Theodor Österberg
Dramaturg, Writer
Considered a Swiss army knife in the writer’s room, Theodor is appreciated for his adaptability, rock-solid understanding of story structure, and quirky sense of humor. He is the head writer of the satirical series Armlängd’s avstånd (SVT), co-writer of the upcoming feature film Arne Goes to Space (Nexiko), and an episode writer for Strandhotellet (Viaplay).
The Guldbagge-nominated and multiple award-winning short Dansa min docka/Dance My Doll (2021) tackles the complex subject of European migration politics in a satirical manner. It exemplifies Theodor’s knack for mixing heavy themes with humor in surprising ways, without letting the jokes distract from the drama. Similarly, he explored the Swedish arms trade in his graduation project Försvar/A Swedish Defence from the screenwriting program at the prestigious Stockholm University of the Arts, which was shortlisted for a student BAFTA.
Whether it’s a high-concept sci-fi epic, a family drama, comedy horror, or even a musical, Theodor moves effortlessly between genres. He makes it work by always focusing on the characters.
After many years as a guide at the Swedish History Museum, Theodor is the perfect choice for crafting vivid and engaging historical dramas.
Aspiring to be the smartest lowbrow writer in Sweden (or the trashiest arthouse writer), Theodor is currently developing projects with major production companies alongside his original dramedy/biopic Holy Roller.
Oh, and he also freestyle raps under the alias “Skill Barsgård.” Google it.
Awards
DANCE MY DOLL
2023: Nominated for a “Guldbagge” (Swedish Academy Award) for best short film
2022: Tempo Short Award, Tempo Documentary Festival
2022: Best Script, Sweden Short Film Festival
2022: Filmpoolens Media Pris, Frame Film Festival
A SWEDISH DEFENCE
2022: Shortlisted for a student BAFTA
2021: Best Foreign Language Short – The British Short Film Awards
2021: Nominee 1 km film Award, Stockholm International Film Festival
| Year | Project title | Project role | Production company / channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Armlängds avstånd (series) | Head writer | SVT/Most Alice |
| In production | Arne Goes to Space (feature film) | Co-writer with director Lars Vega | Nexiko |
| 2023 | Strandhotellet Season 2 (Series) | Episode writer | Creative Society / Viaplay |
| 2022 | Dansa min docka / Dance my doll (Short) | Writer | - |
| 2021 | Försvar/ A Swedish Defence (Short) | Writer | Gambio Films |
