Keshet International Launches L.A.-Based Studio

LOS ANGELES: Keshet International has established Keshet Studios, a brand-new outfit based in Los Angeles that will oversee the development, production, packaging, promotion and sales for the company's scripted-programming activities.

Peter Traugott has been named president of scripted at Keshet Studios, while Rachel Kaplan serves as executive VP. Both will report to Alon Shtruzman, the CEO of Keshet International. Traugott joins Keshet Studios directly from TBD Entertainment, a TV production company he founded, and will oversee the new studio’s slate of scripted projects with Kaplan, who also comes from TBD. Traugott and Kaplan will join Atar Dekel, Keshet Studios’ head of business development, to produce TV fare in line with the Keshet brand of programming. They will also work closely with Shtruzman as well as Avi Nir, CEO of Keshet Media Group.

Keshet Studios will have access to Keshet International’s current catalogue of over 30 scripted formats as well as future scripted formats to adapt for domestic audiences. Keshet Studios launches with a number of new projects in various stages of development in its pipeline.

“Keshet Studios was a natural progression for our expanding business and we are thrilled to have an official home base in the States with executives who share our programming sensibility,” said Shtruzman. “Peter and Rachel both have tremendous instincts for developing and producing compelling and innovative scripted television. Coupled with Avi's creative vision and the prolific Israeli-International pipeline, Keshet Studios is set to significantly grow our U.S. slate."
 
Traugott added: “Rachel and I feel very lucky to be joining the Keshet family. We have so much respect for Avi and Alon, and all they have built. We are excited to get started, and hopefully contribute to Keshet’s continued success.”