Silverman’s Electus acquires rights to Israeli series Blue Natali

Ben Silverman’s Electus has acquired international rights to hit Israel drama Blue Natali (בלו נטלי) and has inked a deal with Dexter writer Wendy West to adapt it for the United States, TBIvision has learnt.

This is the latest Israeli format to be reversioned in the States following deals by HBO for The Naked Truth and Fox for Mixed Signals.

The drama was originally produced for Israeli pay broadcaster DBS (Yes).

Silverman told TBIvision that he thinks that Israeli is one of the most exciting markets in the international TV business. “The market that I’m most excited about is Israel,” he said.

Electus, which is at MIP TV to buy and sell formats including Car Boss, Chopped and Fashion Star, is also extending its relationship with The Weinstein Company with a number of new series planned. Electus has already coproduced VH1 reality series Mob Wives with Harvey Weinstein’s firm and the two companies are piloting scripted drama Marco Polo for Starz. “I’m great friends with Harvey and we’re doing a scripted programme together, Marco Polo with John Fusco. We’re also probably going to do a couple more things with them,” Silverman said.