Filming Facility: Excellent
General Information About Filming in Israel
World Production Service is your trusted production resource for all your photo, video, documentary, TV and film production needs, anywhere in the world. Our comprehensive range of services covers every aspect of production, from conceptualization to post-production, for both factual and branded content, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients. With extensive experience in producing all types of projects, including corporate videos, photography, documentaries, TV shows, and film productions, we are committed to providing top-quality visual content that exceeds your expectations.
With our strong presence in Israel and a wide network of professional photo and film crew, we are well-equipped to cater to your production requirements in the region. Whether you require a full-service production or just a fraction of it, we offer end-to-end solutions starting from scratch or support your shoot in Israel. Choose World Production Service for a successful production experience, every time.
World Production Service offers a diverse range of production services, including but not limited to: film production service, video production service, photo production service, documentary production service, TV production service, production service, TV commercial production service, branded video production service, and local production support service in Israel. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional quality and ensuring that your production needs are met with precision and care. No matter what your production requirements may be, you can rely on World Production Service to deliver outstanding results and unparalleled support throughout the entire production process in Israel. Weather in Israel
The weather in Israel varies depending on the region and time of year. Generally, Israel has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.
The best filming seasons in Israel are typically the spring (March to May) and the fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is usually mild, and there is less chance of extreme heat or rain, making it ideal for outdoor filming.
Summer (June to August) is usually very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), and it is not the best time for filming, especially for outdoor shoots. However, if you need to film in the summer, early morning and late afternoon might be the best time to avoid the midday heat.
Winter (December to February) can be cool and rainy, especially in the north, and sometimes even snows in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. Filming in the winter can be challenging, but it can also be an excellent opportunity to capture a unique look and feel of Israel’s landscape.
Overall, the best filming season in Israel depends on your specific project and the location you plan to shoot. However, spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for most types of filming in Israel.
Locations in Israel
Israel offers a diverse range of filming locations, from stunning natural landscapes to bustling urban centers, historical sites, and religious landmarks. Some of the best filming locations in Israel include:
Jerusalem – A city with a rich history, Jerusalem offers a variety of filming opportunities, including ancient architecture, religious landmarks, and vibrant markets.
Tel Aviv – A bustling modern city on the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv offers a wide range of filming locations, including beautiful beaches, vibrant street scenes, and modern architecture.
The Dead Sea – The lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea offers breathtaking landscapes and unique filming opportunities, including the salt formations, mineral pools, and beautiful sunsets.
The Negev Desert – The desert offers a unique landscape, with stunning rock formations, sand dunes, and vast open spaces that can be ideal for filming adventure and action scenes.
The Galilee – A region of northern Israel, the Galilee offers a beautiful countryside with green hills, forests, and natural springs that can be great for filming nature and rural scenes.
The Red Sea – Located in the south of Israel, the Red Sea offers breathtaking coral reefs, underwater marine life, and clear blue water, making it ideal for underwater filming.
Caesarea – An ancient Roman city, Caesarea offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, including ancient ruins, a harbor, and stunning sea views.
Overall, Israel offers a wide variety of filming locations, each with its unique charm, beauty, and cultural significance, making it an attractive destination for filmmakers and production companies from around the world.
Studio Rental and Film Backlots in Israel
Israel has a thriving film industry, and there are several studios and film backlots available for rent. The largest and most well-known studio is the Negev Studios, located in southern Israel. It covers an area of 200,000 square meters and features a vast outdoor backlot with various sets, including a medieval castle, a western town, and an ancient Roman city.
Other popular studios include the Kfar Qassem Studios, which has a large indoor soundstage, and the Herzliya Studios, which specializes in post-production and visual effects.
Israel also has several film backlots available for rent, including the Western Film Set in Ashdod, which replicates a typical American western town. The Yotvata Film Village in the south of the country features sets inspired by biblical times, including a replica of the ancient city of Jerusalem.
Overall, Israel has a solid infrastructure for photo, video, TV, and film production, with several studios and backlots available for rent.
Advanced Filming Cities in Israel
Israel has several cities with advanced photo, video, TV, and film facilities. Here are some of the cities that stand out:
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and it is home to many production companies, post-production houses, and sound studios. It also has several rental houses for film and photo equipment.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a popular filming location for historical and biblical films. It has several sound stages, post-production facilities, and rental houses for filming equipment. The city has also been used as a location for several international productions.
Herzliya
Herzliya is a coastal city near Tel Aviv and is home to many post-production and visual effects companies. It also has several sound stages and rental houses for filming equipment.
Haifa
Haifa has a growing film industry, and it is home to several sound stages and post-production houses. It also has a film school, the Sammy Ofer School of Communications, which offers courses in film and TV production.
Netanya
Netanya is a coastal city north of Tel Aviv and is home to several sound stages, production companies, and post-production houses.
Overall, these cities have a robust infrastructure for photo, video, TV, and film production, making them popular destinations for local and international productions.
Past Productions in Israel
Israel has a vibrant film industry and has produced several critically acclaimed films over the years. Here are some notable films produced in Israel:
“Footnote” (2011) – A drama film about the strained relationship between a father and son who are both professors of Talmudic Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
“Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem” (2014) – A drama film that tells the story of a woman trying to get a divorce from her husband in a religious court.
“Waltz with Bashir” (2008) – An animated documentary film that explores the memories of Israeli soldiers who fought in the 1982 Lebanon War.
“The Band’s Visit” (2007) – A comedy-drama film about an Egyptian police band that gets stranded in a small Israeli town.
“Ajami” (2009) – A crime drama film that explores the lives of Jews and Arabs living in the Ajami neighborhood of Jaffa.
“Foxtrot” (2017) – A drama film that follows a family coping with the loss of their son, who was a soldier in the Israeli army.
“Sand Storm” (2016) – A drama film about a Bedouin mother and daughter navigating the complexities of their traditional community in southern Israel.
These are just a few examples of the many excellent films produced in Israel. The country’s film industry is known for its diverse and thought-provoking storytelling, and Israeli filmmakers continue to make an impact on the global film community.
Cost of Filming in Israel
The cost of filming in Israel can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, equipment, crew, and the size of the production. Generally speaking, Israel is considered to be more expensive than some of its neighboring countries, but it is still more affordable than many Western countries.
For example, according to a 2018 report by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, the average daily cost of filming in Israel is around $5,500 USD. This includes expenses such as location fees, permits, and crew costs. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the specific project and its needs.
Compared to neighboring countries, Israel is generally more expensive than some of its neighbors, such as Jordan and Egypt, but less expensive than others, such as Cyprus and Greece. However, it’s worth noting that Israel offers unique filming locations and a skilled local workforce, which can make it an attractive destination for productions despite the higher cost.
Overall, the cost of filming in Israel is comparable to many other countries and can vary depending on several factors. It’s important to research and budget accordingly when planning a production in Israel or any other country.
Sensitive Regions in Israel
Israel is a country with a complex political and social landscape, and there are some sensitive regions where filming may require special permits or clearance. Here are some examples of sensitive regions for filming in Israel:
West Bank and Gaza Strip
These territories are politically sensitive, and filming there requires special permits and clearance from the Israeli authorities. The Palestinian Authority also has its own regulations and requirements for filming in these areas.
The Old City of Jerusalem
The Old City of Jerusalem is a religious and cultural site with historic and political significance, and filming there requires special permits and clearance from the Israeli authorities. In addition, filming in certain areas of the city may be restricted or prohibited.
Military zones and installations
Filming in military zones or near military installations requires special permits and clearance from the Israeli authorities. Unauthorized filming in these areas can lead to legal and security issues.
Border regions
Filming in border regions, such as the Lebanese or Syrian borders, requires special permits and clearance from the Israeli authorities. These areas are subject to security risks and may have restricted access.
It’s important to note that the rules and regulations regarding filming in sensitive regions can change, and it’s essential to stay informed and up-to-date on any changes before planning a production. It’s also important to follow all local laws and regulations when filming in Israel, including obtaining any necessary permits and permissions.
Filming Permit in Israel
Filming Permit
Filming in Israel requires permits and permissions from various authorities depending on the location and nature of the production. Here are some permits that may be required for filming in Israel:
Israel Film Fund Permit
The Israel Film Fund provides financial support for Israeli films and requires a permit for all productions that receive funding. This permit is also necessary for accessing certain locations in Israel.
Ministry of Interior Permit
The Ministry of Interior issues permits for foreign film crews working in Israel. The permit is required for entering the country and for obtaining work visas.
Filming Permit
A filming permit is required for filming in public spaces, including streets, parks, and beaches. This permit is issued by the local municipality or the Israel Film Fund.
Military Permit
Filming in military zones or near military installations requires a permit from the Israeli military authorities.
National Parks and Nature Reserves Permit
Filming in national parks and nature reserves requires a permit from the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority.
Archeological Sites Permit
Filming in archeological sites requires a permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Drone Permit
Using drones for filming in Israel requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority.
It’s important to note that the permit process can take time, and it’s essential to plan ahead and obtain all necessary permits before starting production. It’s also important to follow all local laws and regulations when filming in Israel.
Visas for foreign crew
Israel has several types of visas for foreigners, and the type of visa required for filming purposes depends on the length and nature of the production. Here are some general visa policies and the type of visa required for filming purposes in Israel:
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are issued for individuals who plan to visit Israel for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. However, a tourist visa is not sufficient for filming purposes.
B-2 Visitor’s Visa
A B-2 visitor’s visa is required for individuals who enter Israel for business purposes, including film productions. This visa is valid for up to three months and can be extended for an additional three months.
B-4 Work Visa
A B-4 work visa is required for foreign crew members who plan to work on a film production in Israel. This visa is valid for up to one year and can be extended.
Crew Visa
A crew visa is a special type of visa issued to foreign crew members who work on a film or television production in Israel. This visa is valid for up to three months and can be extended.
It’s important to note that the visa process can take time, and it’s essential to plan ahead and obtain the necessary visa before starting production. It’s also important to follow all local laws and regulations when filming in Israel, including obtaining any necessary permits and permissions.
Crew in Israel
Israel has a well-established film industry, and film crews in the country are generally considered to be highly professional. Many crew members have received training from top film schools and have experience working on local and international productions.
In terms of unions, there are several guilds and unions for film and television professionals in Israel, including the Israel Film and Television Directors Association, the Israel Film and Television Editors Association, and the Israeli Actors Guild. These organizations help to set standards for pay, working conditions, and other issues affecting the industry.
The cost of hiring a film crew in Israel can vary depending on the project’s size, scope, and complexity. Generally speaking, however, Israeli film crews are not considered to be overly expensive compared to other countries.
Hebrew and English are the primary languages spoken by film crews in Israel. Many crew members are fluent in both languages, and it is not uncommon for them to switch between the two during a shoot.
The number of hours included in each shooting day can vary depending on the project and the specific needs of the production. However, it is typical for a shooting day to last between 10 and 12 hours. Overtime pay is usually provided for crew members who work beyond the standard hours.
World Production Service is your one-stop-shop for all production needs in Israel. We have an extensive network of top-notch photo, video, TV, and film crews as well as established relationships with leading production companies, media and casting agencies, and other service providers in Israel.
We can rapidly assemble an exceptional production team in Israel that is tailored to your production requirements, be it factual, branded, frictional or educational content. Whether you need a photo crew, video crew, TV crew, or film crew, we can provide you with the best professionals in the industry.
Additionally, we offer a variety of production companies to choose from, including film production company, video production company, photo production company, documentary production company, TV production company, TV commercial production company, and branded video production company in Israel. Our goal is to ensure that we meet all your production needs and deliver results that exceed your expectations.
With World Production Service, you can be sure that your production needs will be taken care of seamlessly and professionally in Israel.
Art Department in Israel
The Israeli film industry has been growing in recent years and has gained recognition in international film festivals. The art department is an essential part of the Israeli film industry, and it is known for its creativity, innovation, and attention to detail.
Israeli filmmakers have won awards for their work in the art department, including the Academy Awards. For example, Avi Nesher’s film, “The Other Story,” won the Best Production Design award at the Ophir Awards (the Israeli equivalent of the Oscars) in 2018.
The Israeli art department is also known for its ability to work with limited budgets and resources. Israeli films often have smaller budgets than Hollywood productions, but the art department is still able to create impressive and realistic sets and props.
Furthermore, Israel has a rich history and diverse culture, which provides a wealth of inspiration for the art department in films. The art department is often tasked with creating authentic sets that represent different periods in Israeli history and culture, such as the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem or the kibbutzim of the early 20th century.
Overall, while the Israeli film industry may not be as large or well-funded as Hollywood, the art department in Israel is still considered to be of a high standard and has been recognized for its achievements in the field.
Equipment Rental in Israel
Local Equipment Rental
Israel has a well-established film and television industry, and there are many companies that offer equipment rental services. These companies provide a range of equipment, from cameras and lenses to lighting and sound equipment.
In terms of camera equipment, both Arri and Red cameras are popular choices for filmmakers in Israel.
Some of the leading equipment rental companies in Israel include:
AVPRO:
AVPRO is a leading provider of camera and lighting equipment in Israel, serving the film, television, and advertising industries.
Prolight:
Prolight is another major equipment rental company in Israel, offering a wide range of equipment, including cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.
CineRent:
CineRent is a film equipment rental company based in Tel Aviv that specializes in camera and lighting equipment.
Kino Flo:
Kino Flo is a lighting equipment rental company based in Israel, offering a range of lighting equipment, including LED lights, fluorescent lights, and more.
Filmservice:
Filmservice is a full-service production and equipment rental company based in Israel, offering equipment for film, television, and commercial productions.
Overall, there are many reputable equipment rental companies in Israel, and both Arri and Red cameras are popular choices among filmmakers in the country.
Bringing Equipment into Israel
If you plan to carry film equipment into Israel for temporary use, you will need to follow certain procedures to ensure that your equipment is cleared by Israeli customs without any issues. Here are some steps you can take:
Obtain the necessary documents: You will need to obtain an ATA Carnet, which is a document that allows you to temporarily import equipment into Israel without paying customs duties. You can obtain this document from your country’s Chamber of Commerce or other designated authority.
Declare your equipment: When you arrive in Israel, you will need to declare your equipment to customs. You will need to provide your ATA Carnet, along with any other necessary documentation, such as invoices or packing lists.
Be prepared for inspection: Your equipment may be inspected by Israeli customs officials to ensure that it matches the information on your ATA Carnet. Be prepared to answer questions about your equipment and its intended use.
Register your equipment: If you plan to use your equipment for filming in public spaces in Israel, you will need to register it with the Ministry of Communications. This registration is required for all filming equipment used in public areas in Israel.
Follow local regulations: Be aware of local regulations regarding the use of filming equipment in Israel. For example, drone use is heavily regulated in Israel, and you may need to obtain special permits before using a drone for filming purposes.
It is always advisable to consult with a customs broker or a local expert in Israel to ensure that you have followed all the necessary procedures and have the required documentation before attempting to bring in any equipment.
Talents and Casting in Israel
Israel is a diverse country, with a population that includes people from many different ethnic and racial backgrounds. As such, the talent pool available through casting agencies in Israel is also quite diverse.
Some of the most common racial and ethnic groups represented in the talent pool in Israel include Jewish Israelis (who may come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds), Palestinian Israelis, and immigrants from countries around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
In terms of the specific types of talent available through casting agencies in Israel, there is a wide range of performers to choose from. Israel is known for producing talented actors, models, singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, and social media influencers. Within each of these categories, you can find performers with a range of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
One unique aspect of the talent pool in Israel is that many performers are fluent in multiple languages, including Hebrew, Arabic, and English. This can be particularly useful for productions that require performers to speak multiple languages or to navigate different cultural contexts.
Overall, if you are looking to cast talent in Israel, you should be able to find a diverse and highly skilled pool of performers through one of the many reputable casting agencies available in the country.
Post-production and Animation/VFX in Israel
Israel has a growing post-production and animation/VFX industry, with many talented professionals and companies providing high-quality services to clients around the world.
In terms of post-production, Israel is home to many experienced video and audio editors, colorists, sound designers, and other professionals who are skilled in creating polished and professional content. There are also many post-production houses in Israel that offer a wide range of services, including editing, color grading, sound design, visual effects, and more.
In terms of animation and VFX, Israel has a number of companies that specialize in creating high-quality animated content and visual effects for film, TV, and other media. These companies range in size from small boutique firms to larger studios with dozens of employees, and they are known for producing visually stunning and innovative work.
Overall, the post-production and animation/VFX industries in Israel are considered to be of high quality, with many skilled professionals and companies providing a range of services to clients around the world.