The highly anticipated espionage thriller “State of Alert,” starring the iconic French singer-actor Patrick Bruel in his first major television role, is set to make its world premiere at Series Mania on March 27. The red carpet event will feature the cast and crew, marking a full circle moment as the series was initially pitched as an Israeli project by Atar Dekel of Keshet Intl. at the same festival back in 2018.
The fast-paced thriller unfolds in both Paris and the breathtaking Negev Desert in Southern Israel, kicking off with a gripping scene of a Russian journalist trapped in a taxi on a railway crossing. The storyline revolves around a stolen software developed by Israeli intelligence services, capable of taking control of a car through a cell-phone call, posing a significant threat if it falls into the wrong hands.
Renowned Israeli intelligence officer Zeev Abadi, portrayed by Bruel, is called back to duty by Unit 8200 to track down the traitor who stole the software before the upcoming visit of the U.S. president to Paris. Teaming up with French anti-terrorism cop Fleur Giroud, played by Natacha Lindinger, the duo embarks on a high-stakes mission to unravel a web of mysteries and conspiracies.
Based on Dov Alfon’s bestselling novel “A Long Night in Paris,” the series is co-created by Leora Kamenetzky, David Dusa, and Negar Djavadi, with Djavadi serving as the show’s main writer. Directed by Dan Sachar, “State of Alert” is a co-production between Elephant International, France Televisions, TF1, and Keshet Intl.
The international distribution of the series is handled by Newen Connect, with CEO Rodolphe Buet praising it as a “powerful ticking clock spy thriller” with a stellar production team and cast. Elephant’s Sandra Ouaiss serves as the producer, while Keshet Media Group’s Avi Nir and Karni Ziv, alongside KI’s Keren Shahar and Atar Dekel, are the executive producers.
“State of Alert” is expected to debut on TF1 later in 2025, promising an enthralling viewing experience for audiences. The collaboration between Israeli and French talents, led by the charismatic Patrick Bruel, showcases a blend of gripping storytelling and high-octane action that is sure to captivate viewers worldwide.
