Television
Whiskey on the Rocks: A Political Satire with Global Impact
2024-11-26
In the realm of entertainment, a unique series titled "Whiskey on the Rocks" has emerged. Inspired by real events, this Nordic Original series is set to make its debut on Disney+ in select countries and Hulu in the US on January 22nd, 2025. All six episodes will be released simultaneously, captivating audiences worldwide.

Uncover the Dramatic and Absurd Tale of Whiskey on the Rocks

Series Background and Inspiration

This series is the latest creation from the team behind the acclaimed Swedish film "The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared." It is a coproduction between Swedish national broadcaster SVT and The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic. The story takes place in the early hours of October 28th, 1981, when a Soviet nuclear Whiskey class submarine was spotted aground within a restricted Swedish military area. This incident brought the world to the brink of disaster, with global superpowers on edge. The eyes of the world then turned to Sweden's calm and collected prime minister, Thorbjörn Fälldin, a former sheep farmer, who faced the immense challenge of maintaining peace between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and US President Ronald Reagan. 1: The true story behind "Whiskey on the Rocks" is a fascinating blend of drama and absurdity. It was this very essence that led the creators to envision it as a political satire. The ambition was to employ a visual and suspenseful language that would contrast and enhance the humor. This approach is rarely seen in comedies, making "Whiskey on the Rocks" a truly unique viewing experience. 2: As the events in the series took place more than 40 years ago, one might wonder about its relevance today. However, when we look around the world, it becomes frighteningly topical. The issues and tensions depicted in the series still resonate in today's global landscape, adding an extra layer of significance to this production.

Star-Studded Cast

"Whiskey on the Rocks" stars an impressive ensemble cast. Rolf Lassgård, Elsa Saisio, Anders Mossling, Niklas Engdahl, Filip Berg, and Adam Lundgren bring the characters to life. Additionally, Lithuanian actor Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas takes on the role of Leonid Brezhnev, and British actor Mark Noble portrays Ronald Reagan. Their performances add depth and authenticity to the story. 1: Each actor in the cast has brought their own unique style and talent to the series. Rolf Lassgård, with his commanding presence, brings a certain gravitas to his role. Elsa Saisio's portrayal adds a touch of femininity and complexity to the narrative. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, creating a vivid and engaging on-screen world. 2: The casting choices not only enhance the story but also help to bring the historical events to life. The actors' ability to embody the characters of the leaders and the ordinary people involved makes the audience feel as if they are witnessing history unfold before their eyes.

Production Team and Story Source

The series is based on a story by author Jonas Jonasson, who achieved great success with his novel "The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared." Henrik Jansson-Schweizer serves as the series' screenwriter, while Björn Stein is the director and Jan Marnell is the producer. 1: Jonas Jonasson's story serves as a solid foundation for the series, providing a rich and engaging narrative. Henrik Jansson-Schweizer's screenwriting skills bring the story to life on the screen, adding depth and complexity to the characters and the plot. 2: Björn Stein's directorial vision adds a visual and suspenseful element to the series. His ability to create a tense and engaging atmosphere is evident throughout the episodes. Jan Marnell's production expertise ensures that every aspect of the series is of the highest quality.

Swedish Broadcast and Global Appeal

In Sweden, the series will be aired on SVT1 during the festive period. This is a significant milestone for Nordic storytelling, as it brings the first Nordic production to Disney+. The series is a testament to the richness of our stories and the talent of our region. It has the potential to reach a global audience and showcase the unique appeal of Nordic storytelling. 1: The airing of "Whiskey on the Rocks" on SVT1 during the festive period is a great opportunity for Swedish audiences to enjoy a unique and engaging series. It also highlights the importance of Nordic storytelling in the global entertainment landscape. 2: The global appeal of the series is evident from its distribution on Disney+ and Hulu. It has the potential to reach audiences in different countries and cultures, introducing them to the rich world of Nordic storytelling.
wedotv Expands in Italy with Agile Content on Agile TV
2024-11-26
wedotv, the ad-supported free streaming entertainment network, has forged a significant partnership to introduce its diverse content offerings on the newly launched Agile TV in Italy. This collaboration marks a major step in wedotv's expansion within the Italian market.

Unlock a World of Entertainment with wedotv on Agile TV

wedotv's Entry into the Italian TV Market

Last year, wedotv made its mark in the Italian TV arena by launching localised versions of its FAST channels and a direct-to-consumer AVoD platform on Samsung TV Plus. This initial foray set the stage for its subsequent expansion, and now, with the partnership with Agile Content, wedotv is reaching an entirely new audience. The company's co-CEO, Philipp Rotermund, expressed his delight, stating, "We are pleased to expand our footprint in the market on Agile TV to reach a whole new audience there." His immediate impression of Agile TV's advanced features further solidified the partnership.

Agile Content, a renowned Spanish technology company, brings with it a wealth of digital television services. These include live TV channels, on-demand content, and streaming services, providing a comprehensive entertainment package. The company launched Agile TV earlier this year in a joint venture with Grupo Tessellis, combining the strengths of national telco Linkem-Tiscali and regional telco Convergenze in Italy.

wedotv's Specialised Services on Agile TV

wedotv movies, a female-skewing movie service, and wedotv BIG stories, focusing on outdoor survival, reality, and cooking shows, are now available as FAST channels on Agile TV. These channels are fully customised for the local Italian audience, offering a unique viewing experience. Koldo Unanue, CEO of Agile Content, emphasised their focus on building a first-rate entertainment lineup for their growing customer base. He stated, "We are part of Tessellis's aggressive broadband expansion and are dedicated to providing quality services. wedotv's FAST channels, with their top movies and high-quality non-fiction programming, are exactly what we want to populate this service with to stand out in the market."

The availability of these specialised services on Agile TV provides Italian viewers with a diverse range of entertainment options. Whether it's enjoying a captivating movie or tuning in to exciting reality shows, wedotv's offerings on Agile TV cater to different interests and preferences.

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The Departure of Paul Severino: A New Era for Miami Marlins Broadcast
2024-11-25
Paul Severino, the dedicated television play-by-play announcer for the Miami Marlins since 2018, has announced his departure from the team's airwaves for the upcoming season. This decision marks a significant change for the Marlins, who will now embark on a search for a new broadcaster after a seven-year stint with Severino. The broadcast team, which included a rotation of analysts such as Rod Allen, Tommy Hutton, Jeff Nelson, and Gaby Sanchez, will also undergo a transformation.

Thanking the Marlins Family

In a statement on Friday, Severino expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be the TV voice of the Miami Marlins for seven years. He stated, "It was brought to my attention today that I will not be invited back as the TV voice of the Miami Marlins for 2025 and beyond. I gave the broadcast and the audience everything I had, every night, for seven years." Severino also thanked executives Steve Tello and Brett Opdyke for taking a chance on him in 2018 and producer John Sulser, along with the rest of the broadcast crew. He extended his gratitude to the fans for welcoming him to the Marlins broadcast team and his family for their unwavering support throughout the years.

Severino's Work Ethic and Approach

Severino takes pride in his work ethic and believes that these types of jobs are precious. He prepared the same way on April 1st as he did on October 1st, treating every game like it was his last. Drawing inspiration from Joe DiMaggio, he emphasized the importance of giving his best for the kids watching him for the first time. He tried to approach every broadcast with a light and fun mindset, avoiding complaints and ensuring that baseball remained entertaining. As he often said during broadcasts, the audience works or goes to school all day and doesn't want to hear negativity. His efforts to keep the broadcasts engaging have left a lasting impact.

The Search for a New Voice

The Miami Marlins and FanDuel Sports Network have decided to move in a new direction with their television play-by-play announcer. They will begin a search for a new TV voice ahead of the 2025 season. This decision comes after Severino's departure and marks a significant shift in the team's broadcasting lineup. The Marlins are looking for someone who can bring a fresh perspective and connect with the fans. With the team's move to loanDepot Park and rebrand, a new announcer will play a crucial role in shaping the viewing experience for Marlins fans.

Diamond Sports Group's Role

Diamond Sports Group recently obtained approval to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy after 20 months. The Sinclair subsidiary holds broadcast rights to 27 professional sports teams across Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League. In addition to the Marlins, they will also broadcast regional games for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Tampa Bay Rays next season. This expansion of broadcast rights presents an opportunity for the Marlins to find a new announcer who can reach a wider audience and enhance the team's visibility.Throughout his seven years on the air, Severino called more than 1,000 Marlins games, spanning from spring training to the end of the regular season. His contributions to the Marlins broadcast have been significant, and his departure will leave a void that the new announcer will need to fill. The Marlins are confident that they will find the right person to carry on the tradition of providing exciting and engaging broadcasts.
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