Itzik Kol
Encyclopedia
Itzik Kol was an Israel
i television
and film producer
considered by many to be a pioneer and originator of Israeli cinema. He died following complications from pneumonia
.
. His idealism and pioneering spirit led him, along with others, to found and establish Kibbutz Nachshon, a collective community based on an agricultural economy. There, Itzik married Noemi Glass and officially changed his last name from Kolker to Kol as a mark of independence. They bore two children: Ayelet Kol Engelman (b. 1953) and Shahar Kol (b. 1956). Itzik left Kibbutz Nachshon in 1960.
Itzik resided in Israel throughout his life, except for a 4 year period (1991–1994) when he lived in Mount Olympus, Los Angeles, California
. In 1982, Itzik divorced Noemi Kol and married his second wife, Hadassa Degani, in 1991. They adopted a daughter two years later, Gabriella Kol (b. 1993). In 2002, Itzik divorced Hadassa and married his third wife, a Colombian interior designer, Sarita Shalev in 2004.
In the last three years of his life, Itzik was involved in the production of herbal remedies designed to treat children with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD). He was instrumental in bringing one particular herbal remedy to the public market and actively promoted its effectiveness via print, radio, and television.
in Tel Aviv. During this period the theater achieved national and international recognition, including invitations to perform on stage in Paris, London and Montreal.
1967-1978 President of Hertzliya Studios where he produced critically acclaimed TV shows, such as: "Lul" with Uri Zohar
and Arik Einstein
, "That is my secret" with Uri Zohar, "Nine square" with Tuvia Tzafir, "That's it" and "Play it" with Dudu Topaz
, "Take it or leave it" with Dudo Dotan. All these shows were awarded the "David's Harp" awards, the Israeli equivalent of the "Emmy".
1978-1983 President of United Studios where he initiated and planned the merging of Hertzliya Studios with Berke-Pathe-Humphries Studios into one company. Under his leadership the company became the industry leader in film and TV production in Israel as well as satellite broadcasting throughout the world.
1983-1991 President of G.G. Israel Studios
where he devised and developed the foundation of the Neve Ilan Communications Center near Jerusalem. The complex includes vast stages and various other studios for film TV and video production.
Itzik supervised and executed live satellite broadcasts from Israel (1973–1983) and directed the following live shows:
Face The Nation (CBS)
Meet The Press (NBC)
Issues and Answers (ABC)
Itzik was an honorary member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Avi Nesher
, a producer and one of Israel’s leading directors (Halehaka, Dizengof 99, Shovrim, Sof Haolam Smola) said about Itzik Kol: "I remember him as having a sharp sense of humor; he was a funny man with a great love of film and of culture. I owe Itzik a lot for my career. Without his confidence in me as a young producer in the movie Halehaka, none of my later doings would not have happened. I was a young, frightened 24-year-old director, and he was the executive director of Herzliya Studios, who produced many of Uri Zohar's films and TV shows. Today, being a producer myself, I can say that his decision to work with a young director such as myself was very courageous. Undoubtedly he is the one who made the film possible. His contribution in this respect was huge."
In a memorial evening held for Itzik Kol in Tel Aviv's Cinemateque on August 2008 Nesher added that cinema students do not always realize Kol's huge contribution to contemporary Israeli film industry: “All those quality movies that win prestigious international prizes in late years, could not have been made at all if it wasn’t for Itzik Kol's contribution and the immortal path he paved in the Israeli qualitative cinematography.” Nesher described Kol as the “ultimate true producer” who is constantly involved in any and every aspect of the film, from casting, through directing and taking care of the needs of the cast, to paying attention to every detail in editing and beyond.
“Prass Israel” winner, actress and director Gila Almagor
(Salach Shabati, Hachayim al pi Agfa, Hakayitz shel Avia, Spielberg's Munich), who hosted Itzik Kol’s memorial evening and worked with him since his days as general manager of the Cameri Theater, said at the occasion that aside for Kol's huge contribution to Israeli culture, he will be remembered for his unique persona. She described him as being a true friend who cares about people he works with, and as having a special sense of wit and humor.
"Kol was a great man, literally and figuratively, in girth and in spirit” said producer Shlomo Paz, who first met Itzik Kol when they both belonged to Hashomer Hatzair youth movement. “He knew how to take things and do them. He had daring; he had incredible reserves of energy, but mostly he was smart and did the right things." "There is no part of the industry he didn't touch. He made films and television shows, worked with the greatest artists and even helped found international commercial television station during the 1970s and 1980s."
Television host and actor Dudu Topaz describes Kol as his mentor and his spiritual father: “He was the first to give me a chance as a TV host on the show Sachek Ota, which brought us winning the Kinor David prize. He was the one to give Uri Zohar, Tuvia Tafir, myself and many others first chance in show biz. Along the years we have done many TV hit shows together such as Sachek Ota, Tze Mize, Ze Ma Yesh and Ten Kav. He was one of a kind!”
Producer and television host Meni Peer who worked with Kol both in Israeli Television’s Arutz 1 and Arutz 2, on shows like Mimeni Meni, Besha’a Tova and Siba LeMesiba said: “The word producer is too dull to describe Itzik Kol's doings. He was the real creator of cinema and television in Israel. He was always involved with every aspect of the production. This man just knew and loved the stage!”.
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i television
Television producer
The primary role of a television Producer is to allow all aspects of video production, ranging from show idea development and cast hiring to shoot supervision and fact-checking...
and film producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
considered by many to be a pioneer and originator of Israeli cinema. He died following complications from pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung—especially affecting the microscopic air sacs —associated with fever, chest symptoms, and a lack of air space on a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is typically caused by an infection but there are a number of other causes...
.
Biography
Itzik was born in Petach Tikva, Israel, the only child of Tova Rosset, a Polish immigrant, and Shalom Kolker, a Ukrainian immigrant who worked as a union organizer and fought for Arab-Israeli rights. As a child, Itzik trained to be a classical violinist at the urging of his mother. Despite noticeable talent, his interests shifted to politics and socialism during his adolescence and young adulthood when he became a prominent leader in the Israeli youth movement, Hashomer HatzairHashomer Hatzair
Hashomer Hatzair is a Socialist–Zionist youth movement founded in 1913 in Galicia, Austria-Hungary, and was also the name of the group's political party in the Yishuv in the pre-1948 British Mandate of Palestine...
. His idealism and pioneering spirit led him, along with others, to found and establish Kibbutz Nachshon, a collective community based on an agricultural economy. There, Itzik married Noemi Glass and officially changed his last name from Kolker to Kol as a mark of independence. They bore two children: Ayelet Kol Engelman (b. 1953) and Shahar Kol (b. 1956). Itzik left Kibbutz Nachshon in 1960.
Itzik resided in Israel throughout his life, except for a 4 year period (1991–1994) when he lived in Mount Olympus, Los Angeles, California
Mount Olympus, Los Angeles, California
Mount Olympus is a prominent neighborhood in Hollywood, specifically the Hollywood Hills area of the city of Los Angeles, California. It is a community of single family residences founded in 1969 by developer Russ Vincent...
. In 1982, Itzik divorced Noemi Kol and married his second wife, Hadassa Degani, in 1991. They adopted a daughter two years later, Gabriella Kol (b. 1993). In 2002, Itzik divorced Hadassa and married his third wife, a Colombian interior designer, Sarita Shalev in 2004.
In the last three years of his life, Itzik was involved in the production of herbal remedies designed to treat children with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD). He was instrumental in bringing one particular herbal remedy to the public market and actively promoted its effectiveness via print, radio, and television.
Career
In 1960 Kol began his career in the movie, when he participated in producing the film, "They Were Ten" Directed by Baruch dinar. In the same year until 1967 he was The General Manager of the Cameri TheaterCameri Theater
The Cameri Theater , established in 1944 in Tel Aviv, is one of the leading theaters in Israel, and is housed at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center....
in Tel Aviv. During this period the theater achieved national and international recognition, including invitations to perform on stage in Paris, London and Montreal.
1967-1978 President of Hertzliya Studios where he produced critically acclaimed TV shows, such as: "Lul" with Uri Zohar
Uri Zohar
Uri Zohar is a former Israeli film director, actor, and comedian who left the entertainment world to become a rabbi.-Biography:Zohar was born in Tel Aviv in 1934. In 1952, he graduated high school and did his military service in an army entertainment troupe. His first marriage ended in divorce.By...
and Arik Einstein
Arik Einstein
Arik Einstein is an Israeli singer-songwriter.Einstein was a vocalist for Batzal Yarok , Shleeshiyat Gesher Hayarkon and Hahalonot Hagvohim . His collaboration with Shalom Hanoch and the Churchills planted the seeds for the first Israeli rock albums...
, "That is my secret" with Uri Zohar, "Nine square" with Tuvia Tzafir, "That's it" and "Play it" with Dudu Topaz
Dudu Topaz
Dudu Topaz was an Israeli TV personality, comedian, actor, screenwriter, playwright, author and radio and television host. In August 2009 he committed suicide during his arrest, after being criminally charged with conspiring violence against prominent media figures in Israel.In 2005, he was voted...
, "Take it or leave it" with Dudo Dotan. All these shows were awarded the "David's Harp" awards, the Israeli equivalent of the "Emmy".
1978-1983 President of United Studios where he initiated and planned the merging of Hertzliya Studios with Berke-Pathe-Humphries Studios into one company. Under his leadership the company became the industry leader in film and TV production in Israel as well as satellite broadcasting throughout the world.
1983-1991 President of G.G. Israel Studios
GG Israel Studios
GG Israel Studios is a now defunct film production facility in Jerusalem, Israel. It was owned and operated by the Cannon Group Inc. and Golan-Globus Productions....
where he devised and developed the foundation of the Neve Ilan Communications Center near Jerusalem. The complex includes vast stages and various other studios for film TV and video production.
Itzik supervised and executed live satellite broadcasts from Israel (1973–1983) and directed the following live shows:
Face The Nation (CBS)
Meet The Press (NBC)
Issues and Answers (ABC)
Awards and honors
- 1971: Academy AwardsAcademy AwardsAn Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
: Best Foreign Language FilmAcademy Award for Best Foreign Language FilmThe Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film is one of the Academy Awards of Merit, popularly known as the Oscars, handed out annually by the U.S.-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
- nomination: The Policemen - 1971: Golden Globes: Best Foreign Language FilmGolden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language FilmThe Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film is one of the awards presented at the Golden Globes, an American film awards ceremony.Until 1986, it was known as the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film, meaning that any non-American film could be honoured...
- winner: The Policemen - 1972: Monte-Carlo Television FestivalFestival de Télévision de Monte-CarloThe Monte-Carlo Television Festival was created in 16-20 January 1961 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who wished to “encourage a new art form, in the service of peace and understanding between men”....
: Prix Cino Del Duca - winner: The Policemen - 1975: Academy AwardsAcademy AwardsAn Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
: Best Foreign Language FilmAcademy Award for Best Foreign Language FilmThe Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film is one of the Academy Awards of Merit, popularly known as the Oscars, handed out annually by the U.S.-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
- nomination: I Love You Rosa
Itzik was an honorary member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Selected filmography
- The PolicemanThe PolicemanThe Policeman is the international release title of a 1971 Israeli feature film, written and directed by satirist Ephraim Kishon. Its Hebrew title is HaShoter Azoulay . The title character is played by Shaike Ophir The Policeman is the international release title of a 1971 Israeli feature film,...
, (1971) - Peeping TomsMetzitzimMetzitzim is a 1972 Israeli comedy film that has become a cult film. It was entered into the 23rd Berlin International Film Festival.The film was directed by Uri Zohar and starred Arik Einstein and Zohar himself...
, (1972) - Big EyesBig EyesBig Eyes is an upcoming biopic following the life of the painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s. The film is being written and directed by Scott Alexander and Larry...
(1974) - I Love You RosaI Love You RosaI Love You Rosa is a 1972 Israeli film directed by Moshé Mizrahi. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was also entered into the 1972 Cannes Film Festival.-Cast:* Zivi Avramson - Esther* Naomi Bachar - Luna...
(1975) - Save the Lifeguard (1977)
- The Fox in the Chicken CoopThe Fox in the Chicken CoopBased on Ephraim Kishon’s satirical book by the same name, The Fox in the Chicken Coop is a 1978 Israeli film directed by Kishon. It features many prominent Israeli actors of the time, most notably Shaike Ophir and Seffy Rivlin...
(1978) - Dead End StreetDead End StreetDead End Street is a 1982 film directed by Yaky Yosha. Inspired by a true story, it is about a young prostitute who participated in a documentary about her efforts to abandon the streets, only to commit suicide hours before the movie was to be broadcast....
(1982) - The AmbassadorThe Ambassador (film)The Ambassador is a 1984 American thriller film directed by J. Lee Thompson and stars Robert Mitchum, Ellen Burstyn and Rock Hudson. The political thriller was based on the 1974 crime novel 52 Pick Up by Elmore Leonard...
(1984) - Lemon Popsicle VIEskimo LimonEskimo Limon is a 1978 Israeli cult film directed by Boaz Davidson which led to a series of sequels.- Original film :Eskimo Limon was first released on February 11, 1978, starring Yftach Katzur , Jonathan Sagall , Zachi Noy and Anat Atzmon...
(1985) - America 3000America 3000America 3000 is a 1986 post-apocalyptic science-fiction film which takes place 900 years in the future in Colorado. Mankind has been reduced to Stone Age conditions and is under the rule of Amazon-like women warriors. The film was directed by David Engelbach, and stars Chuck Wagner, Laurene Landon,...
(1986) - Appointment With DeathAppointment With Death (film)Appointment with Death is a 1988 mystery film, made by Golan-Globus Productions and produced and directed by Michael Winner. It is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel Appointment with Death featuring the detective Hercule Poirot...
(1988) - Rambo IIIRambo IIIRambo III is an American Action film released on May 25, 1988. It is the third film in the Rambo series following First Blood and Rambo: First Blood Part II...
(1988) - A Man Called SargeA Man Called SargeA Man Called Sarge is a 1990 American parody film, written and directed by Stuart Gillard, starring Gary Kroeger, Marc Singer, Gretchen German and introducing a young Natasha Lyonne...
(1990) - Not Without My DaughterNot Without My DaughterNot Without My Daughter is a film released in 1991 depicting the escape of American citizen Betty Mahmoody and her daughter from her husband in Iran. The film was shot in the United States and Israel, and the main characters are played by Sally Field and Alfred Molina...
(1991)
Influence
Many Israeli actors, directors, and producers have praised Itzik Kol and cited both his work and persona as being influential in their own careers:Avi Nesher
Avi Nesher
Avi Nesher is an Israeli film producer, film director, screenwriter and actor.- Biography :Avi Nesher was born and raised in Ramat Gan, Israel. The child of a Romanian-born diplomat, and a mother who came from Russia. In 1965, he moved with his family to the United States...
, a producer and one of Israel’s leading directors (Halehaka, Dizengof 99, Shovrim, Sof Haolam Smola) said about Itzik Kol: "I remember him as having a sharp sense of humor; he was a funny man with a great love of film and of culture. I owe Itzik a lot for my career. Without his confidence in me as a young producer in the movie Halehaka, none of my later doings would not have happened. I was a young, frightened 24-year-old director, and he was the executive director of Herzliya Studios, who produced many of Uri Zohar's films and TV shows. Today, being a producer myself, I can say that his decision to work with a young director such as myself was very courageous. Undoubtedly he is the one who made the film possible. His contribution in this respect was huge."
In a memorial evening held for Itzik Kol in Tel Aviv's Cinemateque on August 2008 Nesher added that cinema students do not always realize Kol's huge contribution to contemporary Israeli film industry: “All those quality movies that win prestigious international prizes in late years, could not have been made at all if it wasn’t for Itzik Kol's contribution and the immortal path he paved in the Israeli qualitative cinematography.” Nesher described Kol as the “ultimate true producer” who is constantly involved in any and every aspect of the film, from casting, through directing and taking care of the needs of the cast, to paying attention to every detail in editing and beyond.
“Prass Israel” winner, actress and director Gila Almagor
Gila Almagor
Gila Almagor is an Israeli actress, film star, and author.-Biography:Gila Almagor was born four months after the death of her father, Max Alexandrowitz, a Jewish immigrant from Germany who was killed by an Arab sniper while working as a policeman in Haifa...
(Salach Shabati, Hachayim al pi Agfa, Hakayitz shel Avia, Spielberg's Munich), who hosted Itzik Kol’s memorial evening and worked with him since his days as general manager of the Cameri Theater, said at the occasion that aside for Kol's huge contribution to Israeli culture, he will be remembered for his unique persona. She described him as being a true friend who cares about people he works with, and as having a special sense of wit and humor.
"Kol was a great man, literally and figuratively, in girth and in spirit” said producer Shlomo Paz, who first met Itzik Kol when they both belonged to Hashomer Hatzair youth movement. “He knew how to take things and do them. He had daring; he had incredible reserves of energy, but mostly he was smart and did the right things." "There is no part of the industry he didn't touch. He made films and television shows, worked with the greatest artists and even helped found international commercial television station during the 1970s and 1980s."
Television host and actor Dudu Topaz describes Kol as his mentor and his spiritual father: “He was the first to give me a chance as a TV host on the show Sachek Ota, which brought us winning the Kinor David prize. He was the one to give Uri Zohar, Tuvia Tafir, myself and many others first chance in show biz. Along the years we have done many TV hit shows together such as Sachek Ota, Tze Mize, Ze Ma Yesh and Ten Kav. He was one of a kind!”
Producer and television host Meni Peer who worked with Kol both in Israeli Television’s Arutz 1 and Arutz 2, on shows like Mimeni Meni, Besha’a Tova and Siba LeMesiba said: “The word producer is too dull to describe Itzik Kol's doings. He was the real creator of cinema and television in Israel. He was always involved with every aspect of the production. This man just knew and loved the stage!”.