MBC repurposes crime thriller for MENA
January 20, 2020
MBC Studios, the Dubai-based production company, and Lebanon-based Eagle Films, are launching thriller crime series Blood Oath in Q1 2020 on Shahid, the first Arabic language video on demand TV catchup service for MENA.
MBC Studios are global distributors for the 10×1 hour series.
Originally produced in Serbia in 2018 by Adrenalin as Besa, a crime thriller series format created by Tony Jordan, the acclaimed UK screenwriter who counts BBC staples Eastenders and Hustle among his credits. Blood Oath was shot in Lebanon, Greece and Cyprus.
Adapted for Arabic audiences from the original plot, and co-written and adapted by Jordan, Blood Oath tells of the struggle of a small businessman who falls foul of an organised crime mafia and, fearing for his family, is forced to work for them.
Safa Aburizik, Director of Content at MBC studios, said: “The storylines in Blood Oath are precisely adapted for local audiences, but also work for international markets; at MBC we are continuing to produce compelling, high quality content that appeals to viewers around the world.”
Tea Korolija, Managing Director of Adrenalin, producers of Besa, the original series, added: “Having experienced tremendous success in the local market, Besa is the first Serbian series to be sold and adapted as a format. Adrenalin is currently preparing for a second season which we believe will be even more successful.”
Pete Smith, CEO of MBC studios, initiated the development of locally produced drama in 2018 – these include Beirut Bride and Blood Oath, with more projects slated for development.