Exclusive Rights to "Kugel" Boost Izzy's Global Reach and Israel's Cultural Profile
Securing exclusive streaming rights to "Kugel," the prequel to the acclaimed Israeli series "Shtisel," not only represents a lucrative opportunity for Izzy CEO Nati Dinnar but also aligns with the platform's mission to enhance Israel's image amidst regional conflict.
Established in 2020, Izzy showcases Israeli content worldwide, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the country and provide a voice to its storytellers. By pairing the prequel with the highly popular "Shtisel," Dinnar anticipates a significant boost in subscriptions.
"We believed that by securing 'Kugel,' and promoting its availability exclusively on Izzy, we would attract new users," Dinnar explains in an interview with Variety's "Strictly Business" podcast.
Launched in 2013, "Shtisel" gained international acclaim after its initial run on Israeli network Yes and subsequent distribution on Netflix. Fremantle, Izzy, Abot Hameiri, and Yes have collaborated to distribute "Kugel," featuring the fan-favorite characters Nuchem (Sasson Gabai) and Libi (Hadas Yaron).
For Dinnar, "Kugel" goes beyond financial success. It embodies Izzy's core mission to enhance the world's relationship with Israel through entertainment, empowering talent, and connecting them with a global audience.
"When you take on the challenge of creating something meaningful while also making it a viable business, it's an exciting endeavor," says Dinnar. "We believe that through Izzy, we can demonstrate that such a mission can be both successful and engaging."
"Strictly Business" is Variety's weekly podcast delving into the business aspects of media and entertainment. New episodes featuring industry leaders are released every Wednesday and can be accessed on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Play, SoundCloud, and more.