Pekka Kossila is a Finnish television producer, director, and entrepreneur, born 1963, known for his contributions to interactive television formats and his role in shaping Finland's media industry. Over a career spanning several decades, Kossila has worked on multiple television programs and multimedia projects, establishing himself as an innovator in the entertainment field.
Kossila began his career by directing the television coverage of Offshore One Power Boats from 1990 to 1992, capturing the World and European Championships across Europe. In 1991, Kossila directed a one-hour special for Finnish broadcaster MTV3, documenting the tragic death of Stefano Casiraghi, the husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, in a powerboat accident.
1991-93
Tutti Frutti
Kossila was one of the key figures behind Tutti Frutti, a popular Finnish adaptation of the cabaret-style television program. The show featured performances by Finnish Tutti Frutti group that he founded and managed for a while which then became well-known throughout Finland in the 1990s, further boosted by the involvement of host Johanna Raunio, former miss Finland. The program remains a notable part of Finnish entertainment history and was crucial element in interactive phone to TV control development .
1993 - 95
Hugo
The Finnish version of Hugo was brought to YLE TV 2 through Viihdefarmi Oy, which acquired the rights from ITV, Denmark. Pekka Kossila, who was the key salesperson on the project, oversaw the acquisition and played a central role in securing the format for Finnish television. Kossila’s company was responsible for the technical aspects of the phone-in game show, including setting up the necessary equipment with the Danish group.
Kossila also played a pivotal role in the production side, particularly in casting and developing content. He co-wrote all of the show’s dialogue alongside Markus Kajo and Jaana Rinne. Additionally, Kossila /worked with Jukka Koskiranta, Yleensä TV2, to cast Taru Valkeapää as the host, a decision he advocated for strongly, ultimately leading to Valkeapää's selection for the starring role.
1994-97
Game Over
In 1994, Kossila created with his brother Hannu, produced and directed Game Over for MTV3, which ran until early 1997 and over 100 episodes. This program was groundbreaking, as it featured interactive TV where live callers could use their phones to play any console video games on television.
This was the first time Gum Studios live sized latex puppet was ever used in a live TV show. Vito had international (Ricky Martin, Pandora…) and local stars (Kirka, Aikakone…) as guest players
During the first summer season, special guests, known as 'VITON VIERAS (Vito’s Guest),' appeared on the show – 14 celebrities in total.
1996 -
International Work:
BLAST
In 1996, Kossila moved into international production by creating and producing BLAST for Nelonen TV, for which he created fast paced morning videogame show that he produced also for Arab television. His work was crucial in bringing interactive TV concepts to a new market, and this success solidified his position as a creative force in the global television industry.
1997 - 1999
MoonTV
MoonTV was a free Finnish cable network channel. It started off as a channel for programmes about computer and video games but later grew into a channel covering several areas of youth culture. In its prime it was the first interactive TV channel in the world. At its best MoonTV could reach 1.3 million potential viewers in the 12 biggest cities across Finland. Mr. Kossila stepped out as a running channel program director and other key roles just before millennium changed .
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MoonTV
2011
Film Work: Escaping Cold
Kossila also ventured into film production by doing a one-man road movie documentary. Composer Juhani Junkala provided the score but Kossila did everything else. His movie Escaping Cold is listed on IMDB, adding to his diverse portfolio of multimedia achievements.
Pekka Kossila’s journey in developing the IWitty TV patent is a story of innovation meeting entertainment. Kossila envisioned a platform that could revolutionize how viewers interact with television, blending humor and technology in a way that had never been done before. The core idea behind IWitty TV was to create a system where the audience wasn’t just passive but actively engaged, transforming the viewing experience into something far more dynamic.
The process of developing IWitty TV was meticulous. Kossila drew on years of experience in the entertainment industry, combining his creative instincts with technical expertise to craft a product that pushed boundaries. Filing the IWitty TV patent marked the culmination of Kossila’s vision to create a more intelligent, witty, and interactive television concept. It stands as a testament to Kossila’s ability to think ahead of the curve, offering a glimpse into the future of entertainment.
English
Italian
Finnish
Swedish
some
Spanish
Thai
Pekka Kossila's interest in creating Square Meter Dance (SQMD) was sparked by a simple yet powerful idea: the desire to push the boundaries of what movement and performance could mean in the digital age. The concept grew from a fascination with how space, time, and creativity could be reimagined into something that not only entertained but also challenged the limits of conventional dance and performance.
Driven by a passion for inclusivity, Kossila envisioned SQMD as an accessible platform that would level the playing field for performers from all walks of life, no matter their skill level or background. Combining technology with artistry, SQMD offers a unique experience that taps into the randomness of music, the precision of movement, and the excitement of competition—all while keeping an eye on how innovation can make this process more immersive and engaging.
This delicate balance between art, technology, and competition became the foundation for Kossila’s pursuit, with SQMD standing as a forward-thinking project that’s poised to leave a lasting impact.