Written by new-contact on Jun 9, 2014. Posted in On Location

US drama co-production Dig starts filming on location in Jerusalem

American drama co-production Dig has started shooting in Jerusalem and could help boost Israel’s profile as an international filming location. The series tells the story of an FBI agent uncovering a conspiracy while investigating the murder of an archaeologist in Jerusalem.

Israeli-born Gideon Raff is an executive producer on the new show. Raff worked on the US terrorism drama Homeland, as well as the original Israeli show on which Homeland is based. The Keshet Media Group has also been involved with developing Dig.

“It’s history in the making,” said local casting director Sharon Soleimani in an interview with the Jerusalem Post: “I’ve been casting for many Israeli television series, but this is a historic moment. It’s not just another American TV series; it’s really something special and something very big. This is a huge moment for television production in Israel especially.

“I think this is also an historic moment in the way Jerusalem is marketed. A lot of people around the globe are going to have a different and nicer perspective on Jerusalem after this. This represents authentic Jerusalem, which is so important.”

This is a historic moment. It’s not just another American TV series; it’s really something special and something very big.

Sharon Soleimani, Casting Director

Soleimani added that the shoot has already drawn the attention of other Hollywood producers, suggesting Dig will pave the way for more international productions.

Raff was also responsible for developing new drama series Tyrant, another production that is now based in Israel after filming its pilot in Morocco. The series tells the story of the exiled son of a dictator in a fictional Middle Eastern country who returns from a life in the US and becomes embroiled in regional politics.

(Image: David Shankbone)