KP-Produktion Oy - also known as ‘Biisonimafia’ - is a Finnish stunt and comedy production company that originally became known on YouTube. The endeavour started when two friends, Janne and Kaitsu, decided to start filming snowboarding in the early 2000s. This pair of adolescent entrepreneurs began making YouTube videos of their stunt work, filming lively clips that really tested the limits of the equipment they had at their disposal. Unable to find companies that were willing to lend out their equipment - and in any case struggling to find innovative production gear in the small village of Punkaharju - Janne and Kaitsu began to apply for external funding to realise their ambition of turning ‘Biisonimafia’ from a hobby into an independent production company. It was the Piällysmies ry LEADER Local Action Group (LAG) that offered the first real support to this enterprising young team; allowing them to take concrete steps towards launching a business venture.

The aim of this CAP-funded project was to enable a dynamic rural start-up venture of young entrepreneurs to finance the development of their company through the acquisition of new filming equipment.

The plan was to purchase new filming and production equipment that would make it possible for the company to make better quality, more engaging YouTube videos. This would grow their audience base in Finland and elsewhere and also create opportunities to showcase the creative talent of other up and coming artists.

In 2017–2018, using their newly purchased cameras, lights, computers, recording and production equipment, Biisonimafia had started shooting the film ‘MC Helper’ for Elisa Viihde, a major Finnish entertainment service provider. It became Elisa Viihde’s bestselling film of 2018.

Today, Biisonimafia produces content for various social media platforms and other media clients. The firm is also involved with directing and producing films, adverts and other video productions for the company itself and their creative partners (e.g. The Dudesons).

The company’s turnover at the start of the project was EUR 231 000. By the end this had increased to EUR 273 000, and it now totals approximately EUR 500 000.

The company originally provided two full-time jobs. This project enabled them to hire one additional full-time employee and their further success has expanded the team to four full-time roles.

Biisonimafia’s sound reputation is largely based on the success of ‘MC Helper’ that was filmed in 2018 with the support of this investment project. The company’s social media following and especially the number of YouTube video subscribers has been steadily increasing and currently stands at 326 000. Biisonimafia’s skit videos have been viewed more than 50 million times.

Digitalisation has created and will continue to create new professions in the future. There is enormous potential here for rural communities to provide opportunities for cultural participation and arts- and creative industries-based livelihoods that may begin to tackle the challenges of depopulation. While this can be of benefit to any age group, it is young people in particular who need opportunities to express themselves and turn their creative ideas into business ventures. When they are given access to tools and support, they have the capacity to create innovative products and services. LEADER’s focus on social capital and innovation was a perfect fit for this successful rural development story which holds good demonstration value around the world.