Global content producer and distributor Keshet International has acquired the Voyo Original spy thriller Extractors (Extraktori) from Czechia’s biggest commercial channel, TV Nova, for its Spring 2024 slate. The six-part drama will be officially launched to buyers at this year’s MIPTV in Cannes. 

Inspired by true events, Extractors tracks the activities of a covert Czech intelligence unit tasked with rescuing and repatriating endangered Czech citizens from abroad and bringing them home. In this first 6×60’ season, Leona and her team suspect two Czech women have been kidnapped when they disappear in Pakistan while traveling along the Hippie Trail to India, triggering a high-stakes operation involving back-channel political manoeuvrings, a cooperation with the CIA, and a rescue mission into Afghanistan.  

Co-created by Lenka Szántó and Adam Dvorák, Extractors was written by Jan Stehlík (#martyisdead) as part of a creative team that also included award-winning investigative journalist Jaroslav Kmenta (Pribeh Kmotra, Gangster Ka) and a former Czech spy. Directed by Roman Kašparovský (Lousy B*stards, Gangsta Ka) with the support of legendary film cinematographer and eight-time winner of the Czech Lion Award, Vladimir Smutny (Koyla, Dark Blue World, The Painted Bird) as DOP, this six-part series offers an authentic insight into a hidden world of espionage and international covert operations with cinematic sensibilities. 

Co-creator Lenka Szanto, a creative producer at Nova TV, says, “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 comments, “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 adds, “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 is distributing both the 6×60’ series and format of Extractors (Extraktori) on the international TV market as part of its Spring Slate 2024, which also includes Backmann & Hoderoff’s 6×60’ military and political thriller Conflict; Spiro Films’ 8×60’ romantic drama The Best Worst Thing; and Ritual Arts’ 6×60’ uplifting premium docuseries Earthbound, which is EPed and narrated by Orlando Bloom.