TBS, Keshet dive into crime drama format

Japan’s Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) has joined forces with Israeli distributor Keshet International to develop a crime drama format for the local market.

Alon Shtruzman

Deep Crime Unit (10×60’) is a procedural focusing on scuba-diving investigation teams that attempt to solve cases underwater. The show is based on an idea co-developed by Canadian prodco Facet4 Media and Keshet International. Keshet has since worked with TBS and Facet4 to adapt the show for the Japanese market.

Keshet International’s VP of global drama Atar Dekel will executive produce along with Facet4’s head of creative development and international coproductions Anna-Sue Greenberg and its president Stephen Greenberg.

The other exec producers are Hidenori Iyoda of TBS and the drama’s creators, Ilan Ulmer and Sam Goldberg.

The adaptation will start shooting in Japan this summer for a premiere early next year. Keshet International will handle both finished tape and format sales.

Alon Shtruzman, Keshet International’s CEO, said: “We all share the same vision where great drama can travel anywhere, and this is so much more than a licensing deal for us. It represents the beginning of what we hope will become a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship between us both.”

Greenberg added: “Working together with TBS and Keshet International has brought true meaning to the words ‘international coproduction.’ The creative concept developed and written by Ilan and Sam has resonated with us from the very beginning of this process.

“Japan is a fascinating part of the world, deep rooted in tradition and culture, that will serve as a compelling backdrop for the series. We are delighted to be part of the team bringing innovative and exciting drama to the worldwide marketplace.”