Africa, Asia and the Middle East

The visa application process when filming on location differs from country to country. The visa type depends on the intended length of stay which is always clearly defined on the various country’s visa application websites. Documentation to have on hand before embarking on the visa applications include: A brief synopsis of the film, a copy of the bio page of your passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of intended visit, passport photos, a letter of invitation from the local production company in the country you plan to film in, your flight itinerary, proof of accommodation in the country you intend to visit, yellow fever card, proof of covid vaccination. In some cases, you might require a letter from the company you will be representing on the film production.

When traveling to a country in Africa, Asia and the Middle East to film on location, it is best that the international film production company handle their own flights, however all in country local flights should be booked by the Line Producer or Film Fixer in the country you will be filming in.

Our Line Producers highly recommend that all hotel accommodation for our visiting film crews be handled by either our film production manager or in the case that the international production manager prefers to book hotel accommodation for their film crews directly, they request us to vet the film crew accommodation.

All local transport for film crews and film equipment is arranged by our local Film Fixers and includes the cost of a driver and insurance.

When filming on location in Africa, Asia and the Middle East film permit applications require time. Our Line Producers and Film Fixers manage these applications, and our managing Producer will share a fact sheet outlining the requirements for this complex submission.

The Video Lounge Africa, Asia and the Middle East have local production offices in each country in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Our local film Location Managers with their unit team offer a full service which includes a vehicle, a small generator, comfortable chairs and tables for our international film crews, umbrellas and tents, cooler boxes, charge stations for our international clients, cell phones and electronic equipment…

In each country in Africa, Asia and the Middle East we are represented by local Line Producers and Film Fixers.

In most cases international film production companies handle the post production in their country of origin. We do however offer full post production services. In many cases our international clients request local voice artist recordings in our local audio suites to facilitate foreign language authentically. Clients also request film rushes uploads which our local Line Producers facilitate in counties where the broad bandwidth is able to support this.

Our wardrobe mistress, with her team of assistants, has had plenty of experience working with international film crews.

We have been physically producing on ground in the region for over 20 years. Over this time we have forged solid relationships in each country with the local film crews. They’re all experienced and recognized film professionals.

Our local Line Producers have worked in the region for many years and have built databases and relationships with each and every film equipment supplier in the country. Should the region not have the required gear necessary we simply source it from our film production offices in neighbouring countries.

Casting is an essential part of the pre production process and we have been lucky enough over the years to enlist the most experienced Talent Scouts and Cast Directors in each country we have film offices in.

Our location managers have had years of experience in sourcing the very best locations based on location briefs from our clients. Film Location deck can be shared upon request.

Our film production vehicles of all sizes come kitted with a driver and carry a motor insurance policy.

Our management team is made up of:

Executive Producers | Line Producers | Fixers | Field Producers | Production Managers | Researchers | Creative Producers

In each of the regions our art teams are legendary. Production Designers, Art Directors, Props Masters, Set Builders, Swing Gangs, Food Stylists, Wardrobe Mistresses and their teams. Teams that understand the culture and are able to take a brief and execute it perfectly.

Catering companies we have sourced locally are able to provide both local foods as well as menus for the most discerning international film crew.

Consider taking your next project into an LED studio to streamline production. With real-time feedback and quick scene changes, LED studios offer cost efficiency, scheduling flexibility, and a controlled environment free from weather delays and location permits. Enjoy reduced crew sizes, enhanced visual quality, and improved actor performance in a distraction-free setting. Say goodbye to logistical challenges and create more naturally engaging scenes—all while saving time and budget.

We have Hit Teams across Africa to capture your Background Plates and 360-Degree Digital Environments. Simply share your specifications, and our hit teams will head to the desired location, ensuring that your project has the perfect African setting. Whether you’re producing a film, virtual reality experience, or any other visual media, this service makes it faster and easier than ever to access the beauty and diversity of Africa without ever having to board a plane.