Piv Bernth and Lars Hermann’s Apple Tree Productions will close at the end of 2026, with its founders citing “increasingly difficult” market conditions.
The Danish company was launched in 2017 with backing from ITV Studios (ITVS), with The Killing and The Bridge exec producer Bernth and Hermann, her colleague from DR’s drama division, at the helm at CEO and COO, respectively. It has since made Equinox and Baby Fever for Netflix, Chorus Girls for TV2 in Denmark and Blackwater for Sweden’s SVT and DR.
Apple Tree confirmed the planned closure, which will follow production of two series, Rivals (working title) and The Best of Families.
“The market for making TV series is becoming increasingly difficult in Denmark, and it has become ever more challenging to maintain and build an economically viable business,” said Bernth and Hermann in a statement. “Consequently, we are shifting our focus to concentrate entirely on overseeing the production of our two final drama series, Rivals for TV2 Denmark and The Best of Families for DR and will no longer be developing or producing new series.
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“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 International Productions at ITVS 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.”
ITV Studios will continue to represent titles from Apple Tree’s catalogue internationally.