Filming in Gabon
Filming in Gabon provides an untouched and authentic experience for film makers and film crews. The country has an amazing blend of brutalist concrete to lush tropical green jungles, to the blue ocean and white sands of the coast. The blend from rainforest to beach is mind-blowing.
Gabon is not cheap, however, and so it is advised that film crews plan accordingly – both for time and budget. However, we’ve long established ourselves as friends to the industry, with key partners in the right places to help mitigate both, making us your perfect Gabon Fixer.
The best time to film in Gabon would be from June to October. These are the ideal months with less rain, and cooler months.
We’re filming in Gabon. Come join us.
CUSTOMS AND EQUIPMENT
The country is not a member of the ATA Carnet system, and so the crew will need additional permits to bring in film equipment from abroad. Film Fixers have done this many times, and have since established working relations with clearance agents and members in the customs union, which allows us to further assist in equipment importation through a variety of means.
Gabon is not known for its sophisticated film industry. For this reason, we recommend that crews bring or outsource any equipment from other countries, especially more specialized film equipment when filming in Gabon.
NO DRONE. Like most African countries – a drone is not allowed for importation. For that reason, we often use the local operators, with whom rates are negotiable.
VISAS AND PERMITS
When filming in Gabon, the authority responsible for handling film permits in Gabon is the Gabonese Ministry of Communication. This process might take up to a month before applicants receive their visas, so we recommend that crews plan in advance. The ministry will also require documentation explaining the nature and synopsis of your crews’ project/film. Fortunately, our agents in Gabon are well experienced with handling this process on behalf of the client-all we need are the correct documents.
Separate permits are needed for filming in protected areas, like national parks, which is handled through the Parks Management Authority.
The visas and permits process requires a fair bit of paperwork, but we will be handling the majority of that for you.
To learn more about the permit process contact your Fixer in Gabon!
ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY
Léon-Mba International Airport is the primary international terminal in Gabon.
The roads in Gabon are not great, with high congestion even on a good day and out of rush hour. There is also a high level of roadwork shutdown whenever government officials move through the area, which will bring movements to a standstill.
Film Fixers highly recommends crews let us organize our local drivers who have experience navigating the many notorious roads of the African continent, as this ensures a smooth and safe experience for everyone involved and no issues with traffic police.