Sagafilm merges, CEO exits

Icelandic production outfit Sagafilm has acquired animation and live-action firm GunHil, with the former’s CEO set to leave the company.

Hilmar Sigurðsson

Guðný Guðjónsdóttir is leaving after a decade with the company to travel and pursue personal endeavours. Hilmar Sigurðsson, CEO of GunHil, will take on her remit from January next year.

Sagafilm has been behind Netflix drama Case, a spin-off from IcelandicTV drama Réttur (The Court), and Stella Blomkvist, while GunHil’s slate includes animated feature Ploey – You Never Fly Alone.

GunHil shareholders will have their stakes switched to Sagafilm. The firm will be run as a subsidiary, with chairman Árni Geir Pálsson joining the board of directors at Sagafilm.

Guðjónsdóttir started working at Sagafilm in 2007 as chief financial officer. She became CEO in 2015 when the company set up a Swedish arm to develop projects with international partners.

Ragnar Agnarsson, chairman of Sagafilm’s board, said: “Sagafilm has more than 30 non-scripted and 10 scripted projects in development at the moment and has never been stronger.

“This acquisition is a logical step in building international awareness of Sagafilm and the move into animation will give the company a new, exciting future. We are very excited to have Hilmar on board.”

Sigurðsson added: “It is pleasing to be joining and leading a strong and dynamic production company in the Icelandic film industry. This development allows us to undertake even larger and greater projects, which in turn strengthen our economy.”