Red Arrow Teams with 87 Films & TTV Productions for Crime Drama

Red Arrow Studios International is working with the U.K.’s 87 Films and Israel’s TTV Productions to develop Protection, an original crime drama set in Israel, the U.K. and the U.S.

Conceived as a returning series, the eight-part drama centers on a psychologist who has been appointed to run the Israel Witness Protection Authority. Protection is created by Alan Whiting (The Trials of Jimmy Rose) and TTV Productions Founder Zafrir Kochanovsky (Where Do You Live?, The Angel), alongside Israeli writer Izhar Harlev. Whiting also serves as lead writer, while 87 Films’ Patrick Irwin (The Fall, Miss Scarlet and the Duke) is attached to produce.

Carlo Dusi, executive VP of commercial strategy for scripted at Red Arrow Studios International, said: “It is very rare to come across a project that is as international as Protection, and as compelling. Backed by extensive research, the series portrays life within the witness protection system from the inside out and in an unprecedented way. Zafrir’s original concept for the show felt fresh and compelling from the outset, and it’s a pleasure to be working with talent of Alan and Patrick’s caliber as we take out this exciting and topical drama series.”

Whiting said: “It’s been a real delight working with the team on Protection, as well as spending time in Israel researching the set-up of their witness protection system and the co-operation that exists on a global scale.”

Irwin added: “It’s always great to find a project that is so obviously an organic co-production—and the opportunity to work with such experienced talent as Alan and Zafrir was a no-brainer. Red Arrow coming on board with their wealth of international experience will help us move the project to the next level and they have already been hugely helpful. We look forward to collaborating with them as it moves forward.”

Zochanovsky commented: “Witness Protection is a global phenomenon, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime at the forefront. It’s an intriguing and very real world and though our story is set in the U.K., the U.S. and Israel, it will appeal to global audiences.”