Screenwriter sues Noa Kirel series over stolen script claim

Days before Noa Kirel's new series "Noa's Way" (Amame Así) premieres on Amazon Prime Video, a legal claim has emerged that casts a shadow over the entire production. An Israeli screenwriter has filed a lawsuit against the series' producers, alleging they made unauthorised use of her original work.

The series, starring Kirel alongside Argentine actor Agustin Bernasconi, is set to launch on 9 October on Amazon Prime Video and América TV, reaching an estimated 65 million viewers in Argentina and Peru. But instead of premiere celebrations, the production now finds itself at the centre of a legal dispute raising serious questions about creators' rights in the Israeli television industry.

"They stole my original work"

At the heart of the storm is a lawsuit filed by Rotem Carmeli, a member of the Screenwriters Guild, against the series' producers — including Yair Dori and production company Sipur. In the claim, Carmeli makes grave allegations: she says the defendants used a comprehensive synopsis and script she had written, and states they "stole, knowingly and deliberately, her original work... and violated her proprietary rights in a severe and blatant manner".

The legal claims focus on the alleged use of Carmeli's original work without her consent and without crediting her or providing any compensation. If proven, the allegations could set a serious precedent in the Israeli television industry.

Screenwriters Guild: "Hard for us to celebrate"

The Film and Television Screenwriters Guild has not remained silent, publishing a post on its Facebook page expressing firm support for Carmeli. "Normally we would celebrate any new Israeli creation, especially one that generates international interest. But in this case it's hard for us to celebrate," the Guild's statement read.

The Guild made clear that if Carmeli's claims are proven, "this is extremely serious conduct that has no place in an industry that respects its creators. Using someone's work without their consent and stripping them of the fruit of their labour crosses a red line and harms not only the individual creator, but the foundation on which all Israeli creation rests".

"This gap troubles us"

The Screenwriters Guild expressed deep concern about the situation in which the series is advancing toward broadcast on giants like Amazon Prime Video while the legal proceedings are still ongoing. "This gap troubles us," they noted. "In such a situation, a scenario could develop where the clarification of a creator's rights comes only after the work has already been produced, broadcast and distributed".

The Guild promised to back Carmeli with all available tools, and is even considering approaching screenwriters' guilds worldwide to activate professional solidarity. "We will not allow Israeli creation to become lawless," they concluded in the statement.

The production: "Invalid attempt to ride the wave of success"

The series' production, meanwhile, rejects the claims entirely. Sources in the production suggest this is an invalid attempt to ride the wave of the series' anticipated success, which has already generated significant interest thanks to the international collaboration and the joint song by Kirel and Bernasconi.

The series, which will also air on América TV, is considered a significant project for the Israeli industry due to the international exposure and commercial potential. But now, the legal affair raises difficult questions about the processes behind the scenes and respect for creators' rights in the industry.

The legal proceedings are expected to continue, while the series itself moves forward toward its broadcast date. The question is whether the affair will affect the series' launch, or whether it will air as planned, while the legal clarification continues in parallel.