‘The Fisherwoman’ Star Emma Thompson Praises Finnish Crew

Emma Thompson is Staff Finland in everything and she wants you to understand that. In an emotional letter shared with local newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, the actress detailed her experience working on Brian Kirk’s upcoming action thriller “The Fisherwoman.” Set in Minnesota, the film will see the two-time Oscar winner play a widow who, while trapped in a blizzard, interrupts the kidnapping of a young man.

“They didn’t snow (in Minnesota) due to changes in the weather, (so) the decision was made to film all the exteriors in Finland. I had no idea how fortunate I was, but upon arriving in Koli, greeted by the pine- and snow-clad sentinels guarding that magical slope, I began to feel what a great privilege and journey this would become,” she wrote.

The shoot wasn’t simple, admitted Thompson, who was “usually quite scared and rarely doubted (his) ability to do the job.” She also produces the film for the government.

“What always supported me was the extraordinary nature of the setting and the people. From the moment I disembarked, I was greeted with kindness and warmth, with profound hospitality and humor by people who made my stay in Koli feel more and more like home.

She praised the Finnish team, who “seemed particularly well adapted to film work” – “They were calm. They were guaranteed. They worked extremely hard and without criticism, no matter how crazy the schedules or the weather were” – highlighting the so-called “Snow Staff”.

“The weather changed, as it always does, and when the lake became wet, the snow crew dragged sled after sled of fresh snow to cover the melt and maintain continuity. If the climate was wet, they swept watery mud from surfaces and replaced it with dry snow. If the weather was very snowy, they removed tons and tons of snow from the capture space. They were a great source of comfort and energy for all of us, I think,” she added.

“All the Finns in our crew were admirable in many ways – our transport team was wonderful – driving on roads that ranged from very snowy to terribly icy, covered in slush and even slushy when the thaw lasted more than a day . They looked after us, kept us safe and showed us where the best bars were, which was perhaps the most important thing of all.”

She also recalled filming a combat sequence on a frozen lake. “It didn’t matter that I was cold and had pulled every muscle in my body (a daily reminder not to start your film career at 64). The wonder that sustained me, conquered me, was the giving of everything, in one way or another. What I’m trying to say – perhaps clumsily because I’m still in the thick of it and not myself – is that shooting Finland is more than the sum of its elements, its elements being ineffable, and its people being constitutionally remarkably adequate. to the needs of cinema.

“I would give something to the potential client to work here again, and so I would thank everyone who is working so hard to keep the AV incentive alive and well,” she said.

As previously reported by SelectionLast year, the Finnish company called on the federal government to protect film and TV production incentives.

“All these years after we had the incentives, we had opposition within the Ministry of Financial Affairs and Employment. These officers just didn’t like the idea. They argue that these cuts are important because the state essentially “lends” a large amount of money. But our support and incentives actually make money,” noted Finnish Movie Foundation CEO Lasse Saarinen.

It is clear that the nation has now gained a strong supporter. “I would wholeheartedly encourage colleagues in my industry to find productions here – if you want a dramatic landscape, it’s here, if you want a brave-hearted, extremely sensitive and indomitable crew team, they’re right here, if you If you want comfort and a home life, it’s here,” added the actor.

“I will always be satisfied with my stay in Finland – I write this on my last day, which I am lucky enough to spend with friends who have a smoking sauna and an ice hole. A final blessing from the nation that I realized I really liked and will miss with every fiber of my being.”