Screenwriter Sues Noa Kirel's Series Producers Over Alleged Script Theft

A lawsuit has been filed against the producers of "Noa's Path" (Amame Así), a new series starring Israeli pop star Noa Kirel, just weeks before its scheduled release on Amazon Prime Video and Argentina's América TV on October 9. The series, which also features Argentinian actor Agustín Bernasconi, is expected to reach approximately 65 million viewers in Argentina and Peru.

Rotem Carmeli, a screenwriter and member of the Screenwriters Association, claims that the producers, including Yair Dori and the production company Sipur, "stole, knowingly and intentionally, her original work" by using her synopsis and script without permission, credit, or compensation. Carmeli alleges that her intellectual property rights were severely violated.

The Screenwriters Association has publicly supported Carmeli, stating that while they usually celebrate new Israeli productions, especially those with international appeal, this case is different. They emphasized that if Carmeli's claims are proven, it would represent a serious breach of conduct within the industry, undermining the rights of creators and the foundation of Israeli creative work.

The association expressed concern that the series is proceeding towards a global release while the legal proceedings are ongoing, potentially leaving creators' rights unresolved after a work has already been distributed. They pledged to support Carmeli and are considering reaching out to international screenwriters' guilds for solidarity.

In response, the production team has dismissed the allegations, suggesting it is an "improper attempt to capitalize on the anticipated success" of the series. The production is considered a significant project for the Israeli industry due to its international exposure and commercial potential. The legal proceedings are expected to continue, with uncertainty surrounding whether the lawsuit will impact the series' release date.