The distributor will launch the political spy thriller inspired by real events during MIPTV 2024.
Keshet International has made a strategic move by acquiring the Voyo Original spy thriller Extractors (Extraktori) from TV Nova, Czechia’s major commercial channel, for its upcoming Spring 2024 slate. The six-part drama is set to be officially unveiled to buyers at this year’s MIPTV event in Cannes.
Based on true events, Extractors follows the clandestine operations of a Czech intelligence unit assigned with rescuing and repatriating endangered Czech citizens from perilous situations abroad. The debut season, comprising six 60-minute episodes, centres on Leona and her team’s investigation into the suspected kidnapping of two Czech women in Pakistan along the Hippie Trail to India. This leads to a high-stakes mission involving intricate political negotiations, collaboration with the CIA, and a daring rescue mission into Afghanistan.
Co-created by Lenka Szántó and Adam Dvorák, Extractors features a creative team including screenwriter Jan Stehlík, renowned investigative journalist Jaroslav Kmenta, and a former Czech spy. With direction by Roman Kašparovský and cinematography by Vladimir Smutny, the series offers an authentic portrayal of espionage and covert operations with cinematic flair.
Co-creator Lenka Szanto, a creative producer at Nova TV, said: “The real-life extractors are Czechia’s unknown heroes, and this drama showcases all the tension, bravery, and dramatic moments that are their daily life. Where big countries have huge intelligence resources and military support, our Czech spies learn to operate on their own, armed only with their skills, judgement, and the talent to remain invisible.”
Anke Stoll, KI’s SVP of Acquisitions and Co-productions commented: “Extractors is an addicting watch – I screened all six episodes back-to-back and cannot wait to see what’s next for Leona and her team. So, I’m thrilled to have acquired this is a well-crafted and well-paced spy thriller for us to distribute internationally.”
Kelly Wright, KI’s MD of Distribution, added: “I love the way this drama depicts international covert operations in such a believable and realistic way. The extensive amount of English dialogue and the beautifully crafted scenes shot on location really elevate this spy thriller and boosts its international appeal. Having got such a positive response when we previewed this title to buyers at the London TV Screenings last month, we can’t wait to launch it to buyers at MIPTV.”
Keshet International will be presenting both the series and format of Extractors (Extraktori) at MIPTV as part of its Spring Slate 2024, which includes other titles such as Conflict, The Best Worst Thing, and Earthbound, narrated by Orlando Bloom.
