A Word From the President
Gudrun Giddings
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Hej Alla,
Hope you all have had a great week and will enjoy a LOVELY weekend ;-)
We have a special evening planned on Thursday February 26th at the wonderful Viceroy in Santa Monica. Lena Månsson from Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverk will tell us about this very prestigious school in Sweden, where H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and former Prime minister, Olof Palme have studied. Super star actor Dolph Lundgren will also join us to talk about his experience of having his daughter attend this regarded school. A nice evening with some mingle as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to RSVP: info@sacc-la.org
Swedish films are still trending upwards and the Swedish Film Institute was very much present and supporting the filmmakers and their films at the respected Berlinale Film Festival this past week. As I am writing this, I just learned that the Swedish Film, “Flocken†has received the Crystal Bear at the festival and we’ll be sure to tell you more about it in next week’s Finally Friday. Another one of the many superb films from Sweden at the festival was “The Circleâ€, a super natural young adult movie based on the best selling book series, also from Sweden.
There is definitely a buzz factor surrounding this film, especially with the new young talented actors and that this is the first film from Ludvig Andersson and Benny Andersson’s new production company, RMV. Benny is of course best known from ABBA and is both a producer and the composer of the film.
And as I am mentioning music, we give a HUGE congratulation to Swedish music producer Max Martin. He is probably one of the most private yet celebrated and to my opinion best music producers in the world. Well deserved on the Grammy “Producer of the Year†win. Grattis !!
More on Mr. Martin below, as you will find he has produced and written some of the top songs and works with “everyoneâ€.
And finally, if you want to listen to a talented Swedish artist immediately and live you can attend Laleh’s popular show tonight Friday the 13th right here in Hollywood. Her show has been so embraced by the LA audience that it has extended through February month. Details below.
Happy Valentine's Weekend !!
Gudrun Giddings
President of SACC-LA
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Or not today, but tomorrow Saturday, February 14th it is the time of the year that everyone, with a significant other, plan ahead to make the most romantic evening of the year. It begun in the Middle Ages to celebrate Saint Valentine. Oddly enough, in Sweden it's called "Alla Hjärtans Dag" which freely translated means "All Hearts' Day". Even though it has been around for so many years, it was first in the 1960's the Swedes started to celebrate it, largely influenced by the American culture. In the U.S. it has been a celebrated tradition for a much longer period. Approximately 190 million Valentine's Day cards are sent every year, only in the U.S., with the average spendings growing each year. Back in 2013 the average spending was $131/person. A rather large amount. But then again, it's for your loved one and you can't put a prize on that.
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We would like to invite you to our upcoming event with The Sigtuna School at Viceroy Santa Monica where Dolph Lundgren will join as a guest speaker. Have a look at the invitation below for more information and how to RSVP.
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Presenting the New Marketing Managers
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This week we will be presenting the fourth and final Marketing Manager for this spring. You guessed it, he is the second person in charge of Events, and his name is Jacob Neckmar.
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Jacob Neckmar Bio
Jacob was born in Lund, Sweden. During his upbringing he competed in several sports, including golf and handball, which developed his collaborative skills and made him a true team player. In addition to his interest in sports, Jacob is a big fan of meeting new people and discovering new places. As an example he decided to spend five months in the Swiss Alps after high school, working and skiing.
A passion and interest for entrepreneurship and business led Jacob to later on move to Uppsala and study Business and Economics at Uppsala University. To gain professional experience, he worked part-time alongside his studies within the retail-banking sector. This fall he finished his BSc degree with a major in management accounting. As the marketing manager, event management, Jacob wants to use his previous experience and knowledge to further develop the business relations between Sweden and the region of Los Angeles.
Jacob will be responsible for coordinating and planning the Chamber’s events.
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 Photo by Kerstin Alm
You can contact him at: mkt.saccla@gmail.com or call: +1 (310) 622-3616
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Grammy Success: The Swede Behind the Scenes
Max Martin accepting his award at the Grammy's. Photo credits: Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Last Sunday, February 8th, the Grammy's took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Despite Sam Smith grabbing four awards (including Best new artist and Record and Song of the Year) one person stood out a little bit extra for the Swedish crowd. Max Martin is one of the worlds biggest producers, yet it took him over two decades to win the Producer of the Year, Non-Classical. Not just the Swedes noticed this but the Huffington Post in Canada wrote an article about the success' Martin has had and that he perhaps deserves a bit more credit for it. What do you think?
Read the full article here!
Huffington Post
Written by: Joshua Ostroff
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Business Like a Swede
Maybe you remember the video about Living Like a Swede? The people behind it are back and released their new video "Business Lika a Swede". And this time it's a rap video!
Click on the image to see the video!
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Swedish Films at The Berlin International Film Festival
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The Circle‘s film adaptation is one of the selected films in the Generation 14plus section at the Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale. Benny Andersson of ABBA fame is the composer of the soundtrack and one of the producers of this film about young witches in modern Sweden. "The Circle" is Levan Akin's second feature film and is based on Sara Bergmark Elfgren and Mats Strandberg’s best-seller. It is a story of six teenage girls who meet in an abandoned park after having been drawn there by a mysterious force.
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The cast and crew attended the screening in Berlin on Tuesday February 11th and there were lots of curiosity to see what super star Benny Andersson of ABBA and his producer son, Ludvig Andersson have created together with the other talented Swedes involved in this much anticipated production.
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Click on the image to look at the trailer for "The Circle".
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February 5th to February 15th
in Berlin
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Laleh in Town
A few years back Laleh became one of Sweden's most popular artist, especially for her hit single "Some Die Young". She has had a few shows already in Los Angeles this year and now she has added three more extra shows! They are all at the Hotel Café in Hollywood so if you do have a chance, you should definitely make sure to see her. Your first opportunity is tonight, Friday January 13th!
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Laleh
Where: Hotel Café, 1623 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles CA
Date: Fridays, February 13th, 20th and 27th
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: www.hotelcafe.com/tickets
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Illustration by Script & Seal
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The New Yorker writes about the Nordics
In a recently published article from The New Yorker called "Northern Lights", Nathan Heller starts off by questioning "Do the Scandinavians really have it all figured out?". If you have a few minutes to spare, we recommend you to read this wonderful article. You can find it here!
The New Yorker
Written by: Nathan Heller
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We are collaborating with Expert DOJO and Pay it Forward labs to give you free access to the biggest business networking event in Santa Monica. Expert from over 1,000 local businesses, high level mentors, funders, bands and just a great pay it forward environment. Come and see us at the SACC-LA booth and celebrate the new year by making new contacts in a very special setting. You can find the link to the event here and to get in for free simply use the promotional code "VIP" when signing up.
You can also add yourself to profile your expertise to the community of 20,000 others, and help mentor others. The mentors registering for this will be available for sessions during the event, which are booked ahead of the event. Register as a mentor: Here! |
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SACC-LA at a previous Pay It Forward event.
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Event: Pay it Forward
Date and time: Monday, February 23rd, 6-10 pm
Location:The Victorian 2640 Main St Santa Monica, CA 90405
Read more and sign up: Here!
Promotional code: VIP
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Are you interested in a temporary job at Odd Molly?
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Odd Molly is a Swedish fashion company specializing in contemporary women's clothing. The US Operations office in Los Angeles is currently seeking to fill a temporary Retail/Sales Associate position during our pop-up event March 9, 2015- April 4, 2015.
We are looking for a person who is responsible, enjoys fashion, is friendly and outgoing as well as professional and polite at all times. The candidate must be able to work as a sales associate at our retail store Monday - Friday during the following dates:
Monday, March 9 - Sunday, April 4, 2015.
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Requirements:
• Computer skills, working and functional knowledge of MS Word and Excel
• Previous retail/customer service/event/hospitality experience is preferred.
• Ideal candidate has a positive attitude, is a fast learner and is self-motivated.
• Must be dedicated and willing to go the extra mile.
• Must have legal authorization to work in the US.
If interested, please submit your resume and a cover letter to: usa@oddmolly.com
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Interview with Jannik Olander of Nialaya Jewelry
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Jannik Olander, known as the founder and designer of the jewelry brand Nialaya with headquarters in Los Angeles, is now on new adventures when he recently showed up on TV! Jannik is one of the six in the cast of Bravo’s “Euros of Hollywood†who chase the American dream while dealing with the cultural difference from his home country Denmark.
1. Nialaya was founded in 2009 and is today very successful, congrats! How come you decided to go on more adventures and join the cast of the Bravo show “Euros of Hollywood�
I live by the words “you only live onceâ€. I also believe that if you have a jewelry company like mine, that I have worked hard on for 5 years to build it - literally starting from my old garage in Hollywood Hills - to the international known Jewelry brand it is today, then you have to say yes to a great opportunity to be shown on American TV on one of the biggest channels' (Bravo) prime time. I thought this would be a great opportunity for my business and I also thought it could be a great learning experience. If I could inspire other young people to move to LA and try to live their dreams then it would all be worth it. I think I am a living example of this. I came to LA 7 years ago with my suitcase in 1 hand and my dog in the other hand and I didn’t know anybody or anything. And look at me know! It is really possible - so to speak. The dream is possible and I wanted to show that to other people, both Americans but also Scandinavians - as there are most likely a lot of people, young or old, that dream about doing the same. I think some people might be afraid to take that step, but It’s all in your mind. I also thought it would be a fun, a great experience and that I maybe would meet some likeminded individuals and make new friends. I will say though, it was very different from my expectations and the rest of the cast was very different. It’s was a very interesting lesson in human (mis)behavior. But at the same time it reflects Los Angeles in so many ways. So many crazy people with crazy hopes and dreams. Some have talent, some don’t but think they do and some didn’t have what it takes and ended up going home. We were all on different levels in our lives and I am the only one that has created something real in L.A. and a real business. The others are on their way and are working hard to get things going. Some have no money and still make it happen - one has a lot of money and doesn’t make anything happen. Either way, I had a hell of a laugh with my girlfriend watching the other crazy cast members of the show!
2. What does “Living the American Dream†mean to you? Are you living it?
For me it means freedom, the opportunity to come here with nothing and make an amazing life for yourself. In the USA everything is possible. People from all over the world come to LA or NY with a lot of skills. There are so many amazing and creative people that comes here everyday to live their dream. I live mine and I have worked so hard for it. I love my life. I live in Beverly Hills with my beautiful girlfriend. I live in my dream house and drive my dream car(s) and on weekends I ride my Harley to Malibu and have lunch or coffee with my friends. But,ike everything in life, it comes with a price. I work over 100 hours a week (every week). I am always working in one way or another. I am in contact with US, Asia and Europe everyday, depending on their times zones. I don’t sleep or relax enough but I love my life so much I just wanna be awake to enjoy every minute. I love my company and I love coming to work everyday. I love all my colleagues (technically my employees) and I am really passionate about what I do so I just can’t stop doing it. If I think back 7-8 years ago before I moved to LA and remember my dreams and what I hoped for and now when I look at my life today I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed about back then. I am really happy and proud to say this and think back. I am always on the run and super busy, so unfortunately I don’t reflect enough as I should. But this question just made me do it and I am actually just happy and proud to be where I am now. Everything is better than I would have hoped before moving. So it’s possible. The American dream is alive and if I can do it - then everybody can do it.
3. Tell us about dreams and goals of yours with not only Nialaya, other dreams and goals as well?
My dream is to live in Los Angeles with my girlfriend of 3 years that will most likely be my wife one day :-) She is American (half Lebanese / half Colombian) and we have been together for 3 years. I dream about having a family with 2 kids and a couple of dogs. I want to have an apartment in NY (it might happen soon as we are opening a Nialaya shop on Bleecker street in just 2 months). But I also want to buy a place in Copenhagen soon. A place in the city where we can stay when we visit all my amazing friends. I miss my friends a lot even though they come and visit often and I keep in contact with them. But I dream about going “home†3 times a year and spending more time with my family in Denmark. I have 3 Younger brothers and they all have kids. So I have 7 nephews and 1 niece :-) My goal is to make Nialaya into a Global brand with shops around the world and I want to make sunglasses and small leather goods etc. Nialaya is my passion, my business and also my creative outlet. My mom and her whole family are all artists so I get my creative side from her - it’s in my blood. I also dream about being better to relax and take time off. Travel the world and spend time in spiritual places like the Himalayas, Tibet and travel through South America. I also want to drive through the US with my friends on my Harley one day. It’s all going to happen. I always reach my dreams. I am a pretty determined person.
4. What are the biggest challenges being from Denmark and making it in America?
Hmmmm, despite no one knowing where Denmark is, it’s maybe that most Danish people are “realâ€. Like in real honest and very down to earth way. In America that can be rare, especially in LA and NY where I spend most of my time. In this very big cities everybody is
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fighting against everybody to survive and that creates crazy, fame hungry, insane and egoistic people. You learn that you can’t trust anybody (unfortunately). Us Danish people are pretty spoiled. In DK everything is much easier. You can more or less trust what people say (not necessary their intentions but its the same everywhere), it’s so easy to network in a small city like Copenhagen. There are only 1 million people and it’s so tiny. Danish people don’t work that much. They are used to relaxing a lot and they aren’t as eager as Americans to make money and be successful. They just need a nice bicycle, a small apartment and some good friends. That’s not exactly the same values as in the US. Here its about money, success and power. You need to have a completely different mindset to “break through†in the US and establish any kind of success. There are SO many Danish people that are very talented. They come to LA or NY with big dreams and big ego’s and and they are so ready to become a super star in USA. However, after 3-6 months their ego’s are non-existent, their savings are gone and their dreams are either broken or changed dramatically and they have direction and then it’s back to Denmark again. However, I will say I admire everybody that dares to try it it. I admire all the people that at least do something and not just talk and dream and then get old and then never lived their dreams. It just takes a LOT more then people think. It’s easy to break through in DK, its easy to be successful and life is safe. In US it’s difficult and no one is helping you, no one trusts you and no one wants to know you until you are someone or have shown you are capable of something. THEN life changes and then everybody wants to be your friend. However, I will say that I never was and I am not particularly Danish in many ways (as my Danish friends say) :-). I have a great networking gene and I like being amongst people. It’s very easy for me to being social and meeting people and I don’t have very high expectations so I often don’t get too disappointed. I don’t let that many people close in and understand to keep a distance but still make friends. It can be lonely at times but often makes a lot of things easier too. My 10 best friends are in Denmark I would say and then I have a some really great friends here in LA too. And how many friends do you really need? Haha, I am busy working and I also need to see my girlfriend and I need to make a lot of money so we can keep living the great life we do.
5. Best three things about Denmark and best three things about Los Angeles?
Denmark: Great friends & my family. Honest people and a small society with great dark humor.
Los Angeles: Amazing Nature & Weather, Great opportunities, People think BIG.
6. The TV show shows how your girlfriend is a part of the Nialaya crew – what is the biggest reward working together? As well as the biggest challenge?
We had so much fun filming the Tv show together. We are filming a lot at my office. It can be hard working together because we are together much more than normal couples. That can create conflicts and irritation and fights. But we try to make up fast and be friends quick so it doesn’t affect our overall life and the rest of the office. We are only a small team of 20 people so if there is bad energy between me and Natalie it’s spreads to the rest of the office and I hate that. Sometimes it can be hard to remember that certain things aren’t really up to debate or discussions at the office as I am the boss and the one taking the final decisions. While at home we obviously have to agree to everything as a team. So sometimes (rarely) it’s hard for Natalie to remember that and sometimes I can forget that I am not the boss at home. Natalie makes that very clear to me though. She is Latin and has a temper you don’t wanna mess with :-) On the other hand it’s so great to work together. We understand each other in so many ways. We are both passionate about our jobs and we can share the joy when great things happen at the company. Besides that Natalie gets along amazingly with all the people at the company and I even feel she smoothens my crazy personality out between me and my staff sometimes. I have the best team and I love working with them and I see us as one little family of cool outgoing people all living our different dream lives in LA. I am happy I can be a part of that and I am able to see and support so many great Young people and that I am actually in a great relationship that is strong enough to function so close for so many hours a day. I know my ex girlfriends would have driven me crazy. My work used to be my excuse previously so in that sense I have progressed alot!
7. Could you ever see yourself moving back to Denmark? Or where would you move if you had to choose somewhere else than Los Angeles?
That’s the problem with L.A. It’s addictive. I have lived here for 7 years now and I used to live abroad from the ages of 19 -26 so in Total I have lived outside of Denmark for 14 years. It’s such an amazing place to live. It has the best weather of any place in the world. It has beaches, mountains and deserts and a huge super international city with all the possibilities in the world. Great crazy people and everything is just customized so you are able to live an amazing life. It’s hard to beat. I love that people are always so positive here and they think so big. ANYthing is possible. DK is so nice and I miss it often. But it’s also so small and people can be rather small minded. They can waste a hell of a lot of time on gossiping about each other and everybody knows everything about everybody. It used to drive me crazy. The problem with the Danish people is that they aren’t that good at networking vertically. They hang in little groups and they are very protective with their contacts. They are so afraid of who steals their ideas and contacts and blah blah. But often their ideas aren’t that unique and they are just thinking too small and moving too slow. Over here it’s so much bigger. If you don’t do it then someone else will and that’s how life is. If I get married here and have kids then I will most likely be here forever. But I really wanna mix my life in LA with NY. My favorite city too. I almost moved to NY when I moved to US and it was a coincidence I ended up in LA instead. But since I am finally opening a Nialaya shop in NY on April 1st, then it could be the first step towards fulfilling one of my many American dreams.
Thank you so much Jannik for the interview! Also, a big thank you for supporting SACC-LA throughout the years, most recent we had one of your beautiful, cool bracelets at the silent auction at Eliason Merit Award 2014!
Interview by: PetroNella Edwardzon
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Are you a talented professional seeking career opportunities in the entertainment capital of the world?
Please visit SACC-LA’s exciting career site to find a job that suits you!
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Please contact SACC-LA to put a work placement ad on our career site!
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Friday the 13th: What you need to know
Let us not forget what day it is today. It is actually Friday the 13th which, as you all know, means trouble. If you want to learn more about this phenomenon, check out this article.
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Sweden Sans, the official typeface.
Sweden might be know as for design in parts of the world. Now they have taken it one step further and announced an official typeface of Sweden, Sweden Sans. Does it feel like Sweden to you?
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Not a member yet?
SACC-LA offers:
- Visibility through different marketing efforts
- Matchmaking opportunities
- Discounted deals for members
- Consulting service(s) and market research
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Looking for talented Swedish trainees to join your company?
As a Member of SACC-LA your company has access to students and recent graduates of Sweden's top Universities through our Trainee Program.
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