Aito Media’s Ilkka Hynninen, Ilkka Rahkonen set up creative studio in Helsinki

Ilkka Rahkonen (left) and Ilkka Hynninen

Finnish executives Ilkka Hynninen and Ilkka Rahkonen have set up a creative studio in Helsinki that will focus on scripted and documentary series.

Ilkkas’ Creative Studio (ICS) has been launched by the pair, with Hynninen serving as chair and creative director while Rahkonen will act as CEO.

Aiming to be a Nordic creative centre with a focus on premium IP for the global market, the studio’s mission is to produce a select range of high-end projects on an annual basis.

The pair have more than 20 years of experience in managing media companies and productions in Finland and beyond.

In 2003, Hynninen co-founded Aito Media, which went on to become one Finland’s largest and most successful production companies, eventually being taken over by France’s Lagardère Studios in 2017.

During his 18-year stewardship, Aito produced more than 1,700 hours of programming, including drama series featuring global talent.

In 2021, Hynninen co-founded Take Two Studios. With the launch of ICS, Take Two will collaborate with the company on a slate of coproductions but both companies will now function as independent operations.

Former YLE and SBS director Rahkonen has worked at the highest level within both commercial and public media.

In the course of his 30-year career, he has restructured several media companies, both public and private. Recently, Rahkonen has been overseeing the transformation of the Finnish city of Tampere into a “world class” media hub.

His efforts contributed directly to the decision of US director Riley Stearns to shoot satirical sci-fi thriller Dual, starring by Aaron Paul and Karen Gillan, in the city – the first US film shot completely In Finland.

Explaining the two Ilkkas’ decision to launch ICS, Hynninen said: “We both love taking inspiring stories to screen and putting commercial ideas into action, and we also want to become more involved in international IP creation and talent.

“Individually, Ilkka and I have been making stories with impact for the last 20 years. By joining forces in ICS, we have the experience, energy and vision to create outstanding entertainment in co-operation with the world’s best creative teams.”

Rahkonen added: “It’s not only sharing a first name that connects us: Ilkka and I also share the belief that Finland is ready, willing and able to create globally minded content.

“I’ve worked for years to catalyse Finnish content on the international market. At last, it feels that the world has finally woken up to our creative potential, which makes this the perfect time to launch a production company with the appetite, skill and capacity to make the most of the opportunities.”