ITVS’s Apple Tree Productions to close

ITV Studios-owned Danish outfit Apple Tree Productions is to close its doors from next year.

The high-profile company was launched in 2017 by former DR Drama chief Piv Bernth and exec producer Lars Hermann with the backing of ITVS, which increased its minority stake to a majority position in 2021.

It has been behind a raft of shows including Equinox and Skruk for Netflix, Dansegarderoben for Denmark’s TV2, and Incidents by Water for Sweden’s SVT and DR.

It is currently producing TV series Rivalerne for TV2 Denmark and The Best Families for DR, which will be the company’s final two shows. 

Delivery is expected in late 2026, after which Apple Tree will close. ITVS will continue to represent titles from Apple Tree’s catalogue internationally, including dramas such as Blackwater and Chorus Girls.

Bernth and Hermann said the move had been forced by declining demand in the Danish market.

“The market for the production of TV series is becoming increasingly difficult in Denmark, and it has become increasingly challenging to build and maintain a financially viable business,” they said.

“Therefore, we are shifting our focus to completing the production of our last two drama series: The Rivals for TV2 and The Best Families for DR, and we will no longer develop or produce new series.

“We are very proud of the series we have delivered to our customers and our audiences, and it has been a pleasure to work with all the talented creative filmmakers with whom we have made the series. At the same time, we are deeply grateful for ITV Studios’ support over the years.”

Lisa Perrin, managing director of ITVS International Productions, added: “Whilst Apple Tree will continue to produce until the end of 2026, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Piv and Lars and their team for all they have achieved since joining us in 2017.

“They have delivered productions of the highest quality and have been fantastic partners for ITV Studios. We wish them all the best for the future.”