From the set
צילום: רז אשכנזי, משרד הפנים
Court suspends filming of 'Love Bay' reality show
Haifa Magistrate’s Court orders Channel 2 franchisee Reshet to halt filming of new reality show in light of set’s illegal structures
One week prior to the expected airing of Mifratz Ha'ahava (The Love Bay), a new reality show in which young singles compete in various tasks hoping to find a partner, the Haifa Magistrates' Court has ordered the Channel 2 franchisee Reshet to stop filming the show.
The set is located at the Palmahim beach and is comprised of illegal structures that violate planning and zoning laws.
If no last minute changes will occur, Interior Ministry officials will arrive at the filming location and demand that the show’s producers honor the order to halt the filming.
The ministry claimed that the production company has no intention of abiding by the order and thus will arrive with the accompaniment of police officers and ministry inspectors.
The Interior Ministry said that eight of the structures built as of late in the 150 square meter (about 1,615 square foot) area did not receive the needed legal permits.
The first step in halting the construction came when Haifa district inspectors located the house-like buildings. Afterwards, a letter of warning was sent to the production company and then the Interior Ministry’s officials petitioned the Haifa Magistrate’s Court to stop filming.
Judge Zaid Falah acknowledged the State's arguments and ordered Reshet and the show's producers to refrain from using the buildings or other changes it made to the landscape and to stop filming until the hearing scheduled for next Sunday.
Mifratz Ha’ahava, is one of Reshet’s anchors this season and large sums of money were spent on its production.
Thus, if the filming is halted the company is likely to endure great losses and a huge problem in filling the broadcasting schedule.
