Israeli television is rapidly achieving global brand status.
By STEWART CLARKE VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERVICE / TNSFalse Flag trailer screenshot (photo credit: YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT)
(TNS) - Israeli espionage thriller "False Flag" is headed to the US after Hulu acquired exclusive streaming rights.Hulu already has "Prisoners of War," the Israeli series that was the inspiration for Showtime hit "Homeland." Both shows are distributed by Keshet International, which sealed the Hulu deal.Hebrew-language series "False Flag" follows five ordinary-seeming Israelis who become embroiled in a high-profile international kidnapping. It launched internationally at the Berlinale in 2015 and went on to win the Grand Prize at France's Series Mania event in the same year.In Israel it goes out on Keshet. The show was created by Amit Cohen and Maria Feldman, and produced by Tender Productions. Feldman and Leora Kamenetzky created the upcoming second season, with Masha TV currently producing. Hulu has picked up both seasons of the series, which is directed by Oded Ruskin.Non-English-language drama is increasingly finding an international home on channels and streaming services, and Israel has become a drama and unscripted hub in recent years. Fox has previously acquired "False Flag" for its international channels, but not the US. It was also planning an English-language version of the series, which remains in development."Dramas with compelling storylines travel well regardless of the language, as Hulu has demonstrated once again with its acquisition of 'False Flag' in the U.S.," said Keren Shahar, COO & President of Distribution for Keshet International.Amit Cohen, meanwhile, is currently working on "Traitor," a drama project about a flight that goes missing after departing Tel Aviv.(c) 2017 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
