UK-Israel crime drama co-production in development

A new international crime drama is in development at the UK’s 87 Films, Israel’s TTV Productions and Red Arrow Studios.

Protection is set in Israel, the UK and the USA, and will be delivered as eight episodes.

Conceived as a returning series, the drama centres on a psychologist who has been appointed to run the Israel Witness Protection Authority.

Protection is created by Alan Whiting and TTV Productions founder Zafrir Kochanovsky, alongside Israeli writer Izhar Harlev. Whiting also serves as lead writer, while 87 Films’ Patrick Irwin (‘The Fall’, ‘Miss Scarlet and the Duke’) is on board to produce.

The series will be executive produced by Irwin, Kochanovsky (pictured, right) and Whiting, with Carlo Dusi and Bo Stehmeier for Red Arrow Studios International.

Dusi, EVP commercial strategy, scripted, at Red Arrow Studios International, said: “It is very rare to come across a project that is as international as Protection, and as compelling. Backed by extensive research, the series portrays life within the witness protection system from the inside out and in an unprecedented way.

"Zafrir’s original concept for the show felt fresh and compelling from the outset, and it’s a pleasure to be working with talent of Alan and Patrick’s calibre as we take out this exciting and topical drama series.”

Whiting commented: “It’s been a real delight working with the team on Protection, as well as spending time in Israel researching the set-up of their witness protection system and the co-operation that exists on a global scale.”

Irwin added: “It’s always great to find a project that is so obviously an organic co-production – and the opportunity to work with such experienced talent as Alan and Zafrir was a no-brainer.

“Red Arrow coming on board with their wealth of international experience will help us move the project to the next level and they have already been hugely helpful. We look forward to collaborating with them as it moves forward.”

Zochanovsky remarked: “Witness Protection is a global phenomenon, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime at the forefront. It’s an intriguing and very real world and though our story is set in the UK, the US and Israel, it will appeal to global audiences.”

 

 Photo: Zafrir Kochanovsky

Header image on news page: Tel Aviv.