Technological fantasy: The new vision from audiobook producer Canarit Audiobooks

After establishing a strong presence in the US market, the Israeli company Canarit Audiobooks is making a significant mark at home by signing a long-term deal with bestselling fantasy author Nica. The partnership aims to produce cinematic, multi-cast audiobook adaptations of three of Nica's hit novels, which have already gained popularity both in Israel and abroad. The audiobooks will be produced in English, including Prayer of the Damned (Between Delusion and Sobriety Duet Book) and Sin of the Saints (Between Delusion and Sobriety Duet Book 2), alongside The Horseman of Death (Tiamat's Calling Book 1).

Currently, the company is conducting auditions to cast actors who will portray Nica’s unique and vibrant characters, with each actor dedicated to a single role. The complex productions are expected to complete within eight months, after which listeners can enjoy them on major streaming platforms like Audible, Spotify, and Storytel.

Founded four years ago in the US by Israeli entrepreneurs Yael Yekutiel and Gil Geva, Canarit Audiobooks primarily operated in Los Angeles and New York, the heart of the audiobook industry. Leveraging extensive experience in media and sound, the founders opted to specialize in cinematic audiobooks—a distinct subgenre within the audiobook industry. These productions utilize actors who bring characters to life in a realistic dialogue style, with soundscapes that include original or carefully selected music and cutting-edge sound technology, delivering a quality comparable to that of a movie theater. Canarit also incorporates AI-based systems to streamline production processes. For many listeners, these cinematic multi-cast versions offer an immersive experience that rivals traditional reading, providing access to literary works in new and engaging formats.

Canarit has swiftly gained recognition in the US as a leading innovator in the field, securing strategic partnerships with major publishers such as HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Audible. To date, it has produced dozens of cinematic multi-cast works. The company operates under two business models: some audiobooks are published directly by Canarit, while others are created in partnership with prominent publishing houses.

Yael Yekutiel brings a background in hi-tech and media, having held senior management positions and specialized in digital media in the US, where she developed innovative formats for publishers, television, and film studios seeking additional revenue streams. Her clients have included Oprah Winfrey and Warner Bros.

Gil Geva began her career at Disney and was later part of the sound team for the Oscar-nominated film Deepwater Horizon, recognized for its sound editing. She also worked on the production team for the American TV series Eyewitness. At Canarit, Geva oversees the artistic direction, including actor direction and planning of effects, sound, and music for each audiobook.

Yael Yekutiel, Canarit Audiobooks co-founder, stated, “The audiobook industry, particularly in cinematic production, is one of the most exciting and fast-growing sectors today. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to blend technology and art at the highest level, and we’re proud to be advancing this in the Israeli market. We are thrilled about our journey with Nica. Her extraordinary works are a perfect fit for these productions, and listeners are in for an exceptional experience.”