Execs Launch IP Studio & Unveil Viking Mythology Series

EXCLUSIVE: A trio of executives have launched an IP studio focused on sci-fi, fantasy and horror.

Antoine Disle, Orso Vesperini and Olivier Compere, who between them have made projects for Canal+, TF1 and Warner, are behind Forge Films Company, which has unveiled Viking mythlogy series Lost in Hel as first project from its slate.

Forge has brought in Head of Gaming & Interactive Experiences Léonidas Vesperini and former Lionsgate SVP Marc Lorber is advising the company, which launched over the summer.

Forge describes itself as a “next-generation genre studio and IP model,” which will focus on the sci-fi, fantasy and horror spaces and is keen on gaming. The exec team are based in the U.S., France and the UK, while individual projects like Lost in Hel will come out of the U.S.

Forge has just unveiled a Breathe in Hel proof-of-concept on YouTube for its Lost in Hel series. Set after a Viking clan is shipwrecked on an unmapped island, the Lost in Hel universe follows Jarl Alvar and a Christian queen forced into an alliance as they attempt to unite sworn enemies against an ancient force. Directed by Nik Kacevski (Mad Max: Fury Road), Lost in Hel stars Jessica Ferguson (Cobra City, Sun Sparta), Troy Honeysett (Class of ’07, The Combination: Redemption), Masa Yamaguchi (The Condemned, Wolverine) and newcomer Grace Durrant.

The co-founders said: “Forge is built to identify distinctive creative talent and original IP early, test their potential with audiences, and give the strongest worlds the opportunity to grow across film, television, gaming and immersive experiences. Our model brings together creative ambition, audience engagement and industry expertise within a commercially viable and sustainable framework.”