Endemol Shine Group Sets Up Scripted Studios in Israel

AMSTERDAM/CANNES/TEL AVIV: Endemol Shine Group has established a new scripted hub in Israel, with plans to invest in local writers, showrunners and on-screen talent.

Based in Tel Aviv, Endemol Shine Studios Israel will create series for distribution and adaptation around the world. The new center will be led by Gal Zaid, Endemol Shine Israel’s director of drama and comedy, reporting to Endemol Shine Israel’s CEO, Elad Kuperman.

Endemol Shine Israel’s current slate includes the thriller The Orpheus Project for HOT, which has been locally adapted in the Netherlands; the dark comedy Killing Grandma for YES; the drama The Harem for Reshet; the sitcom Miller Junction for Keshet; and the new comedy Dalmatian Family for Reshet. The company currently has eight projects in various stages of writing and production.

Kuperman said, “It has been our long held ambition to establish a world-class scripted hub here in Israel and build on our current slate of successful series. Gal is responsible for some of Israel’s most successful drama and has worked with the best showrunners, writers and talent in the market. Coupling this with our Group’s global distribution and scripted resources is an ideal formula for establishing Endemol Shine Studios Israel within the international marketplace.”

Zaid added, “Israel has become recognized internationally for stand-out scripted programming that travels to markets all over the world. It’s a great time to launch Endemol Shine Studios Israel, which will allow us to further invest in the incredible pool of local talent here and offer them a gateway to the international market.”

Cathy Payne, CEO of global distribution arm Endemol Shine International, commented: “Endemol Shine Studios Israel will allow us to tap directly into one of the world’s most prolific markets for successful scripted programming and build a new pipeline of series for international distribution. Gal has great creative vision and we very much look forward to working in collaboration with him and his team.”