Swiss film startup FinFilm, an innovative platform that finances European and African film projects, has boarded the Sky Original family adventure film “Robin and the Hoods.”
The Zurich-based company is actively involved in co-financing the film as a gap lender.
Produced by Silver Reel and Future Artists Entertainment and directed by Phil Hawkins, the modern-day tale inspired by the hero of Sherwood Forest features James Bond star Naomi Harris, Gwendoline Christie (“Game of Thrones”), Mark Williams (“Harry Potter”) and Darcey Ewart in the lead role as the 11-year-old Robin.
When an unscrupulous developer (Harris) threatens their magical kingdom of overgrown bushes at the end of their cul-de-sac, the tenacious Robin and her loyal friends, the “Hoods,” take matters into their own hands to save their beloved woodland.
“Robin and the Hoods” is produced by Claudia Bluemhuber, managing partner at Zurich-based Silver Reel and Matt Williams of Future Artists Entertainment in London.
“Together with the two experienced producers Claudia Bluemhuber and Matt Williams, we are delighted to have successfully supported this production,” said FinFilm co-founder and managing director Michel Morales.
“The FinFilm team gave us excellent support,” added Bluemhuber. “We are confident that we will also approach FinFilm for future projects.”
FinFilm co-founder and CEO Enrico Fadani will be discussing the challenges of financing film productions in Africa at the EFM’s Feb. 17 inaugural edition of AfroBerlin industry showcase during the Berlinale.
AfroBerlin aims to connect filmmakers, companies and key players of the African film industry.
FinFilm is currently financing several productions in Zambia and Mauritius.
“The film industry is fast developing in many African countries, beside the established industry in South Africa,” said Fadani. “The challenge is to support productions in an uncertain environment, sustaining young film makers to bring their products to the world market.”
FinFilm, which also has offices in Munich and Rome, is also hosting an exclusive gap financing panel at the EFM on Feb. 18. Taking place in the EFM Conference Lounge at Gropius Park, the discussion will focus on the role of gap financing in a rapidly changing market that is presenting producers with increasing challenges.
Joining Fadani on the panel will be Bluemhuber of Silver Reel, Phil Hunt of London’s Head Gear Films, Timo Argillander of Helsinki-based entertainment investment company IPR.VC Management, and media attorney Ralph Oliver Graef, who is moderating.
