Our brilliant partners at Freedom Media in Kazakhstan are embracing local versions of some of our most gripping scripted dramas, giving them a fresh, local twist for new audiences. The three scripted formats are: Trigger Point, a high-octane thriller set in the world of bomb disposal during a terror campaign where death is only a heartbeat away. The series has viewers on the edge of their seats, unable to look away for a second as time runs out for our protagonist and their Bomb Disposal Squad. The Missing, a dramatic thriller about a young boy who mysteriously disappears. This gripping relationship thriller is told over two-time frames simultaneously, in two countries. Exploring the emotional cost of obsession, hope, and finding when to let go, this thrilling drama shows the impact of a child’s abduction. Accused, an anthology series centring around a different holding cell of a high court each episode. In each cell sits a person or group who are standing trial, accused of committing a crime and now awaiting the verdict. With sharp scripts and compelling storylines, this timeless format tackles universally important themes and is a great vehicle for the best acting talent in any local market.
What makes these scripted formats appealing to audiences in Kazakhstan and beyond?
Freedom Media has a talented team who we are thrilled are adapting these formats, as Trigger Point and The Missing have never been adapted before. All three formats have universal themes and appeal to a wide audience and it is really a testament to Freedom Media’s excellent team in selecting these scripted formats with us and creating high-quality local adaptations that will resonant with a Kazakh audience and also mean we’re excited to be able to offer all three of these local format versions for tape sale.
How have these adaptations been culturally localized to resonate with Kazakhstani viewers?
Freedom Media has gone beyond simple translation and have produced versions that will resonate deeply with their audience.
The Missing was a natural fit as in Kazakhstan the family unit is sacred—ties between parents, children, grandparents, and extended kin are deeply valued. So when a child disappears, it shakes not just a family, but an entire community. The show’s emotional depth, its exploration of loss, hope, and healing, mirrors the values at the heart of Kazakhstani life. It taps into collective empathy and a shared sense of responsibility.
Trigger Point brings another kind of resonance—this time rooted in themes of duty and courage as it follows the story of a bomb disposal expert. The protagonist faces challenges not only from the dangers of her job but also from the emotional toll of losing those close to her and in-group politics of her new coworkers. Her inner strength and resilience, make her an empathetic inspiring character who audiences can easily connect with.
Freedom Media chose to adapt Accused because of its deeply universal theme of justice, accountability, and the consequences of one’s actions. The show’s format of six standalone episodes, each containing a finished story of individuals facing the consequences of their actions, offered their a great opportunity to explore society, covering issues from broken families, workplace safety, wealth disparity, the nature of true friendship and honour, the theme of vigilantism, emphasizing the importance of trusting legal professionals rather than resorting to emotional, impulsive justice, and others.
What key elements from each original scripted format have been important to retain in the adaptations?
The underlying plot, characters and themes that were key to the success of the original UK series have been retained to ensure the adaptations remain faithful to the original series.
How is Trigger Point being adapted for a Kazakhstani audience for the first time?
It was an intricate process, as many of the core themes of the series resonated deeply with Kazakhstani society. Freedom Media’s creative team were aware of managing the differences between the original UK series and their version, which included the language and some variations in police procedure. They consulted with members of the various branches of their country’s police forces to make the parts that are relevant to police procedure as authentic as possible, without betraying confidentiality or sacrificing the quality of the storytelling.
Freedom Media has a talented team who we are thrilled are adapting these formats, as Trigger Point and The Missing have never been adapted before. All three formats have universal themes and appeal to a wide audience and it is really a testament to Freedom Media’s excellent team in selecting these scripted formats with us and creating high-quality local adaptations that will resonant with a Kazakh audience and also mean we’re excited to be able to offer all three of these local format versions for tape sale.
How have these adaptations been culturally localized to resonate with Kazakhstani viewers?
Freedom Media has gone beyond simple translation and have produced versions that will resonate deeply with their audience.
The Missing was a natural fit as in Kazakhstan the family unit is sacred—ties between parents, children, grandparents, and extended kin are deeply valued. So when a child disappears, it shakes not just a family, but an entire community. The show’s emotional depth, its exploration of loss, hope, and healing, mirrors the values at the heart of Kazakhstani life. It taps into collective empathy and a shared sense of responsibility.
Trigger Point brings another kind of resonance—this time rooted in themes of duty and courage as it follows the story of a bomb disposal expert. The protagonist faces challenges not only from the dangers of her job but also from the emotional toll of losing those close to her and in-group politics of her new coworkers. Her inner strength and resilience, make her an empathetic inspiring character who audiences can easily connect with.
Freedom Media chose to adapt Accused because of its deeply universal theme of justice, accountability, and the consequences of one’s actions. The show’s format of six standalone episodes, each containing a finished story of individuals facing the consequences of their actions, offered their a great opportunity to explore society, covering issues from broken families, workplace safety, wealth disparity, the nature of true friendship and honour, the theme of vigilantism, emphasizing the importance of trusting legal professionals rather than resorting to emotional, impulsive justice, and others.
What key elements from each original scripted format have been important to retain in the adaptations?
The underlying plot, characters and themes that were key to the success of the original UK series have been retained to ensure the adaptations remain faithful to the original series.
How is Trigger Point being adapted for a Kazakhstani audience for the first time?
It was an intricate process, as many of the core themes of the series resonated deeply with Kazakhstani society. Freedom Media’s creative team were aware of managing the differences between the original UK series and their version, which included the language and some variations in police procedure. They consulted with members of the various branches of their country’s police forces to make the parts that are relevant to police procedure as authentic as possible, without betraying confidentiality or sacrificing the quality of the storytelling.
Why are producers and broadcasters increasingly turning to scripted format adaptations instead of developing original content?
Scripted formats provide access to proven successful series written by talented people which can be adapted for different local audiences. Being able to adapt and translate these well-written original scripts is very appealing to producers and broadcasters competing in the current local TV landscape.
Adapting excellent scripted formats potentially offer a higher chance of success locally as the original series have proven to be popular with audiences already. I love seeing the creativity brought by local producers adapting our formats in their region.
Scripted formats provide access to proven successful series written by talented people which can be adapted for different local audiences. Being able to adapt and translate these well-written original scripts is very appealing to producers and broadcasters competing in the current local TV landscape.
Adapting excellent scripted formats potentially offer a higher chance of success locally as the original series have proven to be popular with audiences already. I love seeing the creativity brought by local producers adapting our formats in their region.
All3Media International will be on stand B2
at NATPE Budapest from 23rd -26th June.
