As we reported here, NBCUniversal and an Israeli company called Keshet are planning to film an Indiana-Jones-style murder mystery called “Dig” that is set in the occupied territories of the Old City of Jerusalem.
While the actual site of the archaeological dig was never announced, we speculated from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barakat’s involvement in the production and his dedication to digging up biblical sites in the occupied city that the show would find its way to the “City of David” in Silwan, just south of the Old City in East Jerusalem.
The plans led to a civil society initiative to halt the production and generate controversy over NBCUniversal’s plans.
After what it calls “intensive communications” with NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, the General Delegation of the PLO to the United States yesterday received an official statement from NBCUniversal clarifying that NBCUniversal as well as the production company Keshet have no plans to film in Silwan.
According to the statement NBCUniversal provided from Keshet:
“There was no plan made to film the series in the City of David National Park or in the village of Silwan, furthermore, location scouting and planning will not begin until February 2014, and any decisions regarding possible production sites will be made with respect for all concerned parties.”
But the letter is mute on the question of East Jerusalem, which is occupied and the site of other Israeli digs. I have seen the NBCUniversal letter, which includes a promise from the American company:
“NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment reiterates that there are no plans, and there will be no plans, to film “DIG” in the City of David National Park or the village of Silwan,” writes Cory Shields, executive vice president for communications.
Well, there is some progress. Perhaps some reality based thought. Thanks for the info.
I hope for full exposure/disclosure. Otherwise, no more NBCUniversal for me. I guess we’ll just have to see what Keshet has in mind, other than $$$$$$$ at the expense of the Occupied.
btw– WHOSE archeology are they highlighting????????????
Let’s hope that it’s a responsible introduction to the uncertainties of Biblical archaeology and the need for balanced judgement, not about diabolical descendants of Amalekites married to strutting Nazis sabotaging discovery of David’s love-letters to Bathsheba.
From the NYT article:
“Beyond the premise, which sounds unlike anything else currently on television, and the credentials of the production team, what distinguishes “Dig” is its connection to Israel, which, in recent years, has become a fount of television ideas for American networks. Mr. Nir had been especially aggressive in seeking to bring an American television series to Israel for full production, Mr. Rosen said.
Toward that end, the production has already enlisted the cooperation of Nir Barkat, recently re-elected as mayor of Jerusalem, who has promised wide access to the historical areas of the Old City and other landmarks.
This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:
Correction: November 21, 2013
An article on Nov. 13 about the new television series “Dig,” an archaeological thriller set in Old Jerusalem, referred incorrectly to the location of East Jerusalem. It is in an area annexed by Israel after the 1967 war, but it is not internationally recognized as part of Israel.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/arts/television/dig-an-archaeological-thriller-could-make-a-debut-this-fall.html?_r=0
Yeah, I’m excited all right/ not.