DR drama head leaves to start prodco

The head of drama at DR in Denmark and her deputy are leaving the public broadcaster to start their own production company.

Piv Bernth

Apple Tree Productions is being launched by The Killing broadcaster’s drama chief Piv Bernth and deputy Lars Hermann on December 1.

Bernth and Hermann will be joined at Apple Tree by three DR Drama producers: Anders Toft Andersen (Follow The Money), Karoline Leth (The Legacy) and Dorthe Riis Lauridsen (Freja).

Negotiations are under way with a major international partner to join the partnership, but details are being kept under wraps for now. The execs’ replacements at DR have not yet been announced.

”After more than 30 years working for and with DR, where I have directed, produced and, for the last five years, been head of drama, I feel it is time for a new chapter in my life,” Bernth said.

“Together with Lars and three brilliant producers, whom I have worked with for years, I am starting on this new adventure where we will continue to deliver innovative, high-quality television drama series to the Danes and anyone else who is looking for good stories.

“The times is right for someone else taking over at DR and I am very much looking forward to our new venture together.”

Bernth is a well-known figure on the international drama circuit and was producer of DR’s drama The Killing, which helped to kick-start demand for Nordic Noir series.

She has served as head of drama since 2012 and was the executive producer on The Bridge, produced by Nimbus Film for DR, and produced the iEmmy-winning series Nikolaj & Julie.

She has been with the pubcaster since 1986 when she joined as a director, having previously worked in theatre.

Hermann became deputy head at DR’s drama operation in 2014, having previously been CEO of the Copenhagen Film Festivals.