Variety: America discovers Israel

Ha'aretz
The American television industry continues to show interest in original Israeli programming. Earlier this week the American firm Electus signed a deal with the Israeli group Abbot Reif Hameiri; Electus is to develop Israeli programming in the United States...

Electus is headed by Barry Diller and Ben Silverman, former co-chairman of NBC's entertainment division. Silverman was responsible for such series as "The Office," "Ugly Betty," and "The Tudor Dynasty," as well as the reality show "The Biggest Loser." Silverman said yesterday that the partnership agreement will include development and distribution of TV, movie and digital content.

"The partnership grants an unparalleled opportunity to Israeli artists and to our company," Guy Hameiri, CEO of Abbot Reif Hameiri, said yesterday.... strengthen our presence in the international market."

On Wednesday, Variety's web site featured a long article on the new partnership under the headline "U.S. networks turn to Israel." Variety reporter Michael Schneider wrote: "Anxious to find the next international format hit, U.S. TV execs and producers are making pilgrimages to Israel."

One proof is that the pilots acquired by CBS for next year includes the American version of "The Ran Quartet," which has now grown into a quintet. The series is called "Quinn-Tuplets".....

.....joins other Israeli series with American versions: "Phenomenon" ("The Inheritor" in Israel), and the best-known and the most successful show, "In Treatment," broadcast by HBO.  Full story