When working with Finnish partners in the audiovisual industry, you might encounter some puzzling contradictions. You’ll find world-class technical expertise combined with reluctance to showcase it. You’ll meet brilliant creative minds who downplay their achievements. You’ll witness incredible work ethic paired with an almost apologetic attitude toward success.
These aren’t random personality traits – they’re deeply rooted cultural patterns that every international producer should understand when collaborating with Finnish partners.
The key to understanding Finnish creative professionals lies in their cultural DNA, shaped by centuries of Lutheran influence. While this heritage has given Finland its famous equality, democracy, and reliability, it has also created a complex relationship with success. “Give birth, drink a cup of coffee, and get back to work” isn’t just a saying – it’s a cultural ideal that emphasizes modesty and hard work over celebration and self-promotion.
This creates a unique dynamic: Finnish creators often push themselves toward excellence while simultaneously feeling uncomfortable with the attention that excellence brings. Consider the telling difference in how Finland celebrates its heroes: the tragic story of ski-jumping champion Matti Nykänen captivates Finns more than the ongoing success of Linux creator Linus Torvalds. There’s an underlying expectation that success should be followed by a fall.
FIVE KEY CHALLENGES: WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO RESPOND
Understanding these cultural patterns will help you navigate partnerships more effectively. Here are the main challenges you might encounter:
The Success Paradox
What you’ll notice: Finnish partners might seem hesitant about ambitious goals or uncomfortable with praise. They might downplay their achievements or seem suspicious of too much success.
What’s really happening: There’s a cultural belief that excessive success leads to pride, and pride leads to downfall. This creates internal conflict between ambition and modesty.
How to respond: Acknowledge their expertise while respecting their modesty. Frame success as beneficial for the whole industry, not just individual glory. Build trust gradually.
The “Not Good Enough for International Markets” Syndrome
What you’ll notice: Self-deprecating comments about their work being “too Finnish” or “too local.” Uncertainty about international appeal despite clear potential.
What’s actually happening: This isn’t false modesty – it’s genuine concern about cultural translation and relevance.
How to respond: Point to successful precedents. Remind them that Nordic noir, Finnish games, and Finnish films have already proven their international appeal. Emphasize how cultural uniqueness can be a strength.
The Cultural Identity Concern
What you’ll notice: Strong protective instincts about maintaining “Finnishness” in international productions.
What’s actually happening: Fear of losing authentic voice and cultural identity in international collaboration.
How to respond: Demonstrate interest in and respect for Finnish cultural elements. Show how other cultures have maintained identity while going global (Swedish example works well here).
The Fear of Failure
What you’ll notice: Extensive preparation, perhaps over-preparation. Reluctance to move forward without every detail planned.
What’s actually happening: In Finnish culture, public failure carries a heavy stigma.
How to respond: Share stories of successful failure-to-success trajectories (like Rovio’s 51 games before Angry Birds). Frame setbacks as learning opportunities.
The Control Issue
What you’ll notice: Strong desire to maintain control over all aspects of production. Hesitation about delegating to international partners.
What’s actually happening: Deep sense of responsibility and perfectionism combined with uncertainty about international collaboration.
How to respond: Build trust through clear communication and demonstrated respect for Finnish working methods. Start with smaller collaborations to build confidence.
WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH FINNISH PARTNERS
Understanding these cultural dynamics isn’t about working around them – it’s about working with them. Finnish creative professionals bring unique strengths to international collaborations. They are known for their exceptional reliability and unwavering commitment to deadlines. Their strong technical expertise is matched by remarkable problem-solving skills, often finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Finnish creativity comes without unnecessary flourish – it’s genuine, purpose-driven, and often surprisingly bold once trust is established. Their deep work ethic and meticulous attention to detail mean that quality is never compromised. Perhaps most valuably, Finnish partners offer refreshingly honest and straightforward communication – when they say something will be done, it will be done.
TOP 3 Things to remember when working with Finns
- Build Trust Gradually
Take time to establish relationships. Show genuine interest in Finnish perspective and culture. Demonstrate long-term commitment
- Communicate Clearly
Be direct and honest – Finns appreciate straightforwardness. Avoid excessive praise or hype. Focus on concrete facts and plans
- Bridge the Cultural Gap
Help position Finnish content for international audiences while preserving its unique character. Create safe spaces for creative risk-taking. Celebrate successes in ways that don’t create discomfort
The Finnish creative industry is going through an interesting transformation. While traditional modesty remains strong, there’s growing recognition that international success requires finding a balance between Finnish values and global visibility. Your role as an international partner can be crucial in helping bridge this gap.
Remember: when working with Finnish partners, you’re not just getting access to technical skills or creative talent – you’re tapping into a unique cultural perspective that can bring fresh angles to storytelling. The key is understanding and working with their cultural framework rather than against it.
The most successful international collaborations with Finnish partners happen when both sides understand and respect these cultural dynamics. When managed well, the Finnish combination of excellence and modesty, perfectionism and pragmatism, can create something truly unique in the international market.
Think of it as unlocking a secret level – once you understand the code, you’ll find life long partners who don’t just deliver what they promise, but exceed expectations. Just give them a little extra push to help them brag about it.
