The second season of a US-produced TV series about Jesus has begun filming in Utah.
"The Chosen," produced by LDS Motion Picture Studio, made history by becoming the largest crowd-funded media project of all time, having raised over $20 million.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Season 2 explores the building of Jesus' group of disciples and the personal and interpersonal ups and downs of his growing notoriety as they take their ministry on the road.
"Fans will be able to walk with Jesus as he ventures into Samaria, which will be a very exciting period," says executive producer Derral Eves.
"It's going to be interesting to see how much turmoil there was between Samaritans and Jewish people during the time period. The Sermon on the Mount also takes place in Season 2. What makes this season so powerful is that it is greater than religious backgrounds and what drives people politically. This season is all about heart, compassion and love, and I think it will be very well received," Eves said.
The natural scenery, with its rolling hills, plains, cedar trees and sand dunes, make it an ideal filming location, the production says.
"Ancient Jerusalem has … been recreated in the middle of the desert in Utah," explains Eves. "It is unbelievable. This is the dream location to shoot this story. You have the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee, and this area has the Great Salt Lake and the Utah Lake and the River Jordan connects the two. You can't get much better than that!"
"The Chosen" has been seen by nearly 50 million viewers in 180 countries and has been translated into over 50 languages.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
