A new dramatization of a tragic event: “First Day in October” previewed in the U.S.

A gripping portrayal of real-life horror

Less than a year after the tragic events of October 7, the first-ever scripted dramatization of the incident was previewed in the U.S. during the closing night of the second annual Scripted Israel event. The series, titled “First Day in October”, is a four-part anthology based on true stories and produced by Fox Entertainment Studios’ Tideline, in collaboration with yes TV, New York-based Sparks Go, and Israel’s ZOA Films.

A harrowing episode at the Nova music festival

Attendees at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures were given a glimpse into the harrowing experiences of friends Gali Amar and Amit Amar during the ill-fated Nova music festival. The episode, featuring actors Swell Ariel Or and Noa Kedar, is set entirely inside a portable toilet where the characters hide, fearing for their lives as terrorists massacre hundreds of concert-goers. This intense and claustrophobic setting amplifies the terror and helplessness felt by the characters, making for a gripping viewing experience.

The importance of storytelling

Daniel Fineman of Sparks Go, who co-created the series with director Oded Davidoff, emphasized the significance of telling this story. “It’s super important to tell the story,” Fineman stated. “We decided to tap into the entertainment space to create a scripted version that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”

Global distribution and future airing

The first episode of “First Day in October” is set to air on October 7 in Israel on the Yes network. Fox Entertainment plans to present the program at MIPCOM to secure additional global distribution, ensuring that this poignant story reaches a wider audience.

Bridging the Israeli and U.S. TV industries

The Israeli-American co-production, filmed on location in Israel, served as a fitting conclusion to the four-day Scripted Israel event. This initiative aims to forge connections between the Israeli and U.S. TV industries, bringing together Israeli writers and producers with their U.S. counterparts for a series of meetings and panel discussions.

Celebrating Israeli creativity

Israeli-born Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz introduced the series, praising Scripted Israel for helping regional creatives build on the success many Israelis have already achieved in the global TV marketplace. “Israeli creators stand out in a very crowded market,” Kreiz noted. “Now more than ever, it’s important for the Israeli voice of innovation to be heard in the creative community.”

The driving forces behind Scripted Israel

Scripted Israel, led by co-founders Daniel Susz and Tchelet Semel, is an independent initiative supported by The Ruderman Family Foundation, Albi Fund, and Saban Family Foundation. The event maintains key partnerships with The JSFL Series Lab and The Israeli TV & Film Producers Association. The inaugural Scripted Israel event took place in 2022, and it continues to foster collaboration and innovation in the TV industry.

The team behind “First Day in October”

The executive producers of “First Day in October” include Finkelman, Chaya Amor, Aviv Ben-Shlush, Lee Ben-Shlush Kuperman, and Fox Entertainment Studios head Fernando Szew, who brought the project to Fox. Their combined expertise and dedication have brought this powerful story to life, ensuring it resonates with audiences worldwide.

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