Ron Leshem: Indie TV Can Save Global Drama

Ron Leshem, acclaimed writer-creator of "Euphoria" and Oscar-nominated for "Beaufort," champions independent television as the future of global drama. He asserts that indie production can "save TV drama" by fostering daring, boundary-pushing narratives with mass appeal. Leshem is currently involved in producing projects across four continents, including a series in Brazil with Globoplay, another in Australia, a European co-production, and a French series with Iranian filmmakers.

Leshem believes global drama is often underestimated, seen as a low-budget or niche solution. However, he emphasizes its power to introduce new perspectives, worlds, and energy, capable of reinventing the screen. He advocates for "edgy mainstream" storytelling, arguing that playing it safe will not lead to the next big hit. His mission is to support global writers and foster a stronger international community among drama creators.

His experience with the Israeli version of "Euphoria" highlighted budget constraints that limited vision, prompting a years-long effort to bring the concept to HBO. The success of the HBO adaptation, helmed by Sam Levinson, demonstrated the potential of ambitious storytelling. Leshem's own journey, influenced by his military intelligence background and experiences with conflict, fuels his drive for empathy and understanding in his work.