Africa is an appealing destination for filmmakers for a number of reasons, but given the expansive size of the continent and the many different regions, enlisting the help of local, seasoned film fixers to assist with your production needs can be beneficial, this can be from different areas of specialization ranging from scouting, logistics, crew members, expert fixers and equipment clearance We do provide help and guidance with things that can make your filming a very successful one.

All you need to know about Filming in Africa

Different African countries have different laws governing filming in that country and this may require the acquisition of licenses and filming permits in a specific country of destination and below are some of the things you will need to know before planning a filming expedition in Africa.

Advance planning

Due to the nature of operation in many African countries, permission may be required and for security reasons, it may be denied so before you start planning production in Africa first find out if it is possible to film in a specific location in that given country.

Permission to film in a destination

Filming groups wanting to film in most African countries may require the right permission allowing you to conduct filming and shooting activities in the specific destination may be required to have Permissions and some of the required permission and license may include location filming permits, press accreditation, visa, kit customs clearing and so much more which defer from one country to another. Failure to have the above may result in the denied entry, filming or your camera equipment may be confiscated or even more dramatically you may be taken to courts of law.

Costs and financing

In addition to being a visually stunning place to shoot, Africa is a cost-effective destination as well. There is already a great deal of film infrastructure in place, and a local production fixer will be able to help you make the most of your budget throughout your shoot.

Crews, talent sourcing and Management

Depending on the filming destination location some countries have a poor film industry and others have a strong film industry presence, our film production company is well placed to find directors, photographers, and other professionals, many of whom have experience working on international shoots. In addition to (mostly non-unionized) models, actors, and actresses available, there are a number of animal actors available in Africa. From big game to domestic pets, these animals can be arranged for use in your production should it be necessary however this may require advance planning.

Filming language translation

English is not spoken fluently throughout Africa there may be a need for a translator. However, should you wish to have someone available to help, a film fixer can arrange this for you.

Getting to filming Destinations

There are a number of international flights serving Africa daily, along with plenty of domestic flights as well in some African Destinations. Roads are well maintained and the infrastructure comprehensive, making it easy to transport crew and equipment from location to location in some African countries but some countries have very poor infrastructure systems and this may require more advanced logistics planning.

Where to stay during filming in Africa

There is a wide range of accommodation in many African countries, and discounts can often too large groups or longer stays. Whether you prefer hotel accommodation or self-catered, one of our film fixers can help you find something suited to your taste, location, and budget and wilderness camping may be required for some destinations and our experts will help advice on the best way to accommodate you during the Filming.

Visa Entries for Filming Crews

Visa entries into Africa are not the most straightforward process, and so having a film fixer to assist here can be particularly beneficial. Production staff tends to be divided into two groups – an Oversight Group and a Specialist Group. The Oversight Group consists of production company employees, agencies, and technical staff, while models, art actors, and directors tend to be in the Specialist Group. Whether or not you need to apply for a visa in advance will depend on which group you fall into, and whether you have a letter from the production company that will help to streamline your processing. Entry into Africa is also dependent on the country of origin, so if you need a fixer to help with these arrangements, contact us today.

Premiums during Filming

African filming schedules generally run for 10-hours a day with a one-hour lunch break, with overtime charged at time and a half or double time depending on how much time is put in. Again, if you need a fixer to help with budgeting in this respect, our team can assist as this can be extra costs during filming if not budgeted for the way in advance hence disrupting the filming process.

Set construction and studio sourcing

There are a number of studios already in place in some African, but should you need to build a set, this can be arranged as many local art directors here have experience creating sets for international shoots in developed African countries like South Africa, Nigeria. There is also plenty of equipment and technology already available here, something your film fixer can help arranges.

Tax Incentives and credits

Incentives and tax breaks are available to international productions in Africa, provided certain criteria are met more so if your shot is targeting marketing products like tourism the country upon request may have weave off on some taxes and fees as the shot will benefit the destination country.

The equipment clearance process for African filming safari

Processing filming permissions to shoot documentaries in Many African countries needs patience on the side of film crews since processing permissions may take some time to be acquired. Under normal circumstances, permissions may take 2-3 weeks to get; some filming permits can be obtained 2-3 working days depending on the magnitude of your shoot. This is because most permission is issued by government agencies and bureaucracy tends to delay the process. Drone permissions may need at least 3 months in advance.

Budget to execute your shoot/filming project

Processing permissions, conducting location scouting, booking accommodation, and hiring equipment and transport requires some money. No filming project is for free. When coming to a location you are not familiar with, it may be expensive for you if you don’t know how to go about the destination so Wilderness Explorers will go out of their way to make it possible for your filming budget but we advise film crew to be ready for additional expenditures during the shoot as nothing is straight forward in Africa.

Local Registered Fixer Company

You need a local fixer to assist you in organizing filming permits, scouting locations, booking accommodation and transport, visa advice and so much more. Many film crews tend to contact individuals in given locations as their local fixers. We however insist that is professional to contact registered fixer companies who will handle all your requirements and if anything goes wrong, Agencies the agencies should be in a position to find solutions and a way forwards to the film crew.

Safety and travel advisories

While many African countries in Africa do have high rates of crime compared to other countries, this does tend to be isolated to a certain extent, and there is ample law enforcement in place. Many international productions film in Africa have gone without any issues whatsoever, and again, working with a local fixer can help you steer clear of troublesome spots during your stay and other necessary travel tips can be advised using a local fixer.

Many countries will provide security in form of the Army or the police for the security and safety of the crew during your shoot.

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