Liz Cohen Joins Keshet Studios As Head Of Scripted
Keshet International has appointed former Amazon MGM Studios development executive Liz Cohen as EVP, Scripted for Keshet Studios, its U.S.-based production arm.
In her role, Cohen will oversee the development, packaging and production of Keshet Studios’ scripted projects across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Based in Los Angeles, she will lead efforts to identify and develop series based on Keshet formats, third-party rights acquisitions and original concepts. Cohen will also be managing parent Keshet International’s multiyear, first-look deal with Sony Pictures Television. Under the pact, Sony TV is partnering with Keshet Studios on English-language adaptations of titles from Keshet International’s scripted catalog, starting with Save the Date, as well as original scripted series.
Cohen succeeds founding Keshet Studios President Peter Traugott, who departed at the start of the year to join Fifth Season as Head of TV.
“Liz brings an extraordinary combination of creative judgement, industry relationships and production experience,” says Keren Shahar, CEO of Keshet International. “She has built trusted partnerships with some of the most exciting talent, producers and creators, particularly during her time at Amazon, where she worked across an impressive range of high-profile deals and projects. She has a sharp eye for premium storytelling and a taste level that feels incredibly complementary to Keshet’s creative identity — daring, distinctive and globally minded.”
Most recently, Cohen served as Senior Development Executive, First Looks & Overall Deals at Amazon MGM Studios, where she worked closely with companies including LuckyChap, Sunday Night, Blossom Films, and Purple Pebble Pictures. During her tenure, which ended in the October round of layoffs, she helped oversee the development of projects including Sterling Point, Life Is Strange, Silent River, and Sex Criminals.
Prior to Amazon MGM Studios, Liz was SVP of Development at Jax Media, where she worked on Emily in Paris, A Black Lady Sketch Show and The Other Two. Earlier in her career, she held development and production roles with Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone’s On the Day Productions.
In addition to Save the Date, from showrunner Dana Fox, Keshet Studios’ current slate includes the recent straight-to-series order from Netflix for Lovesick, starring Claire Danes and showrun by Sarah Treem.
“I’ve always admired Keshet’s bold creative vision and its ability to tell stories that resonate across cultures,” Cohen said. “Keshet has the rare combination of entrepreneurial energy and creative excellence. I’m excited to join Keren and the team to continue to build shows that resonate and breakthrough in a meaningful way, and I’m honored to help shape the company’s next chapter.”
