HBO and Keshet partner on new drama series
October 5, 2016
HBO and Keshet International (KI) will co-produce a drama about the tragic events involving the disappearance of three teens that unfolded in Israel two years ago. HBO has given a ten-episode order for the untitled series, which will be filmed on location in Israel next summer. Created by Hagai Levi (HBO’s “In Treatment”; Golden Globe for “The Affair”) and Noah Stollman, the show will be primarily directed by Israeli filmmaker Joseph Cedar (the Oscar-nominated “Beaufort,” “Footnote,” “Norman”).
Based on actual events, the series dramatizes the tragic torrent of violence that followed the disappearance of, and intensive search for, three Israeli teens during the summer of 2014. The show follows an idealistic investigator for the Shin Bet (the Israeli equivalent of the FBI) as he deals with the ramifications of violent reactions on both sides of the escalating conflict. A new command position thrusts him into a confrontation that undermines his faith and worldview, leading to a dramatic conflict between his values and the actions of those closest to him.
A co-production of KI’s Keshet Studios and HBO, the show will be produced by Movie Plus and distributed internationally by KI. It will be executive produced by Hagai Levi, Avi Nir (Keshet Media Group), Alon Shtruzman (Keshet International), Karni Ziv (Keshet Broadcating), Peter Traugott and Rachel Kaplan (Keshet Studios), Noah Stollman, Michael Lombardo and Joseph Cedar.
Casey Bloys, president, HBO Programming, says, “We’re excited to work with Keshet and this extremely talented and creative group led by Hagai Levi. We look forward to sharing this important story with our subscribers.”
Avi Nir, CEO, Keshet Media Group, adds, “We are thrilled to partner with HBO, the ultimate quality TV powerhouse, and to bring together Israel’s finest in TV and film, led by Hagai Levi, Noah Stollman and Joseph Cedar. We are all ready for the challenging journey on which this extraordinary story will take us.”
Hagai Levi comments, “HBO has always been a home to me. I’m so thrilled to work with them again, and regroup with my good friends from Keshet.”
Levi, winner of a Golden Globe for co-creating “The Affair,” is a writer, director and producer who also created and co-directed the highly acclaimed Israeli TV series “Be’Tipul” (2005-2008), adapted for HBO as “In Treatment.” He was an executive producer of “In Treatment,” which won a Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmys® during its 2007-2010 run, and also directed several episodes of “Be’Tipul.” Another 16 versions of “Be’Tipul” have been presented in such countries as Canada, Italy, Russia, The Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil and Japan.