Written by on Nov 15, 2013. Posted in On Location

Dig TV show to become first US series to film entirely on location in Israel

A new TV show called Dig is set to become the first US series to film entirely on location in Israel. The show will be a murder mystery set at an Israeli archaeological dig and is based on an idea originally developed by Israeli company the Keshet Media Group.

“This is an accomplishment for the entire industry,” said Avi Nir, CEO at Keshet Media Group: “Dig will be the first American television series filmed in Israel. This decision recognises the capabilities of the Israeli TV industry’s people. I am extremely hopeful that this project will be a first step on our path.”

“When I visited Los Angeles,” added Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, “we forged a strong bond with the senior executives in Hollywood and when I brought them to Jerusalem, the City of David, the place where it all began, I revealed the cinematic potential of this important and fascinating city to them.

“The film industry in Jerusalem is ten times more developed today than it was in the past, in terms of cinematic activity. It is very important to the Americans to hire local teams, in Jerusalem, for the production of the series, and in so doing, to support Jerusalem.”

The US version of Dig has been co-created by Gideon Raff, who was also responsible for domestic terrorism drama Homeland, another show based on an original Keshet property and which was recently given a fourth season in the US.

Six initial episodes of Dig have been ordered and the show will get local funding from a variety of departments including the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Development Authority and the Ministry of Tourism. Authorities clearly see the production as a way to boost film tourism in Israel, while also elevating the country’s filmmaking profile.

(Israel photo: David Shankbone)