The groundbreaking Israeli series "Kvodo" is making television history as it becomes the first Israeli drama to secure an adaptation deal for the Chinese market with an upcoming Mandarin-language version.
Israel's Yes Studios has finalized an agreement with Hong Kong's Ladder Ideas Limited, under the leadership of William Lau, for the series production. The broadcasting partner for this pioneering venture will be announced in March, potentially reaching the more than 1.4 billion Chinese who are part of the local media market.
"Kvodo," a gripping legal thriller with Israeli origins, has already proven its international appeal through Showtime's acclaimed adaptation starring Bryan Cranston, which ran for two successful seasons as "Your Honor." The compelling narrative centers on a prestigious judge whose moral compass is tested when his son becomes involved in a hit-and-run accident, forcing him to navigate increasingly treacherous waters as he attempts to conceal the crime. The series has demonstrated remarkable global reach, with successful adaptations across major markets including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, India, and Russia.
This Chinese market deal represents a significant breakthrough, as it marks the first time Chinese media has engaged with Israeli dramatic content, although previous collaborations have existed in the non-scripted format space.
The original "Kvodo," created by Ron Ninio and Shlomo Mashiach and produced through a collaboration between yes and Koda Communications, has garnered substantial international recognition. yes Studios oversees worldwide distribution of both the original drama and its format. The series has achieved notable acclaim, securing official selections at nearly 20 international festivals, including Germany's SerienCamp and the Chicago International Television Festival, while also claiming the prestigious Grand Prix at the 2017 Series Mania Festival.
In response to this historic development, Yes issued a statement: "Kvodo from yes holds the record for Israeli series adaptations, with versions spanning the globe from India to Spain. The series' international distribution is managed through yes Studios, our global distribution division, under the leadership of Sharon Levi."
