Archive | 2011 | February | 10
VIDEO: Check out the trailer for the US version of the Israeli Show “Ramzor”
Creator of Israeli sitcom can hardly believe amazing success his show has won as ‘Traffic Light’ hits American TV screens only three months after original version won International Emmy Award
Less than three months after winning the International Emmy awardfor “Ramzor” creator Adir Miller already gets to see the American version of his show being aired in the United States.
Fox’s “Traffic Light” aired its first episode Tuesday and features David Denman, Kris Marshal, Nelson Franklin and Aya Cash.
Despite the fact that the majority of the cast is relatively unknown, there is a significant media buzz surrounding the show, which culminated Monday when Fox chose to air a promo during the Super Bowl broadcast – one of the most sought-after TV commercial slots.
The first episode introduces Mike, Adam and Ethan – three college buddies, each at a different stage in their relationship. Mike is a married lawyer and father of one, Adam has recently moved in with his girlfriend and Ethan is the quintessential bachelor.
The show was met with positive reviews by the American press. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “shockingly funny” while the Wall Street Journal dubbed it “a scintillating comedy brimming with confidence and wit.”
Miller himself appears satisfied with the American adaptation but is still shocked at the success the show has won. “What’s the saying, ‘We make plans, God laughs’? In this case I guess ‘Ramzor’ makes him laugh too. Reading the reviews of the most exclusive magazines in Hollywood with TV critics naming it the best comedy of the year is just unbelievable.”
First of all you owe us an explanation. How is it that the American title changed from ‘Traffic Light’ to ‘Mixed Signals’ to ‘Traffic Light’ again?
“The moment we won the International Emmy award, they realized the branding worked and reverted back to the original name. I was very pleased. The name refers to the colors of the traffic light and the distinction in the statuses of relationships. The red is married, the green is a bachelor and the yellow is in between. Incidentally, I had no problem with either name. ”
But the show’s success doesn’t stop here. Russian TV network CTC has also purchased the show and has made its own adaptation while the original will air in 13 different countries.
“The Russian version is an exact replica of the Israeli one,” Miller says. “They went frame by frame and reworked it, you just see us on the screen. They omitted nothing. I guess they went with the ‘If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it’ approach. It’s amazing to see your creation in so many languages, with different actors.”
So how are you celebrating your success?
“Those who know me know I’m not the celebrating type. I think ahead and what I’m most concerned with is the Israeli audience. It wants a third season and I have the very heavy responsibility of not letting it down.”
What will you do if they offered you to move to the US and work for an American audience?
“Ramzor is an Israeli show and that’s how we wrote it. It’s something very emotional for me. It’s like a child to me. The American version is like a grandchild. I look after my kid and let my kid look after his kid. I’m not one for reazling the American dream. I’ll be happy if it succeeds but I’m staying inIsrael. I also have my stage show that’s been running for years, I can’t get up and leave my audience. I have no plans of leaving Israel, but then again I had no plans to win an Emmy,” he laughs.
Thinking about a second American season yet?
“Don’t put the cart before the horse, let’s wait and see if it does well. We’re currently editing the third Israeli season. I wonder how they will adapt the third season there, in case it does succeeds. The new season is very Israeli and less appealing to an American audience. ”
Source: Ynetnews.com
VIDEO: Matisyahu backs Israel’s efforts in Haiti
(Video) Hasidic reggae musician teams up with NU Campaign in support of Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, to highlight their work following last year’s devastating earthquake. ‘It’s about human beings helping other humans,’ he says
VIDEO - Grammy Award Winner Matisyahu has teamed up withIsrael Awareness Brand NU Campaign in support of the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma (“ICTP”), highlighting their ongoing work in Haiti, following last year’s devastating earthquake.
In a video clip launched by NU Campaign, Matisyahu explains his motivation to support ICTP: “It’s not about Jewish or non-Jewish or where you are from. It’s about human beings helping other humans.”
In the wake of the 250,000 deaths and a dire humanitarian situation, Professor Danny Brom, Director of ICTP, and other staff flew into Haiti, working with parents and teachers, teaching them coping and resilience skills and providing support to the volunteers.
They are now in the process of launching a three-year therapy program within the Haitian education system.
In the past ICTP sent teams to Sri Lanka in the wake of the Tsunami and the USA in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
NU Campaign Co-Directors David Kramer and Michael Lawrence teamed up with musicians, authors, non-profit organizations to promote the work Israelis do at home and abroad. Proving trendy and popular to a range of populations across the globe, NU Campaign is fast becoming one of Israel’s most unique and innovative social action platforms.
“Here at the NU Campaign we aim to inspire people worldwide to support Israeli causes through fashion, art and pop-culture”, explains David Kramer. “Israel has become a global leader in social innovation and activism and we believe that is something to be proud of and take part in.”
Promoting and selling Matisyahu’s “Text Tee” shirt through theirwebsite, NU Campaign contributes a significant portion of sales to ICTP.
Source: Ynetnews.com