Filming archaeology in Israel

Many of the documentary films we produce in Israel and Palestine deal with archaeology. 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. 

 

Here is a brief summary of the archaeological period in Israel (source: Wikipedia)

 

Neolithic period

Bronze Age

Iron Age/Israelite period

Persian period

Hellenistic period

Roman period

Byzantine period

 

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.

 

Other Notable archaeoligical sites in Israel and Palestine: 

 Ashkelon, Beit Alfa, Carmel Caves, Caesarea, Atlit, Apolonia, Beth She'arim, Tsafit, Herodium, Hisham Palace, Qumran, Mamshit, Ovdat, Acre, Tel Rehov, Tel Be'er Sheva, Jericho, Tel Megiddo, Beit She'arim, Bethlehem, Shilo, Gath, Gezer,  Masada, Tel Arad, Tel Dan, Tel Hazor, Tzippori and Gesher Bnot Ya'akov.

 

Authorities

 The Israeli Antiquities Authority is responsible for all archaeological sites 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

 We usually ask for a film permit in a specific site two weeks in advance. Since the presence of a film crew on an active dig requires special attention from the archeologists in charge, we always scout in advance in order to determine the best times to film, 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. 

For the pre-scout phase, out location photo collection can provide visual research of the locations before arriving to Israel. 

 

Our experience in archaeological films in Israel and Palestine

These are some of the historical and Biblical archaeological films we managed and locally produced in the last years:

The Real King Herod - Cicada Films for Channel 4

Walking the Bible (3 part series) - Mayavision for Channel 4 (UK) and PBS

The Flinders Petri Biography for BBC

Ancient X-Files - WAGTV for National Geographic ( 3 episodes)

Judean Desert - The Deserts and life series, produced by GreenBay for BBC Wales

 

In addition, we produced dozens of films that took part in Israel, Palestine and other historical locations, mostly for BBC, Channel 4 UK, National Geographic, Discovery and PBS. In 2004-2005 we document 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.

 

Our Expertise and services

 

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. 

 

Production managers and 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, cameraman and other film professional we work with - both Israeli and Palestinians - have extensive experience in international productions focusing on archaeology. 

 

 

  For more information contact us through the website or email us directly to: info@highlight.co.ilTelephone +9723-6168611  From US: 1-917-3386188Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Blogspot Google+ YouTube