Filming in Zambia
Filming in Zambia will get you up close and personnel with some of the most amazing animals you’ve ever seen.
The relatively low costs, endless location options and fantastic weather all contribute to a location that can satisfy a wide range of needs and budgets. Easy access to Zambia visas and filming permits as well as low barriers to bringing production equipment in have also contributed to a compelling argument for Zambia as a production location
The best time to film in Zambia would be from April to September. These are the ideal months with minimal rain and heat.
We’re filming in Zambia. Come join us.
CUSTOMS AND EQUIPMENT
The country is not a member of the ATA Carnet system, and so crew will need additional permits to bring in film equipment from abroad.
Further on this, Zambia does not have a filled-out film industry with equipment rental companies – however, we do know of some individuals who have some pretty solid gear in a pinch.
We do recommend, however, that you bring in your own gear. There is a customs process with some options on how to do it – but we are quite well established, and are happy to chat you through these options depending on your needs.
NO DRONES. There is a strict no-drone import policy, however, we are able to meet this shortfall with locals who we have a great relationship with through either renting a drone and flying under a foreign drone license – or hire a drone op at a competitive rate.
VISAS AND PERMITS
Zambia film permits are one of the easiest to obtain for Film Fixers Africa. Access is fairly simple, and so is the procedure.
All permits are authorised by the Zambian Ministry of Information.
Media Accreditation:
Media accreditation is required, and the application is very simple – it’s just time consuming paperwork – but we handle all that for you!
Application begins with the submission of passport info for all crew members, equipment details and any further documents required – we will be able to facilitate all that. Media accreditation can take up to 10 working days and lasts for 30 days. This permit is supplied by the Zambian Ministry of Information.
Usually this permit allows access to some low-level public areas, however, when filming in high-public areas, such as a market or CBD, an additional permit might be required – which comes with service fees – however, we expedite this process for you. We have great connections with the officials, and our local support team, who can handle the process on the ground.
National Parks:
Filming in national parks must be applied for after a permit is granted. This might take an additional amount of time, however, we can speed this up from the ground.
To learn more about the permit process contact your Fixer in Zambia!
ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is the primary international terminal in Egypt.
The major roads in Zambia are tarred, but the further away from that you move from the city centres, the paved roads make way for dirt roads which generally require 4×4 vehicles. There are car hire companies in Lusaka and Livingstone as well as in Kite and Ndola. Any crew filming in Egypt should be aware of busy streets, pedestrians and animals on the roads and lack of traffic lights.
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.