ITV

Tag: Cynthia Kennedy

  • Fox International Channels & Keshet strike global rights deal for ‘False Flag’

    Fox International Channels & Keshet strike global rights deal for ‘False Flag’

    MUMBAI: Fox International Channels (FIC) has inked a deal with Keshet International (KI) for the exclusive first window rights to the drama False Flag (8 x 45’).

     

    This follows from the existing format rights deal the two groups have on False Flag, whose US-adaptation is in development at FIC’s Fox International Studios in partnership with Keshet International. The acquisition of the Hebrew language series firms up FIC’s stake in the franchise and positions the group as exclusive broadcaster across its 127 country strong footprint.

     

    The sale of the original Hebrew language series is unprecedented both in the respect of it being the first ever Israeli series to be acquired by FIC and the company’s first non-English series to be acquired on a global scale. 

     

    The gripping espionage thriller, which sees five ordinary citizens implicated in a high profile kidnapping, has been much talked about internationally following its world premiere as part of a special selection at Berlinale 2015 and its award of the Grand Prize at Series Mania 2015 (The Public Prize) jointly with HBO’s Olive Kitteridge.

     

    FIC EVP scripted programming & original development Sharon Tal said, “We couldn’t be more committed to this exciting TV series. We identified this project at an early stage of development and are thrilled be in partnership with KI and own the rights of both the Israeli version and the US remake. Looking forward to bringing both to the world very soon.”

     

    Keshet International managing director – distribution Keren Shahar added, “We’re very proud of False Flag and are delighted it has found a global home on the FIC network. It’s great to see this world-class Israeli drama travelling worldwide.”

     

    The deal for the original language version was negotiated by KI sales director Cynthia Kennedy and FIC EVP global acquisitions Jason Simms.

     

    False Flag was created by Amit Cohen and Maria Feldman, directed by Oded Ruskin and produced by Liat Benasuly and Maria Feldman at Tender Productions for Keshet Broadcasting.

  • Keshet International hires Lucy Roberts as sales manager, CEE

    Keshet International hires Lucy Roberts as sales manager, CEE

    MUMBAI: Keshet International has appointed former BBC Worldwide sales executive Lucy Roberts, to the newly created role of sales manager central and eastern Europe. Roberts will report into sales director CEE & CIS (as well as Africa & Middle East, India, Ireland/UK, Canada and pan-regional broadcasters)  Cynthia Kennedy, to grow KI’s business in the region where she will be responsible for both format and finished tape sales.

     

    Roberts has more than eight years experience in TV distribution having represented the BBC’s diverse formats slate across CEE, Africa, Benelux and Italy and most recently, the entire finished programme catalogue to Russia, Ukraine and the Baltics. During her tenure Roberts sold the entertainment franchise Dancing With the Stars into four new territories including a Nigeria/Ghana co-pro. She also closed deals for several high-end finished dramas such as The Musketeers, Da Vinci’s Demons and Atlantis to an array of broadcasters including Ren TV and TV3 in Russia and 1+1 and Inter in Ukraine. Prior to her the role at the BBC, Lucy was at ITV Global Entertainment from 2006 – 2008.

     

    Keshet International General manager distribution Keren Shahar said, “We are delighted to welcome Lucy to the team, it represents a reunion for her and Cynthia – together, I’m sure they will be a force to be reckoned with! Roberts’ experience in finished programming sales will be particularly valuable to us as we grow this area of our portfolio.”

     

    Roberts added, “Keshet is renowned for being one of the most dynamic, innovative format creators in the world right now and I am really excited to be joining the team at a time when the company is growing and the catalogue is going from strength to strength.”