Thank you to Adi Soffer, television director, for participating in this interview. 

What is your current position?
I work in the television industry as a director and creative director. A creative director manages the creative process to produce a promotional campaign. I used to work for several different channels, but I do freelance work now.

How did you find your job?
Networking is key. I initially started out as an online/offline video editor.

What experience do you need to get into your field?
You need a background in graphic design, acting, directing, or technical video.

What degree should someone making Aliyah come with in order to break into your field?
Graduating from film school is very helpful.

Does it make any difference whether you studied in Israel or abroad?
If you can get a degree from certain film schools in America, such as NYU or SVA, it looks very good on your resume.

What are the benefits of working in this field?
The work is interesting, and it offers better pay than many other Israeli industries.

What is the salary range?
There is a huge salary range. It starts at $2,000/month for professionals, and it goes up from there.

Who are the major employers in your field?
Cable companies, Hot, satellite companies, and the three major television channels: Keshet, Reshet and Channel 10.

Are there any new areas of specialization that you feel are becoming increasingly important?
Broadcast graphic designers and animators are very much needed in Israel. There are also a lot of opportunities for those who know how to work with after effects and 3D animation, and it is helpful to know how to work Avid Suite. Screenwriters are in high demand, but it is difficult work.

What recommendations can you offer Olim who are looking to work in this field?
Come to Israel with a show reel, because that is what people look at when you are looking for a job. You will also need to know Hebrew, in order to communicate with employers. I recommend that you take a short course at a private school here for video editing or directing.

Do you have any advice for students who are interested in working in this field?
I recommend that you shadow the creative process, to see what it’s all about.

What is it like to work in your field in Israel?
The most important factor is the smallness of the market compared to other countries. This is a benefit as well as a drawback. The benefit is that you are exposed to a lot of opportunities because there are not that many people who are doing your kind of job. The disadvantage is that in terms of budget and ideas, the market is quite reserved, and it’s hard to implement new ideas.

Other advice?
The television industry here is tough. It is a close circle of people who work in the field. You really need to do extensive networking and spend a lot of time with people who work in the field.

Adi Soffer is a TV creator and director. If you have further questions, please be in touch with Adi at  [email protected].