Scripted

Keshet International has finalized a major licensing deal to adapt its hit Israeli romcom, The Baker and the Beauty, in France. The adaptation, titled La Belle et Le Boulanger, will be produced by Marathon Studio and Terence Films, both part of Banijay France, for TF1. This marks Keshet’s first scripted format adaptation in France.

The original series, created by Assi Azar and produced by Endemol Shine Israel for Keshet 12, tells the story of an international superstar and a humble baker. The French version will be directed by Hervé Mimran and star Amir Haddad and Ludmilla von Claer in the lead roles. The 4x52’ adaptation is written by Caroline Franc, Marion Michau, Jane Rioufol, Léa Lando, and Ichem Saïbi.

Malika Abdellaoui, CEO of Marathon Studio, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting its blend of romantic comedy and family elements. Bertrand Cohen and Stéphane Meunier of Terence Films praised the original series and expressed confidence in the adaptation’s cast and direction.

Kelly Wright, Keshet International’s MD of Distribution, emphasized the universal appeal of The Baker and the Beauty and expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Marathon Studio, Terence Films, TF1, and the lead actors.

Assi Azar, the series’ creator, marveled at the global journey of his series, which has already been adapted into multiple languages and regions, including English, Russian, Dutch, and Telugu in India.

La Belle et Le Boulanger follows Benjamin Mercier (Amir Haddad) and Louise Meyer (Ludmilla von Claer), two complete opposites whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. The series explores their romantic entanglement and the impact on Benjamin's family, including his aspiring rapper brother, his sister dreaming of Patagonia, and their parents navigating an empty nest.

Filming begins this week in Paris, and Keshet International will distribute the series internationally. The original Israeli series has seen widespread acclaim and has been adapted in several countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Russia, and India. The finished tape of the original series is also available on Amazon Prime globally.