CANNES, France — This year’s Mipcom convention in Cannes has unveiled a significant early partnership, as Ron Leshem, the mastermind behind the original “Euphoria,” collaborates with Janeiro Studios, led by Koby Gal Raday and Ilda Santiago, alongside Brazil’s prominent streaming platform Globoplay, to create the series “Paranoia.”
“Paranoia” is set to be an 8-episode series with 45-minute installments, produced by Janeiro Studios and Leshem’s own company, Crossing Oceans, in collaboration with producer-writer Daniel Amsel, known for his work on the acclaimed Israeli version of “Euphoria.” The venture will also see participation from Globoplay and other partners, details of whom will be disclosed soon.
Janeiro Studios, launched in June 2024, has a mission to deliver premium scripted series and films that focus on Brazilian and Latin American narratives, as well as international projects involving top-tier talents.
Envisioned as a compelling eight-part series, Leshem, who has made a name for himself globally over the last two decades, is at the helm of “Paranoia.” His series often blend captivating thriller elements with profound insights. His previous works include a deep exploration of contemporary youth in “Euphoria” (2012) and the harrowing journey of self-discovery set against the backdrop of war in “No Man’s Land” (2020), as well as probing the Israel-Palestine conflict in “Red Skies” (2023), with notable screenings on HBO Max, Hulu, and Netflix.
In a noteworthy development for Leshem, he will be heading to Brazil to collaborate with esteemed writer Claudia Jouvin on the project. Jouvin is recognized for her work on “Under Pressure,” one of Brazil’s standout series, and has garnered accolades for her role as head writer on “Perfect Days,” which has been lauded for its exploration of male narcissism and the complexities of sexual abuse, becoming Globoplay’s most popular original series since its inception.
The producers describe “Paranoia” as a blend of the psychological tension found in “Black Swan” and “Whiplash,” mixed with the uplifting essence of “Queen’s Gambit” and the cultural significance of “Euphoria.” Set in a vibrant and contemporary Rio de Janeiro, the series will highlight untold stories of diverse characters across Brazil.
Leshem and Jouvin will work closely with emerging Brazilian talents to depict a fresh perspective on Gen-Z, addressing challenges like deep fakes, AI influence, privacy erosion, mental health post-pandemic, and financial literacy, among others.
“Perfect Days” is produced by Koby Gal Raday, Ilda Santiago, Ron Leshem, Amit Cohen, and Mayra Faour Auad.
Koby Gal Raday, Ron Leshem, Claudia Jouvin, Alex Medeiros
Credits: Philipp Lavra, Lena Nugent, Jorge Bispo, Globo / Beatriz Damy
Insights from Leshem, Gal Raday, and Globoplay’s Alex Medeiros on ‘Paranoia’
“Brazilian cinema has significantly influenced my career, and I have always felt a deep connection to its culture,” Leshem stated. “Working with Globoplay and fostering creative dialogues through our collaboration is an exhilarating journey I look forward to embarking on. I resonate with Janeiro Studios’ vision and am excited to dive into this path with the talented Claudia Jouvin, as we aim to captivate audiences within Brazil and globally by exploring the intricate dynamics of Gen-Z today.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ron Leshem and Claudia Jouvin on ‘Paranoia,’ marking our first premium production. This series exemplifies the essence of Janeiro Studios by creating bridges between renowned global talents and Brazilian filmmakers,” noted Gal Raday, CEO of Janeiro Studios. “With ‘Paranoia,’ we aim to elevate high-end drama through pioneering storytelling and grand aspirations. Globoplay is the perfect partner for this series that celebrates Rio de Janeiro, connecting diverse audiences across the globe.”
“Collaborating with Janeiro Studios and the innovative partnership between Ron Leshem and Claudia Jouvin reflects our dedication to crafting impactful narratives that resonate with younger generations,” said Alex Medeiros, Head of Drama & Film at Globoplay. “As the leading producer of Portuguese-language content worldwide, we strive to forge strategic alliances to broaden the reach of our stories. Co-production enhances our portfolio in Brazil and extends our narratives to new global viewers. We are eager to co-produce this project and showcase the richness of our Brazilian culture to the world,” he added.
