Lion Pictures published a press release stating that in response to the public allegations made by Yale and Helsingin Sanomat, Black Lion Pictures will cease producing and distributing domestic independent films entirely:
Recent media articles have raised the working conditions of independent films as well as the bad mood experienced by some of the production assistants involved, e.g. Rendell in the making of the film. Many facts have also been distorted in the articles. According to publications, about a dozen people involved in the production of independent films, Mika J. expressed strong criticism and dismay at the individual actions of Norvanno and Timo Pustinen and the actions of the companies they represent. […] We are now completely stopping supporting independent films when public slander is done anonymously, despite long and openly supporting activities.
A little later in the announcement, there is one point that can be considered quite surprising: the Rendell sequel, which has been promised for years, is finally being published:
Black Lion Pictures fulfills pre-agreed obligations to the creators and will also distribute the following indie films: “Gravediggers and the Random People”, “Rendell: The Cycle of Revenge”, “Kylman Sond” and “The Creeps”. . From now on, the company’s resources will be directed towards growing international operations.
More detailed information regarding the release channel or timing of the Rendell sequel was not shared in the press release.
In the summer of 2022, we interviewed Rendell director Jesse Haja, who has already left the film industry, about the status of the sequel.
Don’t know where it is [Rendel 2] Turns out I haven’t heard anything from the production company in almost a year and a half,” Haja was in pain at the time.
You can read the whole thing here:
It’s pointless asking director Jesse Haja what happened to Rendel 2: “I haven’t heard anything about the movie for a year and a half”
Below is the full press release from Black Lion Pictures published today.
Black Lion Pictures ceases production and distribution of domestic independent films
In the future, the company will focus on distribution of versatile international films. In recent media articles, the working conditions of independent films have been raised as well as the bad mood experienced by some of the production assistants involved, e.g. Rendell in the making of the film. Many facts have also been distorted in the articles. According to publications, about a dozen people involved in the production of independent films, Mika J. expressed strong criticism and dismay at the individual actions of Norvanno and Timo Pustinen and the actions of the companies they represent.
Independent films made in Finland are often defined as indie films, especially on the basis of funding: domestic indie means a film produced and distributed without the support of Finnish film foundations and television channels. The films are entirely self-financed, meaning that the writers, producers, partners and production and/or distribution companies are paid out of their own pockets. The arbitrary and independent operating structure also means that the film distribution company can rarely obtain subsidies for the distribution of films. Norvanno and Puustisen’s independent films are meant to be produced and distributed, with funding from Black Lion Pictures Oy and its partners creating and bringing films to the big screen.
Helping and supporting the makers of indie films has never been more financially profitable. It was made out of love for the film and its makers. Also, it has given filmmakers who are passionate about films an opportunity to grow in the field and provide them with valuable work experience. Black Lion Pictures’ versatile and independent distribution of films and ancillary productions has enabled the growth and development of hundreds of filmmakers in the media industry for the past twenty years.
Independent films are widely featured in Black Lion Pictures’ distribution operations. About 40 independent films have received wide distribution on the big screens of domestic cinemas. Some of these have even made it to wide international distribution. Black Lion Pictures has been able to bring the works of many talented filmmakers to the big screen. Otherwise, these films might have gone without the attention they deserved.
Among the films distributed by Black Lion Pictures are e.g. Mika Ullako, who toured the cinemas with the film Copy, directed by Mika Ullako, Zagros Manuchar’s drama film “Salpa”, Mara Jelinko’s “Upright”, Mika Rato’s “Samurai Raoni Reposaarelainen”, which received two Jussie nominations. Jana Saarinen from the touching film “Mother” directed by Sampa Batali also got a juicy nomination for the female lead. Black Lion Pictures brought to the big screen “Autola Nepalin – Anelmiyan Kinolom”, which won the Audience Favorite Award at the Juicy Gala. On the reality of the domestic game industry, Paul J. The documentary “Name of the Game” directed by Vogel and Jarno Allonen, Arttu Haglund’s internationally acclaimed sci-fi drama “Posa”, represents Thomas Lane’s “sparse, multifaceted line”. , and the ambitious epic war drama “Blood Cup”.
Mika J. The activities of Norvanno and Timo Pustinen are guided by their love for films and their desire to help. The basic operating idea is to try to get interesting works and their creators in the limelight, while also giving them financial returns from years of hard work – as far as is possible in the world of self-financed filmmaking. Similarly, the distribution model created by Black Lion Pictures has allowed new filmmakers and talent to gain exposure. Talented actors have found employment in the film and media industry outside of traditional structures. The company has also enabled many filmmakers to visit and exhibit at international sales markets and festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival.
Recent media articles have confused the distribution activities of the distribution company Black Lion Pictures Oy with the production of films. Film distributors do not produce films, but support and finance their production. Production companies are the individual companies responsible for the expenses associated with film production, such as salaries.
Norvanno and Puustisinen plan to create a separate production line for domestic indie filmmakers, where the resources of Kajawood Studios would have been used. In this planned unit, films would have been made in collaboration with an international sales network, enabling budgets of 50,000–300,000 euros for indie films made in collaboration with Kazawood Studios.
We are now completely stopping supporting independent films when public slander is done anonymously, despite long and openly supporting activities. Black Lion Pictures Oy, Frozen Flame Pictures Oy, Mika J. Norvento and Timo Pustinen will completely stop producing, distributing and supporting domestic independent films.
Black Lion Pictures fulfills pre-agreed obligations to the creators and will also distribute the following indie films: “Gravediggers and the Random People”, “Rendell: The Cycle of Revenge”, “Kylman Sond” and “The Creeps”. . From now on, the company’s resources will be directed towards growing international operations.
In the future, the company will focus on distribution of versatile international films. Distribution is supported eg. With VLMedia. In July this year, the children’s animated film Dogtenion and the Three Muskehounds will be released on the big screens, and in the fall, Penelope Cruz’s Dear Mother (L’Imancita), which was nominated for best film at the Venice Film Festival, will be released. Go on In addition to distribution services, Black Lion Pictures offers its post-production and VFX expertise to international film productions.
The technology company Kajawood Oy is implementing the Kajawood Studio project, operated by Norvanno and Pustison. Kajawood Studios enables the creation of films, TV series and versatile AV productions by providing resources, financing and film production services for international productions. A company dealing in cutting edge technology eg. In addition to virtual LED studio environments, high-performance computing, rendering and versatile film post-production and VFX services. Games industry operations also play a central role in Kazawood Studios’ business. International Studio Films is currently in production on the Karl Lagerfeld biography with a budget of 45 million euros.
