FILMING OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN ISRAEL
FILMING OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN ISRAEL
FILMING OF ARCHAEOLOGY
We have more than two decades of experience in filming archaeology in Israel. Archaeologists have always been fascinated with the wealth of remains in the Holy Land, and many archaeological excavations take place in various places in Israel. The quality, quantity and uniqueness of archaeological findings available in Israel is unparalleled. From the lost Biblical scrolls to ancient mosaics, artifacts, ancient writings and so forth. Jerusalem is by all means the world’s most active, and probably the richest archaeological area in the world.
The availability of ancient Biblical, religious and secular sites, and the international significance of the findings, whether related to Christianity, Judaism or Islam, is unparalleled to any other site.
NOTABLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
Ashkelon, Beit Alfa, Carmel Caves, Caesarea, Atlit, Apolonia, Beit She’an, Beth She’arim, Tsafit, Herodium, Hisham Palace, Qumran, Mamshit, Ovdat, Acre, Tel Rehov, Tel Be’er Sheva, Jericho, Tel Megiddo, Bethlehem, Judean Desert, Shilo, Gath, Gezer, Masada, Tel Arad, Tel Dan, Tel Hazor, Tzippori.
FILMING ARCHAEOLOGY IN ISRAEL: AUTHORITIES
The Israeli Antiquities Authority is responsible for all archaeological sites in Israel and for permits allowing the filming of archaeology in Israel. The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism is in charge of archaeological sites in the Palestinian Authority. Both authorities issues filming permits and provide archaeological experts. We have been working with both organizations for many years, on a variety of projects.
FILM PERMITS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Before filming archaeology in Israel, we usually ask for a film permit in a specific site two weeks in advance. The presence of a film crew on active digs requires special attention from the archaeologists in charge. Therefore, we always scout in advance in order to determine the best times to film. In addition, we discuss special procedures and restrictions to avoid any potential damage to the site, and make sure there are no physical or other conditions that may be dangerous for the film crew or the workers on site. In addition, for the pre-scout phase, out location photo collection can provide visual research of the locations before arriving to Israel.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN FILMING OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
These are some of the historical and Biblical archaeological films we managed and locally produced in the last years:
Walking the Bible (3 part series) – MayaVision for Channel 4 (UK) and PBS
Sacred Journeys (6 part series) – MayaVision for PBS
Ancient X-Files – WAGTV for National Geographic ( 3 episodes)
Judean Desert – The Deserts and life series, produced by Green Bay for BBC Wales
The Real King Herod – Cicada Films for Channel 4
Lost Cities: Templars’ Fortress – National Geographic
Drain the Ocean– National Geographic
VIDEOS PRODUCED FOR THE ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY
Archaeological excavations of the IAA have uncovered a vast 5,000 year old city
Israel Antiquities Discovery of a Byzantine Church in Beit Shemesh
In addition, we produced dozens of films that were shot in archaeological sites in Israel, Palestine and Jordan. Among them for BBC, Channel 4 UK, National Geographic, Discovery and PBS. In 2004-2005 we documented the excavation of The Palace of King David by Dr. Eilat Mazar, and In 2010-2013 we produced in Israel the epic IMAX documentary Jerusalem the Movie, which was filmed in many archaeological sites in Israel. Moreover, we recently filmed documentary films dealing with archaeology in Israel for History Channel, Discovery Network and National Geographic.
EXPERTISE AND SERVICES: ARCHAEOLOGY IN ISRAEL
Research – our researchers have years of experienced in researching archaeological stories, themes and facts in Israel. We are working regularly with research institutions, universities and archaeologists in both Israel and Palestine.
Film Permits – We can apply and receive film permits for the archaeological locations in Israel and Palestine, museums, storage facilities and active digs.
Line producers, production managers, location managers– our production staff is very experienced in managing archaeological films.
Camera crews, film / video professionals and professional film/ video gear – all the DP’s, cameramen and other film professional we work with – both Israeli and Palestinians – have extensive experience in international productions focusing on archaeology.
