Filmlance to adapt Jana Kippo books

L-R: Karin Smirnoff, publisher Jonas Axelsson, Filmlance producer Anna Wallmark and Filmlance MD Hanne Palmquis

Banijay-owned scripted producer Filmlance has acquired the television adaptation rights to the Jana Kippo crime trilogy from Swedish author Karin Smirnoff.

The Swedish prodco, which produced The Bridge with Nimbus Film in Denmark, will develop a drama based on the novels, which have sold more than half-a-million copies in Sweden and been translated into multiple languages.

The producer is Anna Wallmark at Filmlance, who was behind the company’s most recent hit Top Dog, together with Teresa Alldén and Olof Spaak.

The story begins with Kippo returning to her family village of Smalånger, moving into her childhood home to get Bror her alcoholic twin brother’s life in order. The pair have a common childhood trauma and a death in the village takes a heavy toll.

Filmlance MD Hanne Palmquist said: “Karin Smirnoff is one of the most interesting Swedish authors around and we are incredibly proud to be working on what is sure to be a powerful, world-class television production. This unique story of love, betrayal, revenge and lust contains everything needed to create a gripping, exciting and constantly surprising drama.”