Set Jetting on the coast of Norway

When we watch films and TV series from other countries, we’re more likely to travel there. Streaming services give us access to productions from all over the world, and with a smartphone in hand, we quickly Google where they were filmed. In this way, series and films have become a major source of inspiration for travelers and one of the most important drivers for tourism. But what does it really take to make big production companies choose Trøndelag as a filming location?

“We may not have grand castles, volcanoes, or the fjords of Western Norway. But Trøndelag has mines, island landscapes, and guaranteed snow inland during winter,” says film commissioner Solveig Ræstad from Midgard Film Commission Norway.

The film commissioner works to bring large international and national productions to Trøndelag. Solveig sees a clear trend in film and series production – the stories told must have a strong local identity and be true to the place and its history.

Through film and TV productions, we can connect viewers around the world to everything from local history and language to landmarks, lifestyles, environments, and nature.

International productions are no exception – according to Netflix, “local is the new global.” We’re watching productions in their original language and understanding the stories better even when the language is unfamiliar.

“Can you create a story from your place?” asks Solveig rhetorically, citing Everybody Hates Johan and the municipality of Frøya.

“One day, I suddenly found a yellow Post-it note on my desk saying Hallvar Witzø wanted to film on Frøya,” says Mona Elisabeth Olsen Skarsvåg, cultural consultant in Frøya municipality.

Mona took the request seriously, even though she didn’t quite grasp the scope. Together with Hallvar and cinematographer Karl Erik Brøndbo, she went on an exploratory journey through remote areas. In Titran, they found natural surroundings, houses, and farms that matched both the script and the film.

“For the municipality, this was a new and exciting inquiry, but we must admit we were initially skeptical. Fortunately, Hallvar convinced us – a feature film was going to be shot in Titran!”

As filming approached, Mona became the local coordinator between the municipality, the local community, and the film production.

Locals participated as extras, and the Titran community center opened its doors to the film crew. “At the same time, we were encouraged to milk the opportunity the film gave us – and Solveig from the film commission showed us where the cow stood!”

The coastal community’s own story

From the explosive-loving Johan to the salmon billionaire dynasties – Frøya has told a wide range of stories. And now, they might tell their own.

When director Hallvard Bræin was filming Gold Run in Titran, he learned about the Titran accident – the storm that took the lives of 141 fishermen off Titran in 1899. Bræin now wants to tell this story, and work is underway to secure funding.

Mona says both the municipality and its residents are eager to contribute.

“The Titran accident is an important part of our shared heritage and identity. Because of that fateful night in October 1899, we stand even stronger together. Everyone out here feels a sense of ownership of the story,” Mona concludes.