Raz Yuvan Becomes One of Israel’s Most In-Demand Screenwriters Through Unconventional Path
Raz Yuvan, who initially pursued a career in journalism and literary criticism, has become one of Israel’s leading screenwriters despite never formally studying screenwriting. In a recent interview on the podcast "Cinema Shout" hosted by Avi Lodmir, Yuvan recounted how a single conversation with producer Uri Gross changed her career trajectory. After pitching ideas to Gross, she began writing dialogue for the TV series "Danny Hollywood," learning the craft on the job and eventually becoming the head writer for its second season, a role she accepted after giving up promising journalism opportunities.
Yuvan’s breakthrough came with the series "Kfula," which she helped shape creatively alongside Roy Idan and Elad Chen. She credits the show’s success to the creative freedom they were granted, allowing her to imprint her unique style on the project. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yuvan developed her most personal project, "Murder at the Dead Sea," inspired by a real murder in a quarantine hotel. She wrote all seven episodes herself, aiming to create a relatable, human detective rather than a stereotypical tough character.
Yuvan enjoys writing long-form daily dramas and youth series, having written hundreds of episodes over her career. She describes herself as hyperactive and highly creative, thriving under the fast pace and constant idea generation these formats require. After "Murder at the Dead Sea," she joined the series "Chazi and Sons," steering it toward portraying a loving family amid chaos, blending tradition, humor, and affection.
Currently, Yuvan is juggling multiple projects, including a new season of "Chazi and Sons," a new series, a theater play for Haifa Theater, a children’s book series, and exploring turning "Kfula" into a feature film. She emphasizes that her driving force is genuine passion and hunger for storytelling, which she believes is essential for authentic creation. This relentless drive explains her prolific output and ongoing success in Israeli television.
