Keshet Studios & NBC Entertainment Enter First-Look Deal

UNIVERSAL CITY: NBC Entertainment has teamed up with Keshet Studios on a first-look programming agreement for the network that also includes a co-production partnership for scripted content with NBC's Universal Television.

This pact expands the existing relationship between NBCUniversal and Keshet Media Group's Keshet International (KI), which launched the Los Angeles-based subsidiary Keshet Studios last month to oversee its scripted programming activities in the U.S. KI recently produced the USA Network drama series Dig as well as Allegiance, which aired on NBC earlier this year. Keshet Studios has access to KI's current catalogue of more than 30 scripted formats as well as future scripted formats to adapt for domestic audiences, and will also develop original series for the U.S. and internationally.

NBC Entertainment develops and schedules daytime, prime-time and late-night programming for NBC. The network's scripted slate includes, among others, The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU and Chicago Fire, and such unscripted shows as The Voice, American Ninja Warrior and Celebrity Apprentice.

​Universal Television is a division of NBCUniversal that develops, produces and markets entertainment, news and information to a global audience. The studio currently produces nearly 20 prime-time series as well as late-night and reality fare for various platforms. Titles include Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mindy Project and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, to name a few.

"Keshet International's proven track record of producing quality programs across different genres makes them a perfect partner with NBC," said Robert Greenblatt, the chairman of NBC Entertainment. "We're very much looking forward to finding the right projects that bring out the best in both our companies."

"We are thrilled that Peter Traugott [Keshet Studios' president of scripted] is leading the charge in U.S. television development for Keshet Studios," noted Jennifer Salke, the president of NBC Entertainment. "Between Keshet International's incredible library of IP, access to original voices and Peter's expertise as a producer and developer, NBC is well positioned for success in partnership with this innovative company."

Alon Shtruzman, the CEO of Keshet International, added: "Our history and success with NBC is a wonderful platform for which to launch a formal and long-term relationship. Bob, Jennifer and the leadership team are among the best in the business and Keshet Studios looks forward to developing and delivering more Keshet quality and branded programming for U.S. audiences."