Finnish filmmaking – what’s not to love?

Estonian actor and international film talent Marko Leht has only very positive things to say about his experiences filming Arctic Circle 2 in Finland.

If you’ve seen actor Marko Leht in films like Wonder Woman (2017) or Lucky Man (2016) – you know he’s a passionate artist. When Leht was asked to share a bit about his experiences filming this year’s Arctic Circle 2 in Finland, he made it clear that he’s also passionate about the professionalism of the film teams he worked with in Helsinki during autumn 2020. 

Not one to hold back when he feels something strongly, Leht says quite directly, “Filming Arctic Circle 2 in Finland was by far my best experience as an actor. Not just one of the best – the best ever. I have never felt so happy doing my job. This was partly because of how professional – how effortlessly skilled – Finns in the film industry are. Leht continues, “I felt from the very beginning of the project, when the part was offered to me, that everything was clear, and quite transparent. Thanks to my Finnish colleagues, at every point in the process I knew exactly what was expected of me – and this definitely made my job much easier.

"Filming Arctic Circle 2 in Finland was by far my best experience as an actor. Not just one of the best – the best ever. I have never felt so happy doing my job."

Finnish film crews are truly world-class

When asked to give some examples of why he came away so impressed with Finnish filmmaking, Leht starts with the film crews and offers a typical story from the Arctic Circle set: “For each take, the costume and make-up people always – without exception – made sure that everything was precisely right with regard to my clothing, my make-up, my appearance – everything – which is a great service for an actor, because of course this eliminates the possibility that in editing they can’t use a take because my make-up was running, etc. I really appreciated this.”

Leht acknowledges that this might seem rather basic, but points out, “I’ve, for example more recently, been part of a production in a different country and the make-up people simply didn’t notice I was sweating through my make-up, and I actually had to remind them myself! This obviously doesn’t give an actor much confidence – what else might they be missing? It was important to have that trust – that constant, immaculate care our crew took – and similarly, everything was so sensibly thought-out. It might have appeared at times that things were even “over-planned”, and yet it was also a very spontaneous environment. Everyone knew what they had to do, but actors still had the freedom to suggest their ideas, talk to the director, and ask questions. Everything was consistently addressed in a very conscious, caring manner.”

Making of Ivalo - Arctic Circle, Elisa Viihde Viaplay Original Series, season 2 / copyright Yellow Film & TV Oy.

Good manners – and good vibes – really do matter

Beyond being highly competent, Leht emphasizes that the Finns he worked closely with were also very polite, “You could sense that everyone took pride in and enjoyed what they were doing. When people have this attitude of respect for the work it creates a magical sort of – almost an aura – on the set, in which everyone wants to give their very best. A strange synergy happens. I discussed this with the other actors, and also the director Juha Lankinen, and producer Jarkko Hentula – and we all felt it.

Leht continues, “The seamless combination of really professional technical and planning skills and the warmth and kindheartedness is something that really impressed me greatly. The Finns I’ve worked with know when to give you more space. Maybe it’s because I’m Estonian, and our cultures share certain similarities – but I don’t even feel it this way in Estonia! It’s a professional work culture that is quite ideal when trying to make good films.”

Can’t wait to return!

While Leht acknowledges that his impressions of Finnish filmmaking expertise are based on one specific production, he’s convinced that his experience is not uncommon within professional Finnish film productions. “We all of course spoke English, as the cast was quite international. There was great camaraderie between the actors, and I’m still not quite sure why. Again, I suspect it has much to do with the careful attention to detail that the Finns brought to the entire project. Related to this, Juha Lankinen was one of the best directors I have worked with. He had a wonderful way of giving freedom to all the actors. While also being very demanding, trusting, and protective of us.”

The seamless combination of really professional technical and planning skills and the warmth and kindheartedness is something that really impressed me greatly. 

When challenged to crystalize his assessment of Finnish filmmaking into just one sentence, Leht responds: “To put it as simply as I know how to about Finland, I absolutely love the country and love the people I work with there. I think Finns may be the most underrated people ever. I can’t wait to return!”