Hollywood: On it's way to Israel?
Photo: AP
Hirchson: Israel will be 'second Hollywood'
Finance Minister tells US film industry he plans to offer perks, benefits to draw productions to Israel
Finance Minister Abraham Hirchson has announced during his visit to Los Angeles this week that he is formulating steps to encourage the US film industry to produce international films in Israel and to prefer it over other countries using tax incentives and grants.
The minister used his participation in the General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities of North America held in Los Angeles which ended Tuesday, in order to meet with top Hollywood officials for the purpose of turning Israel into a "second Hollywood." The minister said that other than the economic and political benefits, drawing foreign productions will also bolster the Israeli film industry.
The American producers did not promise anything but did mention the advantages that Israel has to offer in the area of film production. The producers mentioned the historical sites and filming locations, diverse landscape, advanced production infrastructure, and the technological advancement in areas of digital media, animation, video, and computer gaming.
The meeting included Finance Ministry Director General Yossi Bachar and Consul General Ehud Danuch, who served as a political advisor for former Finance Minister Silvan Shalom. He said that the rate in which Israel gets involved in the global film industry will depend on the economic benefits given to the producers.
