A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Israel
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Israel: What You Need to Know
Organising film permits for your Israel production can involve a lot of paperwork. There is no single general permit that you need to obtain. Instead, you’ll need to get separate consent from different authorities, depending on the specific location and the type of location (i.e. public space, religious or historical site, military zone, national park, etc.). You’ll nearly always have to provide a detailed description of your project along with insurance that can be $2M+.
There will be other conditions, too, such as ensuring your crew adheres to the modest dress expectations if filming for holy sites, and making advanced applications of up to two weeks for particularly sensitive areas such as Gaza/West Bank. To film in these places, you will need IDF/police clearance. Costs for each of your permits can vary depending on the nature of your shoot, where you want to film, and how disruptive your shooting schedule will be.
Timing Your Israel Film Production around the Weather
Weather can make or break your film schedule, not to mention your budget! However, even with regional variations, Israel only has two main seasons. So if you’re looking for cooler temperatures and possible dramatic or rain-soaked shots, pencil in your production dates sometime during the winter months of October to April. Make doubly certain that your crew and equipment can adapt to the more extreme winter conditions like flooding and thunderstorms, as these can occur regularly, particularly in the south and central coastal areas.
May to September is when the summer sun comes out, bringing about longer, hotter days. However, during peak months of the season you may be limited to shooting either in the morning or late evening, as the intense heat, high UV, and arid conditions inland can prove too much for both crew and filming gear. Even in the cooler hours of these summer days, make sure you have proper heat-resistant camera equipment.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
The cost of living in Israel is relatively high, so if you think you’ll easily be able to rent your whole camera kit cheaply here, think again. That’s not to say that deals can’t be found if you work with a well-connected production support company like Fixer Israel, but it’s important to realise that prices for renting filming gear here can be higher than in many European countries.
If you want to bring your own equipment, that’s not a problem. You will need to factor in additional costs, such as airline baggage fees; however, as Israel is an ATA Carnet country, you’ll be able to sidestep additional import taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
In Israel, there are many unsafe areas to film in. That’s why it’s very important to work with an experienced and knowledgeable film fixer.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Though it does depend on your country of origin, most filmmakers don’t need a work visa to film here.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
For ease of work and to ensure you film in safe areas, you should always work with a local production support company.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes. You cannot bring a foreign drone into Israel. But you can work with a local drone pilot who has an Israeli-registered license. You’ll need to coordinate your flight path and times with security forces, and the Old City of Jerusalem is a No-Fly Zone.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Yes, there is. International feature films and TV series made in Israel can apply for a tax exemption of up to 30% on eligible production costs. To be eligible, your production must make a minimum investment of 136K USD, and a maximum of 4.5M USD.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, this is a possibility if you have all the required permits. Your local film fixer will be able to guide you in applying for the right permissions.
Working with Israel Fixer
There’s no denying that Israel poses several challenges to filming here, not least the ongoing safety concerns for film teams. However, by partnering with the right film fixer and coordinating closely with the applicable authorities, you shouldn’t have any problems.
That has certainly been the case for the many big brands and media platforms that we have worked with over the years and who continue to film in Israel, using our skilled services. These include the BBC, CTV News, UNESCO, The New York Times, Netflix, National Geographic and more.