A happy medium

Ten media and technology companies are now housed in the former Government Print Office, which has been restored to its former glory.

By JEREMY WIMPFHEIMER
For years the stunning, modern building at the corner of Derech Hebron, close to the old railway station, was allowed to fall into disrepair. The complex was once the site of currency production - first during the British Mandate and then taking on the name of the Government Print Office, as Israel's Mint in its early years. Once the government transferred its currency production elsewhere, however, the building and surrounding complex quickly deteriorated. But with some very ambitious new tenants and a massive renovation, this once-proud structure is promising to play a role in furthering an important renaissance for Jerusalemites and the local hi-tech industry. Now home to Jerusalem Venture Partners and no fewer than 10 companies that JVP's funding has created to date, the building is being described as a "media creative center," and is producing technological advancements and media products that promise to capture the world's attention. JVP founder and managing partner Erel Margalit says he was motivated by a desire "to create a hub of activity that would send a message that this type of creativity is being performed here in Jerusalem." After a year of renovations, the site was open for business in June. The new design centers on an open floor plan, which Margalit describes as a "courtyard setting," and features many bright areas where employees can interact with one another. Margalit says the location was as much a matter of its symbolism as its practicality. Seated on a bluff that directly overlooks the Old City, the center "served to bring together the two primary elements that give this city its energy, the history combined with the current creative narrative," he says. In addition to the 10 companies currently housed in the complex, plans are already in place to fund numerous others. All 10 of the present companies are centered on media and technology and range in size from as few as two employees to well over 100. The largest and perhaps most exciting for placing Jerusalem on the map of the entertainment and media world is a movie animation studio that has attracted the attention and talent of some of the leading figures in the industry. Currently involved with the production of The Wild Bunch, a full-length animation film scheduled for release in 2010, the studio has recruited the creative input of some of Hollywood's foremost minds including the writers behind Shrek, The Prince of Egypt, Mulan and Pocahontas. According to Ittai Arbel, associate producer of the animated film, all of the production will take place in Jerusalem. Developing a film in Israel offers some unique benefits compared to other more traditional locales, he says. "People here have more of a multidisciplinary approach where our workers have a variety of tools that we can integrate in production." Jim Balantine, a long-time executive with Disney, jumped at the opportunity to come to Jerusalem and be a part of this project, saying the chance to live and work in Israel represented "a chance to do something brand new." Balantine is also enthusiastic about the team at work in the animation studio. Hailing from 12 countries, the staff's internationality produces "an amazing energy," he says. Even though a sizable percentage of the workforce comes from outside Jerusalem - courtesy of three buses that bring them from Tel Aviv each morning - Margalit, a longtime Jerusalem developer whose heart is clearly in Israel's capital, believes the center represents far more than just business to the city. "It's about social profit as well as monetary profit." JVP is also active in the community, launching the Bakehila Community Empowerment Program, which partners with 17 other non-profits in the city to go into schools and help students, primarily in disadvantaged neighborhoods, gain the skills to bridge socioeconomic gaps and achieve success in a variety of disciplines. Most recently, the program announced a partnership with a parallel entity in Los Angeles called Youth Futures, to be jointly funded by the Jewish Agency and the LA Jewish Federation, which will assign mentors to Jerusalem students while working alongside the students' teachers and social workers. Describing the Bakehila program, Margalit speaks with as much pride in this venture as he does in his commercial investments. "People don't know how much they can do to effect change, and programs like Bakehila could literally transform the level of education in this city and serve as a model for Israel in general." Margalit believes that his center has the potential to significantly alter the way the city is perceived and present an increasingly positive direction for the local business climate. "Jerusalem needs to restate its creative narrative to the young people who want to stay here… Pessimism is contagious but when things are happening for the good, it's also contagious."