Pelle Nilsson

THE DREAM CATCHER

Managing Partner and Producer at B-Reel Films

Pelle Nilsson is an award-winning film producer and entrepreneur who began his career in television before founding companies in advertising, TV and film production. After spending many years living and working in Los Angeles, Pelle now resides in Stockholm.  

How did you first get a foot in the door in the TV and film industries? 

My first proper job after school was working at the music channel ZTV, which was broadcasted from London at the time. I got the job through friends who thought I’d fit in due to my interest in music.

Not knowing anything about TV production, I started at the bottom of the ranks as a runner but learnt the ropes fast. After one year, I became a reporter at ZTV News, reporting on music events and interviewing musicians. A definite highlight was part of interviewing Oasis before their first concert outside of England at the Hultsfred Festival. Afterwards, the team and I played football against Oasis and Primal Scream. Liam obviously played as a striker! That’s a great memory. 

How did you end up starting your own international production company? 

After five years at ZTV, I started freelancing as a film producer and director. It was during the beginning of the first dot-com era, and a couple of friends and I spotted a gap in the market for online content. We noted that there wasn’t anyone combining the potential of the Internet with storytelling, and we thought we’d have a go. 

Our first production was a campaign for the fashion brand Whyred, featuring a landing page, an online fashion show, and video content. While these elements might seem standard today, they were revolutionary at the time, given that most people were still using modems. Following this, we developed interactive videos for e-commerce platform Zoo Village, Ericsson and many other brands. 

From the very start, the goal was always to tap into the global market and open offices in other countries. We saw Sweden as a base and couldn’t see any obstacles to becoming an international company. At first, we opened in New York, and then offices in London, LA, Barcelona, and Berlin followed. While we were building the interactive side of the business, we were also producing commercials, feature films, and documentaries. 

Your work within film and TV has been awarded the Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions, an Emmy, and nominated for 61 Swedish Academy (Guldbagge) Awards. In fact, B-Reel Films is the most awarded Swedish production company in the past decade. Which of your achievements are you most proud of? 

The thing I’m most proud of is building a business from scratch and opening offices around the world. When it comes to films, I’m of course proud of winning awards (in 2022 we had two wins at Guldbaggen and six Kristallen nominations last year), but also producing films that appeal to people around the world. The horror movie Midsommar has turned into a bit of a cult phenomenon. It celebrated five years this summer, and wherever I go in the world, people are talking about it when they hear I’m Swedish. 

This Autumn, we will premiere two new TV series; The Helicopter Heist for Netflix and The Pirate Bay on SVT (national public broadcaster in Sweden).  

”Having a broad cultural outlook is very important for me. Being international appeals to me, and it starts way back from the moment I first joined
the Swedish School in London all those years ago.”

How would you describe the life and career journey which took you to where you are today?  

I started working young, and my career has evolved organically over time, where one thing has led to another. I’ve always felt I wanted to expand and do something more. 

Whilst growing the company, I also grew as a person. I lived in Los Angeles for seven years with my family, and it was an extraordinary period for both me and my family. 

What excites you about your career?

Every project I work on is new and unique. I get to realise my dream over and over again. No two days are the same, and I still don’t think I’ve done my best work yet. 

What drives you? 

We’ve been running the company for 25 years, and I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t working. To want to tell new stories is a huge driver, but having your own business is also a driver itself. Unless you push daily, the company won’t succeed, and you won’t be able to support your family or pay the salaries of your staff. 

If you were to give one piece of advice to your young self, what would that be? Work hard, but don’t be too hard on yourself. And always try to remember to enjoy every moment.

How important is having an international perspective for you? 

Having a broad cultural outlook is very important for me. Being international appeals to me, and it starts way back from the moment I first joined the Swedish School in London all those years ago. My kids are also international as they grew up in LA, but they both speak fluent Swedish. 

What is the fondest memory you have from the Swedish School? 

The first day at school when I first met Adam and Ola. We’ve been best friends ever since. The small size of the school meant that my classmates and I became closely knit together in so many different aspects. The four years at the school are a cherished part of my life, profoundly shaping who I am today. I often reflect on that time with great fondness. 

Are you still in touch with any of your other schoolmates? 

We’re a group of eight who still are best friends and meet regularly. This year, we marked the 40th anniversary of our friendship by taking a trip together to the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Over the years, we’ve shared countless experiences, and now we’re growing old together.