Finland’s newly launched Riimu Talent Agency elevates local writers and directors to international stages
Led by cultural export and film industry expert Laura Laaksonen, Riimu Talent Agency is set to unlock the untapped potential of Finland’s film industry. With a bold vision to diversify storytelling, improve working conditions, and foster international growth, Riimu brings together a dynamic roster of 16 clients at its first stage, spanning both established veterans and emerging talents.
Founded in 2023 and now announcing its first clients, Riimu represents screenwriters and directors in both Finnish and international film and television markets. The agency’s ethos is centered around building close, personal relationships with clients, allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on their craft. By taking on the business and logistical burdens that often divert attention from writing, Riimu ensures that its clients can fully immerse themselves in creative work.
“There’s an urgent need to elevate the position of film and TV writers—this means securing better deals, increasing PR visibility, and amplifying communication efforts. Another key factor is diversifying the field by expanding the kinds of stories we tell. I aim to create international opportunities by facilitating direct project sales and fostering organic European co-productions. The gaming industry also presents an interesting new market for screenwriters, and we’re eager to explore this potential together with our talents,” says Laura Laaksonen, founder of Riimu Talent Agency.
With over 15 years of experience in the cultural and creative industries, Laaksonen has held positions as an academic researcher, public official, and head of the Finnish Film Affair. She has led major international film festivals in Tampere and Espoo, and her educational background includes studies at Tampere University of Applied Sciences, University of Southern California, Aalto University, and Stanford University. Laaksonen’s extensive experience in Los Angeles, where she worked on Oscar and Golden Globe campaigns for European films, positions her perfectly to lead Riimu. She is also on track to qualify as a solution-oriented LCF Life Coach in 2025.
Riimu Talent Agency is proud to sponsor the new Finnish Weird pitching award, contributing a prize of €2,000. The award will be presented at the 13th Finnish Film Affair, held from 25–27 September 2024 in Helsinki. The Finnish Film Affair is the highly regarded industry event of the annual Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy.
Riimu clients target international markets
Riimu’s carefully curated roster of clients is focused on securing partnerships and opportunities in the global film industry.
“Finnish cinema has rapidly become more international and diverse in a very positive way. Now, we need fresh ideas to reshape the industry’s structures. I joined Riimu because I believe Laura’s background and experience make her the right person to represent my work internationally. Professional domestic representation opens up unprecedented opportunities for Finnish film—this has been the missing link in its global success,” says screenwriter, film director, and author Mikko Myllylahti. Myllylahti’s first feature script, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki, won the main prize of the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2016 and was Finland’s entry for the Academy Awards. His directorial debut The Woodcutter Story premiered in Cannes Critic’s Week Competition in 2022 and won the GAN Fondation Award for French distribution.
Another Riimu talent, Anastasia Paskevich, is involved in developing several TV series, short films, and feature films. Her project Death Doula was selected to be pitched at the 2024 Series Mania Forum and Torino SeriesLab. “Writers at all stages of their careers find it difficult to navigate the ever-changing marketplace and find the right partners for their projects. Sometimes it feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. Riimu, and Laura in particular, help to make the project package the magnet that attracts that well-hidden needle—meaning the decision-makers who will ultimately make the project happen,” says Paskevich.
Riimu represents a wide array of Finnish and international talents, including award-winning screenwriters, directors, and multidisciplinary creators. From emerging voices to industry veterans, the agency’s clients work across genres and mediums, including feature films, television series, and shorts. This dynamic roster combines diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives, driving opportunities for innovative storytelling and international co-productions.
In addition to Mikko Myllylahti and Anastasia Pashkevich, Riimu’s current clientele includes Heli Tamminen, Saara Cantell, Kaisa El Ramly, Sofia Jalonen, Tuuli Kanervankallio, Olli Koivula, Kaarina Leinonen, Juhana Lumme, Natalie Immonen, Laura Hyppönen, Viljami Alaheikka, Susanna Karttunen, Satu Mikkelinen and Yuliya Pogrebnyak.
Inquiries, press images, and interview requests:
Laura Laaksonen
+358 503486132
