Keshet International plots new Asian offices

Keshet International has told TBI it is set to add to its Asian operations, with new staff and bases in Singapore and India.

KI is the distribution arm of Israel’s Keshet and it brought in Gary Pudney from Eccho Rights last year to boost its Asia operations.

Hong Kong-based Pudney told TBI that with a landmark scripted format deal for Prisoners of War with Star Plus in India and Rising Star heading to Viacom 18’s Colors channel, KI will open a Mumbai office in 2017, with the search on for an exec with both sales and production experience.

As the ATF market in Singapore draws to a close, Pudney also said KI will establish a local base in the Southeast Asian territory.

“We’ll appoint a senior producer and set up in Singapore,” Pudney said. “That person will have a remit to work with the regional broadcasters.

“The proximity to the pan-regional players is the primary reason for being there, but they will also quickly look at other opportunities in the Philippines, Indonesia and elsewhere,” he added. “It’s right up there in our priorities.”

The local Asia team is expected to increase from four to seven in all, with a regional marketing expert being added to the Singapore-and India-based execs.

KI boss Alon Shtruzman underlined the distributor’s ambition in the region. “Asia is a major priority for us and if last year we focused on expanding our footprint – launching more than a dozen shows scripted and non-scripted – this year we’re looking to go deeper, setting up production and development hubs,” he said.

The full Keshet International interview can be read here.