The Changing Landscape in the Nordics featuring Merete Christensen and Thor Sigurjónsson

"It's a changing landscape, but people still want to see movies." Thor Sigurjónsson, Scanbox In this episode we meet the leading - and legendary - Nordic distributor, Scanbox Entertainment with their top executives Merete Christensen (COO and Head of Theatrical) and CEO Thor Sigurjónsson. In the conversation we discuss how the Nordic markets are transforming through shifting audience behaviour and technology - and how Scanbox is adroitly adjusting to this landscape. Topics include changing acquisition and releasing models, what is working well in cinemas right now and the company's move into production. In a wide ranging conversation that covers Thor's journey from Icelandic producer to running a pan-nordic distributor, we also hear about why Scanbox recently joined the Vuelta Group and more about the group's vision for a pan-European distribution network.  More about Merete and Thor Merete Christensen is COO and Head of Theatrical Distribution at Scanbox, where she has been overseeing the theatrical distribution of approximately 25 films annually since 2011. Amongst these, acclaimed films like Past Lives, the French hit The Intouchables (De urørlige), the Taken franchise, and lately Alex Garland's Civil War and Danish box office hit Rome by Niclas Bendixen. In addition to her work at Scanbox, Merete serves on the board of The Danish Cinema Club and is a member of the Danish Media Council. Thor Sigurjonsson is the CEO of Scanbox Entertainment, a prominent Nordic film distribution company. With a background deeply rooted in both film production and distribution, Sigurjonsson has been involved with Scanbox for over 15 years, having served on its board before leading a management buyout (MBO) in 2020. His leadership has guided Scanbox into new ventures, including expanding into content creation, with a focus on both international and Nordic film and TV projects. Sigurjonsson also co-founded Zik Zak Filmworks, an Icelandic production company.