## Nordic Noir’s Revival: Dramanation’s Bold Strategy
Dramanation, the force behind the globally acclaimed ‘Whiskey on the Rocks,’ is gearing up to inject a potent dose of Nordic Noir back onto the international stage. The Stockholm-based production house has announced two ambitious new projects, ‘Becker & Kempe’ and ‘Made in Sweden,’ signaling a deliberate strategy to tap into the enduring appeal of the genre.
## ‘Becker & Kempe’: A Gothenburg Crime Actioner
‘Becker & Kempe’ is a crime action drama set in Gothenburg, Sweden. The series follows detectives Milla Becer and Simon Kempe as they confront international crime and corruption. Screenplay development is currently being overseen by Morgan Jensen (known for SVT-Arte’s “Thicker than Water”) and Theo Gabay. Production is being co-developed with a streaming platform and further local partnerships are being actively sought. Patrick Nebout, a key figure at Dramanation, describes the show’s scope as exploring “international crime and its ties in other countries, such as the Svalbards and Spain, among other backdrops,” suggesting a narrative potentially steeped in global conspiracies.
## ‘Made in Sweden’: Cold War Heist Dramedy
The second project, ‘Made in Sweden,’ takes a strikingly different approach: a Cold War heist dramedy based on a true story. The show centers around the Swedish government’s 1970 sale of 1,000 Volvo 144 sedans to North Korea. Led by an idealistic civil servant within the Ministry of Trade, the story promises a unique blend of high-concept ideas and the characteristic grit associated with Nordic storytelling. Björn Stein, director of the popular “Midnight Sun,” is directing the project.
## Dramanation’s Calculated Approach
Dramanation’s strategy is rooted in a deliberate rejection of current market trends, prioritizing distinctive, high-quality entertainment. By leveraging established creative talent and compelling intellectual property, the company aims to produce globally appealing dramas that distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape. Crucially, they’re experimenting with a new financing model – incorporating fixed financing with shared risk – capitalizing on the success of ‘Whiskey on the Rocks’ while embracing creative innovation and calculated risk.
## Why Nordic Noir Still Matters
The broader market for premium drama has seen a recent slowdown – Ampere Analysis reports a decrease from 129 scripted series orders in 2022 to 57 in 2025. However, demand for high-quality drama remains strong. Dramanation’s faith in the enduring appeal of Nordic Noir – characterized by its atmospheric settings, complex characters, and exploration of moral ambiguities – is clearly a strategic bet.
## What This Means for Consumers
Consumers can expect two distinct and ambitious Nordic Noir offerings, showcasing varying levels of action and intrigue. Both projects promise character-driven narratives, reflecting the genre’s core strengths. The success of Dramanation’s strategy hinges on delivering content that transcends regional boundaries, much like ‘Whiskey on the Rocks.’
