A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in South Africa
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in South Africa: What You Need to Know
You can’t shoot a commercial production in South Africa without film permits. All public places require you to have the proper permits. That includes public beaches, roadways, parks, and government buildings.
You must apply to your local municipal council at least 14 days before the filming. In your submission, you will need to include details on:
- Site plans
- Locations
- Crew numbers
- Vehicle details
- Public liability insurance
Timing Your South Africa Film Production around the Weather
South Africa provides year-round filming opportunities due to generally sunny weather, although there are big regional differences. Summer (Nov–Mar) is hot and brings thunderstorms in the interior, especially Johannesburg, while winter (May–Aug) is dry in the interior but wet in Cape Town. For this reason, we recommend Cape Town as a great filming location in summer, and Johannesburg/inland as an ideal filming spot in winter.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
You won’t have to be concerned about renting good filming gear in South Africa. With several large professional film rental equipment companies serving the main cities, you will easily find top-grade audiovisual kits at competitive pricing. Email your full equipment list to us well in advance to ensure you will have the exact film gear you need for the shoot.
As English is the primary language in our country, you will have no issues sourcing professional English-speaking crews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
We are an ATA Carnet country, so you will not have difficulty shipping over any specialized equipment if you need it.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Some of the townships are not safe for foreigners. If you are filming there, we will provide security.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Yes. Your fixer will apply for the Film Industry Visa Assistance letter you need to get the visa you need on arrival.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, it is necessary to work with a local company to secure permits.
Do I need a permit for drones?
You can’t bring your own drone. However, you can hire a local drone pilot who will apply for the permit.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
There are no programs to offer overseas filmmakers any tax relief.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, you can, but the parks are priced separately; different ones will charge different fees.
Working with Fixer South Africa
Our client list is very strong, so our level of expertise and experience speaks for itself. Some of the better-known companies that we have serviced are BMW, Ford, UNESCO, and Adidas. Whether you need pre-production research, on-the-ground logistics during the production run, or post-production assistance, we have the skills to do it all.