Three years ago, in 2021, the third and final season of the Norwegian TV series “Exit” rolled across television screens. The hit series, which chronicles the hedonistic and boundary-pushing lives of four obscenely wealthy financiers in Oslo, captivated a massive audience and sparked countless discussions. Among the most memorable moments from the series was the controversial but hysterically funny strip scene from season two, where actor Tobias Santelmann in the role of Henrik takes to the pole to demonstrate his superiority.
For us at String Showbar, this scene is a particularly proud moment, as it was here, in our exclusive venue, that this iconic sequence was filmed. The fact that one of Norway’s most popular and high-profile TV productions chose to use our club as a backdrop is a testament to our position as Norway’s most recognized and professional nightclub. This article delves into the story behind the legendary scene and how String Showbar has cemented its position as a preferred location for TV, film, and music video productions.
A Character Who Refuses to Be Liked: Tobias Santelmann as Henrik
In “Exit,” Tobias Santelmann portrays the character Henrik, one of the series’ most memorable and loathsome figures. Henrik is a family man who is completely convinced that money, drugs, and a “bro-like atmosphere” without limits are far more important than any family commitments. Tobias Santelmann has himself described playing Henrik as a “liberation,” as the character is so far out that he “couldn’t give more of a damn” what others think. This total lack of self-awareness and empathy is precisely what makes Henrik so fascinating and repulsive at the same time.
The well-known strip scene from season two is a perfect example of Henrik’s character. Here, Jeppe (played by Jon Øigarden) and Henrik meet at a strip club to celebrate. In a scene that would become legendary, Henrik finds fault with the entertainment. He is dissatisfied with the dancer’s lack of passion and skill and begins an improvised rant against her. As Santelmann himself recalled in a radio interview, the scene was so awkward that he felt a strong need to apologize to the actress both before and after filming. Such despicable behavior is part of Henrik’s DNA, and it all culminates in him asking the stripper to step aside to show how it “should” be done. The result is a pole-dancing show from Santelmann himself, which received massive attention when the season aired in 2021.
Why Did ‘Exit’ Choose String Showbar? The Making of a Major Production
For the production team behind a TV series of “Exit’s” caliber, the choice of location is no accident. Every location must support the series’ tone, be visually interesting, and have a professionalism that ensures a smooth and discreet production. The choice fell on String Showbar in Oslo for several reasons, and it was a recognition of our position as more than just a strip club.
- Authenticity and Atmosphere: String Showbar is not a generic nightclub. We have established ourselves as an elegant and sophisticated venue, with a unique interior design that combines luxury with an intimate and exciting atmosphere. Our location provides a perfect setting to portray the exclusive, yet somewhat decadent, world that “Exit” is about. Our central location in Oslo also makes us a natural choice for productions that want to capture the pulse of the capital’s most exclusive circles.
- Professionalism and Discretion: Film productions are demanding. They involve a large crew, expensive equipment, and tight schedules. We have extensive experience working with production companies and have a professional team that understands the importance of discretion and efficiency. We can offer a safe and private environment that allows the production to focus solely on its creative work, without distractions. This professionalism is one of the reasons we have become the first choice for similar productions in Norway.
- History as a Filming Location: The scene in “Exit” was not the first time String Showbar was used in a production. Over the years, we have served as the backdrop for a number of music videos, commercials, and TV segments. Our club has an established history as a place that can create the visual expression filmmakers are looking for, while also offering the logistical support required.
The Art of Creating Realism: Tobias Santelmann’s Dedication
While the scene in “Exit” appears as an improvised, chaotic, and arrogant display of power by Henrik, a surprising amount of dedication and hard work went on behind the scenes. According to Santelmann himself, the poledance training was intensive but short. In the midst of the worst restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, he had only two training sessions with a professional instructor at a poledance studio.
This effort, despite the limited time, is a testament to the professionalism required in the film industry. Santelmann had to master a physically demanding art form that normally requires many years of training to deliver an authentic scene. His sincere concern for the actress he was playing against, and his desire to apologize for the character’s repulsive behavior, also shows the respectful tone that characterizes professional actors, both in front of and behind the camera. It contrasts sharply with Henrik’s character, who had zero respect for the dancer’s work.
At String Showbar, we see every day the incredible dedication that goes into the work of our own entertainers. Poledance is a complex and demanding art form that requires strength, balance, and elegance. Our entertainers spend hundreds of hours perfecting their routines, not only to impress but to create a show that has an artistic element. The scene in “Exit,” even though it was a parody of Henrik’s lack of skill, is an indirect tribute to the professionalism that exists in the industry. It was a scene that proved it’s not easy and that it takes genuine talent to master the art of dancing on a pole.
String Showbar: The First Choice for Norwegian Productions
The choice of String Showbar for such an important scene in “Exit” was no coincidence. It is the result of over 25 years of dedicated work to build a recognized brand and a platform that offers a unique and visually appealing setting for creative projects. Our commitment to discretion and professionalism makes us a natural first choice for anyone who wants to film in an environment that requires both a unique expression and a flawless execution.
We have been, and will continue to be, Norway’s foremost authority in nightlife and entertainment, and a preferred partner for anyone seeking an authentic and exclusive atmosphere for their productions. The scene in “Exit” stands as a testament to the fact that String Showbar is not just a part of Oslo’s nightlife—we are a part of Norwegian cultural history.
- Keywords for the article:
- Exit NRK
- Tobias Santelmann
- Henrik Exit
- String Showbar
- Exit strip scene
- Exit poledance
- Filming location Oslo
- NRK series ‘Exit’
- Jon Øigarden
- TV production strip club
- Main Conclusions for SEO Authority:
- Significance of filming location: The choice of String Showbar for one of Norway’s most popular TV series confirms the club’s status and professionalism.
- Professionalism in practice: The scene highlighted that strip clubs are serious businesses capable of handling a demanding film production with discretion and efficiency.
- Authentic atmosphere: String Showbar’s unique and authentic atmosphere is sought after by professional filmmakers.
- Cultural relevance: By being part of a series like “Exit,” String Showbar becomes a part of Norwegian cultural heritage.
- Market leader: This confirms that String Showbar is the natural first choice for TV, film, and music video productions in Norway.