Nice, Settman open Brain Academy

MIPCOM: Modern Times Group-owned Nice Entertainment Group is launching a drama-focused production firm to be led by Baluba TV founder Peter Settman.

Brain Academy will create scripted shows and formats for online and linear networks, as well as videogame firms and commercial outlets.

Producing duo Helena Danielsson, who previously worked on period drama Beyond, and Daniel Lägersten, who was behind Swedish scripted series Molanders, have joined the company to develop content.

Settman, who founded Stockholm-based prodco Baluba in 1989, will remain at the firm alongside his role at Brain Academy and is set to launch formats from the new venture to buyers this week in Cannes.

Baluba recently picked up format rights to Lionsgate’s medical drama Nurse Jackie.

Erik Wahlberg, CEO of Baluba, said: “Sales and profits are on all-time high and at the same time we have been able to invest in new business areas, including a couple of drama projects that now have been carved out into a separate company, Brain Academy. It is great that Peter will manage these projects and lead this exciting new company within the Nice Group.”

Sweden-based European broadcast giant MTG acquired Helsinki-based Nice last year, after paying €84.4m (US$114.2m) for a majority stake in the company.

Nice’s portfolio of production companies include: Monster, One Big Happy Family, Playroom, and Rakett in Norway; Titan, Baluba and Nice Drama in Sweden; Moskito, Production House, and Grillifilms in Finland; and Gong in Denmark.