This month, Norwegians will be treated to the premiere of "Okkupert," or "Occupied," the most expensive TV series ever produced in their country. The occupier in question is Russia, which takes over Norway for its oil. The author had the idea long before President Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea, but it betrays the unease of many of Russia's neighbors.
"Okkupert" is the brainchild of a Nordic dream team. Jo Nesbo, Norway's bestselling novelist, wrote the first episodes in 2008. Yellow Bird, the Swedish studio behind the original, wildly successful "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" movie, produced the series. Erik Skjoldbjaerg, the director of "Prozac Nation" — a 2001 Hollywood film starring Christina Ricci — was the original director and co-author.
The production has a budget of almost $11 million, an unprecedented amount in Norwegian TV production, and the action-packed trailer makes clear where the money went.