Hot Picks: A Body That Works

Israeli scripted series have developed a reputation for going where others don’t, and A Body That Works is a neat example. The story of a couple who turn to surrogacy to fulfil their desire for a baby, it has generated huge ratings for broadcaster Keshet 12 and stimulated lively debate around fertility, surrogacy, family and the autonomy women have over their bodies. Distributor Keshet International hopes it can stir up a similar response from buyers.

The series centres on couple Ellie and Ido, who have spent years trying unsuccessfully to start a family. After a miscarriage in episode one, they decide surrogacy is their final option and turn to a young woman called Chen.

“But this raises a whole series of complex issues,” says Fleur Wheatley, Keshet International vice-president of sales for the US, Canada, UK and the Nordics. “What happens when you put a young woman into the middle of an exhausted relationship? And what happens to the woman who can’t have a baby – being around a young woman with a body that works?”

It’s not just the dynamics of the couple and the surrogate that are dealt with by the series, Wheatley adds: “It’s also the wider family relationships. Ido’s mother is very critical, and Chen’s father doesn’t approve of her life choices or the surrogacy. Chen’s situation is further complicated by the fact that she has a son from a previous relationship that broke down. The son experiences some bullying at school and really just wants his mother to be his mother.”

In terms of positioning the eight-part series, Wheatley says it resembles “a very premium soap opera”.

“The writing is very raw and human, which is perhaps no surprise because it was inspired by creator Shira Hadad’s own efforts to become a parent. There is some wit and humour in it, but it is a very emotional watch. Audiences will find themselves laughing and crying.”

The show’s exploration of a tough family issue gives the series a universal resonance that Wheatley expects will help it in distribution. Additionally, the main cast members will all be recognisable to international buyers familiar with Israeli drama.

The show is being sold as both a format and a tape, and the decision on which route to take may depend on local laws and culture. Wheatley says: “Each territory has different laws about surrogacy – in Israel, for example, you have to have state approval.”

The show’s strong ratings suggest that a second series commission is on the cards, but Wheatley says no decision has yet been made. As for target customers, she says: “The show has skewed more male than expected and it has done well with younger audiences, so I don’t think it will be pigeon-holed to any particular platform. We’re talking to everyone about this.”

A Body That Works is the first title to emerge from a new investment in drama by Keshet Media Group, which is expected to deliver up to eight new scripted series. Wheatley says it will continue to drive home the point that Israeli drama is much broader in scope than just espionage.