Production of Archaeology Films in Israel
Israel offers a wealth of archaeological locations matched by only a few countries, and Highlight Films has vast experience producing archaeology films here since 1998, working with the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery and PBS.
Notable Projects
Among other projects, we documented the excavation of King David’s Palace by Dr. Eilat Mazar. In 2012 produced Jerusalem, the first IMAX documentary ever filmed in Israel. Jerusalem is showcasing archaeological sites across the region.
Through 2018–2019 we collaborated with National Geographic and the Israel Antiquities Authority on a major project in the Judean Desert. A teams of archaeologists scanned the desert for 2,000-year-old artifacts and scrolls. It was one of the largest excavation projects ever undertaken in Israel, with our crews documenting throughout.
Permits & Access
Our deep-rooted connections with local authorities, including the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism, let us secure permits and site access efficiently. Permitting an active excavation can be complex — we usually need about two weeks’ notice to secure access, and since many sites are off-road, we often transport the full team and gear by 4×4.
Filming Approach
Archaeological sites call for a different filming approach than a standard shoot. We work in small, minimal-footprint crews to protect fragile excavation areas, using aerial drone coverage to capture the scale of a site alongside macro lensing for close-up artifact detail. Many locations, including burial caves, cisterns and underground tunnels, have limited light and tight access, so we carry portable lighting and compact rigs built for confined spaces. Throughout, we coordinate directly with the archaeologists on site, filming around active dig schedules without disrupting the research itself.
Eras and Sites We Cover
Our archaeology work spans the full range of periods represented in Israel’s landscape. From Canaanite and Israelite-era sites through the Second Temple period, Roman and Byzantine remains, and into the Crusader era. We’ve filmed at locations including the City of David, Masada, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls caves. We documented excavations and sites across the Judean Desert and Galilee. This breadth lets us bring both historical context and visual variety to a production, whether the story centers on a single dig or traces a civilization across centuries.