Dori Scores Russian Format Deal for Split, Diggers

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TEL AVIV: Dori Media Group has signed a deal with Endemol subsidiary WeiT Media to adapt the teen daily dramas Split and Diggers for the Russian market.

The teen vampire drama Split was originally produced by Dori Media Darset for HOT VOD in Israel. The teen daily drama Diggers was also produced originally by Dori Media Darset, for Israel’s Noga Communications and HOT. WeiT Media has picked up the rights to produce both dramas for the markets of Russia and CIS.

Nadav Palti, the president and CEO of Dori Media Group, commented: "We are pleased to announce the deal with WeiT Media, which opens new horizons for both Split and Diggers. This is the first time either series have been sold as a format, which further underlines the strength and international appeal of these unique shows. We are thrilled to have concluded these exciting deals, and are convinced that Split and Diggers have a high potential in Russia and other countries where WeiT Media operates.”

He continued: “We are committed to the continued growth and development of Dori Media, whether it is producing and selling our own series, or through the sales and licensing of popular established formats and concepts to leading production companies worldwide.”

Timur Weinstein, the general producer of WeiT Media, added: “Locally adapted formats and mystic TV series are still at an experimental stage in the Russian and CIS TV market. Yet, there have been examples when such projects have proved to be major hits, particularly among the 14- to 30-year-old audience segment. Since TV channels in Russia and CIS countries tend to attract younger viewers, mystic TV series do have the potential to become a fresh TV trend here. We believe that the adapted versions of Split and Diggers, projects that have already been successful internationally, will help launch a new local tradition of producing content for teen audience.”