BRF Expands Entertainment Division, Hires First Head of Original Content in the US

BRF (B-Reel Films), today announced the expansion of its entertainment division in the US, building upon its reputation as a global, award-winning film production company. BRF has hired Hollywood producer Philip Westgren as the company’s first Head of Original Content in the U.S. to drive expansion of its English-language slate.

“BRF’s DNA is ideally suited to today’s exciting world of content creation. Equally immersed in traditional content, as well as the digital, advertising and branded world’s, BRF naturally embraces all the exciting directions in which the business continues to rapidly evolve,” said Westgren. “The group's work around the globe has always distinguished itself through bold storytelling that connects with audiences. I am thrilled to join the team, and look forward to the many collaborations ahead.”

In the next year, BRF has a number of high-profile entertainment projects and theatrical premieres in the works including 'Euphoria,' a feature film starring Oscar winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl, Jason Bourne), Eva Green (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, 300: Rise of an Empire) and Charlotte Rampling (Dexter, The Forbidden Room). Additionally, BRF is in pre-production on 'Midsummer,' a psychological horror film, written and directed by Ari Aster; the second season of 'Before We Die,' a record-breaking Scandi Noir TV series; and features from fast-rising and acclaimed directors such as Anna Odell and Peter Grōnlund. Other projects include documentaries on professional snowboarder Shaun White and the author behind the 'Millennium Trilogy,' which includes 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' Stieg Larsson.

BRF’s diverse lineup emphasises the company’s ambition to cross formats, finance models, and distribution platforms, driven only by what suits the content best. As part of exploring newer models, the company also continues to harness its deep relationships with agencies and brands.

“We’re in the golden age of original content and finding innovative opportunities as branded content continues to take centre stage,” said Pelle Nilsson, founder and CEO of BRF. “BRF has always pushed for new formats in storytelling and distribution, and now was the right time to grow our commercial and entertainment divisions to also offer the best branded entertainment solutions to agencies.”  

Building on the production company’s growth, BRF is also opening a new office in Oslo, Norway to tap top talent and the strong commercial production market in the region. Audun Lyngholm Wittenberg, previously at Vice and FanteFilm, has been brought on to run the office as Managing Director and Executive Producer.

Since its inception in 1995, BRF has grown from a small office in Stockholm to become an international player, producing everything from commercials, television, feature films, documentary films, music videos and custom-made content. At the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June, BRF took home a bronze Promo & Activation Lion (Use of Ambient Media: Large Scale) for The Scania Clock, where BRF created a 24 hour, interactive, multi-camera, live event of a 720k square foot clock composed of continuously driving Saab Scania trucks. The production company was also awarded with a D&AD pencil earlier this year and part of the Tribeca X Award for their branded short JellyWolf for Chanel, written and directed by Alma Har’el.