FROM SONIC TO SUOMI: STORY KITCHEN EYES FINLAND FOR GAME ADAPTATIONS
For Story Kitchen – the Los Angeles-based studio behind adaptations of "Sonic the Hedgehog", "Tomb Raider", and "Life is Strange" – spotting untapped potential has always been part of the formula. Now, the company is eyeing Finland’s production possibilities as its next big opportunity.
Home to Supercell, Rovio, Remedy, and Housemarque Finland’s gaming scene is recognised globally for its creative firepower. With the "Angry Birds" movies already proving the cinematic potential of Finnish IP – and the legendary video game "Clash of Clans" being adapted into an animated series by Netflix – the stage is set for even greater crossover success between games and screen.
But it’s not all a one-way street. Hollywood is not just taking inspiration from Finnish games – it is looking to Finland as a production destination in its own right.
Story Kitchen is one such example.
The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has been a huge success for the studio.
Founded by industry veterans Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg and Timothy I. Stevenson, the company merges deep gaming insight with film and TV expertise. Their current slate includes adaptations of "Split Fiction", the hit co-op game that has sold over four million copies since its release, alongside beloved properties like "Life is Strange", "Tomb Raider", and "Sonic the Hedgehog".
"Five years ago, when the first “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie hit theaters as both a box office and critical success, the tides of game adaptations changed," explains Mike Goldberg, co-founder of Story Kitchen.
While "transmedia" has since become an industry buzzword, Story Kitchen has been quietly walking the talk since 2012. Weaving together film, TV, and games into its storytelling narratives, the studio continues to broaden its horizons in exciting ways.
FROM HOLLYWOOD TO HELSINKI
As traditional production hubs face new challenges, Story Kitchen is actively exploring emerging locations. During a recent visit to Helsinki, the team was struck by Finland’s creative potential.
"My biggest takeaway was how diverse the landscapes and looks of the country were," Dmitri M. Johnson shares. "We could pretty much shoot most projects there, which was incredibly surprising.”
“People assume you'll shoot your cold wintry project there, but you can double it for the Pacific Northwest or the Midwest," he adds.
The team was particularly struck by Helsinki Central Library Oodi, a testament to Finland's commitment to public creative spaces. The award-winning library, opened in 2018, is far more than a traditional book repository – it is a living civic hub featuring music studios, maker spaces, recording facilities, and even 3D printing workshops, all freely available to the public.
"That library was one of the most incredible things I ever saw," Johnson emphasises. "It perfectly exemplifies how Finland invests in its creative community."
Helsinki's Oodi library made a big impression on the studio reps.
Head of Production Timothy I. Stevenson adds, with a hint of playful secrecy, "Finland offers so many unique locations that we haven't seen before on screen – without giving away any secrets to our competitors."
A NEW STAGE FOR STORYTELLING
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Story Kitchen sees Finland as well-positioned to play a significant role in global production. The combination of diverse locations, technical expertise, and government support for the creative industries makes it an attractive destination for international productions.
Indeed, with incentives of up to 40%, highly skilled crews, and Finland's unique position as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets, the growth potential becomes clear.
"While we're California-based, we are global-facing," Goldberg emphasises. "There is an exciting incubator happening in Finland that we want to learn more about and be more a part of."