Gudny Hummelvoll & Jevgeni Supin Win TV Beats Producer Awards

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s industry platform, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, has bestowed its prestigious Honorary TV Beats Producer Awards upon two notable figures in European television production: Norway’s Gudny Hummelvoll, known for hit series like ‘Billionaire Island,’ and Estonia’s Jevgeni Supin, the driving force behind the international historical drama ‘Von Fock.’ These accolades celebrate their significant contributions to the audiovisual industry, particularly their dedication to elevating local stories onto the global stage. The awards were presented at the TV Beats Forum on November 18, 2025.

Recognizing Pivotal Roles in European Production

The decision to honor two producers this year underscores the TV Beats Forum’s commitment to highlighting the essential role producers play in the creation of compelling audiovisual content. According to Petri Kemppinen and Roosa Toivonen, Co-Heads of the TV Beats Forum, a vast amount of the content audiences enjoy would simply not exist without the producers’ “dedication, enthusiasm, dynamism, resourcefulness, and sheer willpower.” They further emphasized the unique challenges faced by producers in smaller countries, where domestic markets alone often cannot sustain global ambitions, a hurdle both Hummelvoll and Supin have successfully overcome.

Gudny Hummelvoll: A Champion of Nordic Drama

Gudny Hummelvoll, founder and CEO of Hummelfilm, has carved out a reputation as one of the most influential producers in the Nordic screen industry. Her career spans over two decades, encompassing feature films, television, documentaries, and short films. She is celebrated for her vision and leadership, consistently bringing world-class storytelling from Norway to an international audience. Her impressive portfolio includes acclaimed productions such as “Headhunters,” the critically lauded climate crisis thriller “Occupied,” and the 2024 Netflix success, ‘Billionaire Island.’

‘Billionaire Island,’ which premiered on Netflix in 2024, has been likened to “Succession with salmon,” offering a compelling drama about the cutthroat world of Norway’s salmon industry. The series quickly gained traction, becoming a significant hit and demonstrating Hummelvoll’s ability to turn locally-rooted narratives into global phenomena. Beyond her creative achievements, Hummelvoll has been an ardent advocate for collaboration, diversity, and mentorship within the European production community. She previously served as the first female President of the European Producers Club and is currently an Executive Committee member and Vice President, championing her colleagues through various industry shifts.

Jevgeni Supin: Elevating Estonian Drama on the Global Stage

Estonian heavyweight producer Jevgeni Supin is recognized for his remarkable achievements and the dynamic ambition he brings to Baltic screen production. Through his production company, Zolba Productions, established in 2013, Supin has played a pioneering role in bringing Estonian and Baltic drama to the international stage. His work on landmark series demonstrates a consistent ability to attract global partners for original co-productions, transforming local stories into internationally visible projects.

Among his notable productions is ‘Von Fock,’ a historical crime drama set in early 19th-century Estonia. This ambitious series, a co-production between Estonia, Latvia, and Italy, premiered its pilot episode at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2024 and began airing on Estonian television in March 2025. It is considered one of the most expensive TV series ever made in Estonia and was the first Estonian series to receive support from both Creative Europe’s Media Program and Eurimages’ pilot program for series co-productions. Supin also produced the first Estonian Viaplay original, “Who Shot Otto Mueller.” His career reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and enhancing the global visibility of the Baltic region’s creative talent. Supin previously managed the TV Beats Forum, further solidifying his dedication to the development of the region’s industry.

The Impact of the Honorary TV Beats Producer Awards

The Honorary TV Beats Producer Awards celebrate prominent and inspiring visionaries from the series production landscape across the Nordics, Baltics, and Central and Eastern Europe. The award acknowledges producers who have significantly impacted TV drama through bold storytelling, creative risk-taking, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of television. By honoring Gudny Hummelvoll and Jevgeni Supin, the TV Beats Forum not only recognizes their individual successes but also underscores the growing importance of Nordic and Baltic voices in the global audiovisual narrative. Their work serves as a testament to the power of localized narratives resonating with international audiences and the vital role of producers in fostering cross-border collaborations and industry growth.