Sweden's Svensk Filmindustri and Denmark's Nordisk Film have both announced new appointments as part of their ambitions to increase their activities in the Scandinavian market.

Scandinavian major Svensk Filmindustri is expanding into international production and will further strengthen its Nordic presence within film and television. The company is presently involved in over 20 local Nordic film-productions and intends to increase this number in the near future.

As part of its expansion, Johan Mardell will join the company as creative director of feature film and television drama production. Mardell is at present Head of Fiktion SVT, Sweden's public service television channel.

Meanwhile, Nordic major Nordisk Film, which recently announced its plans to restructure and merge its production, distribution and exhibition divisions, has moved two of its most experienced executives, H.P. Lundh and Peter Philipsen, to new positions within the company.

Lundh, a veteran of Nordisk Film, moves from general manager of rights & acquisitions to head up Nordisk Film Production in Sweden, where he will develop the company's position in the market alongside film producer Anne Ingvar of Nordisk subsidiary Felicia Film. The goal is to reach an output of three to four films per year. "I am pleased to get closer to the creative process and grateful that the company is giving me this opportunity," commented Lundh.

Distribution veteran Peter Philipsen will increase his responsibilities as general manager of Nordisk Film Theatrical Distribution taking over the rights and acquisition area as well. Philipsen has been a key player in the Nordic film business for a number of years, with experience from both his own distribution company and his long career with Nordisk Film and Egmont Entertainment, where he has been part of the management for years.