Domestic film lovers are in for a real treat this autumn as the podcast series "Star Factory", co-produced by Podme and Solar Republic, begins. In the new series, many familiar names from the film industry who have previously shunned publicity will open up about their experiences.

"Star Factory" tells the story of Solar Films, the most legendary and successful film production company in Finland, founded in 1995, with many great successes but also many failed dreams, which are discussed in the podcast. In "Star Factory", host Marja Hintikka is joined episode by episode by some of the best-known names in the Finnish film scene, from Peter Franzén to Jasper Pääkkönen, Renny Harlin to Heikki Kinnunen and Samuli Edelmann to Kari Hietalahti.

What was Laura Malmivaara's first impression of Aku Louhimies during the screen test of Restless? Who won the bet to get a tattoo for the film Bad Boys - Jasper Pääkkönen or Vesa-Matti Loiri? And what qualities would Krista Kosonen and Antti J. Jokinen like to have from each other?

All these questions and many more behind the scenes of domestic cinema are answered in the new podcast. Starting on Tuesday 23 September, "Star Factory" podcast will reveal what goes on behind the scenes of top films – the moments when the lights go out and the cameras are packed away.

– We had such incredible dream interviewees in "Star Factory" that the podcast became into my dreams. As background work, I watched 20 blockbuster movies and read a few books. And I love this kind of immersion! "Star Factory" reveals some interesting secrets from behind the scenes of Finnish cinema. This podcast is also a tribute to all Finnish filmmakers," says Hintikka, who hosts the podcast.

The films produced by Solar Films have won a total of 50 Jussi Awards, 10 Audience poll wins and sold almost 10 million tickets in cinemas. The films and series have starred almost all of Finland's most prominent actors and filmmakers. Now those involved tell us what really happened – without hiding anything and without changing anything.

– In this podcast, many authors who have previously avoided publicity open up about their feelings. "Star Factory" dives deep into the mysterious world of film and entertainment, promises Finland's most successful film producer Markus Selin, founder and owner of Solar Films.

Solar Films celebrates its anniversary this year. The iconic film production company turned 30 earlier this year.

- Solari's successful films and series are an undeniably important part of Finnish culture, and diving into them at a time when the industry is being disciplined with historical vigour feels particularly important. It's a good time, too - there's enough time since the projects were completed that we can return to them in a relaxed, in-depth way, with a gentle understanding of the past," says Amy Burgess, executive producer of Podme and the Star Factory podcast.

Burgess highlights the exceptionally deep dive behind-the-scenes and investigation by podcast presenter-editor Marja Hintikka. This ensures that the pod brings to light many unprecedented stories and ideas from some of the greatest artists of our time.

– In the studio, there are moments of magic as Marja leads her guests down a path of memories and mirrors the events to present day – respectfully but without hiding anything.

– The collaboration between Podme and Solar has been seamless and super fun, and no one in the podcast crew has been left in any doubt as to why actors and directors keep coming back to work with this legendary production company time after time, Burgess continues.

– The best parts of the production were the wonderful encounters and the great emotions. I am sure that this will also be conveyed to the listeners of "Star Factory", adds Marjukka Lihavainen, producer from Solar Republic.

In the opening episode of the "Star Factory" podcast, we return to the turn of the millennium with a look at the cult film The Restless. Marja Hintikka is joined by Laura Malmivaara and Mikko Nousiainen, who the film catapulted to national fame – with and without clothes.

What was completely exceptional about the rehearsal process for Restless from the actors' point of view? How did a young actor's self-esteem withstand a surprising comment from the director the day before shooting started? Why did the marketing, which focused on sex scenes, frustrate the main stars of the film? Find out the answers in the opening episode of the podcast, which will be released on Podme on Tuesday 23 September.