Keshet Studios Expands into Unscripted

Keshet Studios has expanded into the unscripted sector, tapping former Banijay Studios North America executive Rebecca Mayer to lead the division as executive VP.

Mayer, along with fellow former Banijay Studios North America executive Benjamin Long, who has been appointed VP of the new division, will focus on mining Keshet International’s catalog of IP to build a non-scripted slate of entertainment formats for the U.S. broadcast, cable and streaming markets.

Prior to this, Mayer was executive VP of programming and development at Banijay Studios North America, overseeing current programming (Temptation Island, Don’t, Wife Swap), developing original IP and adapting existing formats. Before that, she was a development consultant and producer at Universal Television Alternative Studio.

Long worked within the Banijay Studios North America development team for six years, rising through the ranks to become director of development. Over the past three years, he and Mayer produced a network pilot and saw several development deals through.

At Keshet Studios, Mayer will report to Peter Traugott, president, while Long will report to Mayer.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Rebecca and Benjamin into the Keshet Studios fold,” Traugott said. “As individuals, their extensive development and production experience is impressive, but together as a team, their combined creativity and passion make them a dream hire as we look to expand our remit into unscripted.”

Keren Shahar, CEO of Keshet International, said, “Rebecca and Benjamin’s arrival signifies the beginning of a new journey for Keshet Studios and something of a return to form for Keshet International. We launched as a formats business a decade ago, and I am personally very excited to be announcing KI’s expansion into unscripted in the U.S.”

“Ben and I are a strong team with years of experience working together and are both thrilled to join Keshet Studios, Keren, Peter and everyone at Keshet International to take things to the next level,” Mayer added. “We look forward to diving into Keshet’s deep catalog of IP while also generating a diverse slate of original IP, allowing us to capitalize on our extensive relationships, adapt proven formats for the U.S. market and bring fresh ideas to life through strategic partnerships with brands, producers and talent. With Keshet International’s global infrastructure and our affinity for scalable production models, we are excited to develop and produce content that prioritizes collaboration, story, creativity and vision.”