HBO Takes Armoza Format in Development Deal

TEL AVIV: The Armoza Formats suspense drama The Naked Truth has been picked up for U.S. development by HBO, to be adapted by Clyde Phillips of Showtime’s Dexter and produced by Lionsgate.

Along with adapting the format, Phillips will write the pilot script and executive produce. This is Phillips’ first project with Lionsgate since the recent announcement of his overall deal with the studio.

The Naked Truth was created, written and directed by Uri and Benny Barbash. The show first aired on Israel’s Channel 10. Armoza Formats has also sold the format into Italy, France, Holland, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium. This is Armoza’s second deal with HBO, following the drama series Shall We Kiss? being picked up in a multi-territory deal by HBO-Central Europe.

"It’s about the cops encountering people on the worst day of the citizens’ life," Phillips said of the format. "It’s a bit of an exploration of the middle class and the challenges we all face; it’s a heartbreaking story about a family in a time of crisis and how everyone deals with it.

"I can’t wait to write those powerful and challenging scenes," he continued. "It’s all just character, character, character."

Avi Armoza, the CEO of Armoza Formats, added: "From the moment that The Naked Truth aired on Israeli TV, we knew that we had a format that put a unique and sophisticated twist on the popular genre of suspense drama. The format has been a success since its introduction into the international market. Our agreement with HBO confirms both the power of the storytelling and the potential of the format to be a major worldwide export.

"We’re very excited to partner with Lionsgate, HBO and Clyde Phillips. With their experience and track record, we feel confident that we have the best team possible behind the format."