Film and TV Production services in Israel - tips for the production crews coming to Israel.
Israel is Situated in the center of the middle east, as it is situated in a strategic position it is known as a good place for film and tv productions. Moreover it is a center of many news events, a religious center for the main religions of the world, and a diversified historical center. Israel attracts many television crews and film crews from all around the world.
Here are a few tips for all the production crews before arriving to Israel:
Check out the time of the year - Israel is important to all religions but the main religion there Is Jewish. Before arriving check which Jewish holydays fall on the days of your filming. The main times of Jewish holydays (which are also day offs from work):
September-October - Jewish new year, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Simhat Tora.
December - Hanukkah (though people work during Hanukkah)
March - Purim (People work during purim)
April - Passover (if you like eating bread you must know that during Passover week bread isn't sold in stores - instead you can get the Passover bread called matza)
May - Independence Day
June - Shavuot
July - August - summer vacation
If you are filming or taping in Arab area you should check for the Muslim and Christian holydays.
Check the weather - the Israeli summer is very hot and humid, if you are planning your production in the months June - September you should prepare yourself with proper protection - hats, sunglasses, sun block (very important!) and a lot of drinking water for your whole crew. It is recommended during the summer that each person going under medium physical activity should drink at least 1 liter of water per hour. The Israeli winter isn't as extreme it is rainy and cool.
Check the region - Israel is a divided country. There are the main areas of Israel, and then there are the Palestinian authority areas - the west bank and the Gaza strip. You shouldn't access the Palestinian authority territories without proper guidance it isn't safe. if your production is filmed in The main areas of Israel such as Galilee, Haifa, Tel-Aviv, Eilat, Negev, Jerusalem, Sharon, Netanya or any of the other cities and areas in Israel it is very safe to film there. Some companies offer production services in the Palestinian authority.
The Israeli people - the people in Israel are very helpful and kind. Most of them know English some of them are native English speakers. They will be always happy to help you and give you advice (even if you weren't interested in receiving their advice).
Production crews and production equipment - there are many companies which supply production equipment for production crews coming to Israel. You should consider hiring a company which supplies you with over all solutions for your production - production crews, production equipment, television studios, satellite services, SNG vehicles, Palestinian authority filming production guidance and services. You should contact the company before you arrive so when you arrive everything will be planned and ready for your production. Some companies even offer to book your hotels.
We hope these tips are helpful and will help you run a smooth and efficient production.
