Monaco Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews
Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Monaco? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Monaco
For an introduction to shooting in Monaco see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
Monaco Film Locations
Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate located on the French Riviera. With an area of 2.1 km2 (0.81 sq mi) it is the world’s second smallest country. Film locations include palaces, casinos, opera houses, hotels, gardens, luxury villas, and marinas with superyachts.
Agricultural and industrial film locations are negligible. Monaco’s status as a tax haven as well as financial and insurance services are the economic mainstays.
Monaco has hosted productions including Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), Justice League (2017), The Amazing Race 26 (2015), In Time (2011), Iron Man 2 (2010), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), GoldenEye (1995), and To Catch a Thief (1955).
Film locations of note include the Palais du Prince, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Musée Océanographique, Nouveau Musee National de Monaco, Palais de justice, Jardin Exotique, Jardins Saint-Martin, Jardin Japonais, Princess Grace Rose Garden, Fontvieille Park, Hotel de Paris, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Sun Casino, Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, Saint-Charles Church, Monaco Harbour, Port Hercule, Port de Font-Vielle, Fort Antoine, Larvotto Beach, Moneghetti District, Louis II Stadium, Grimaldi Forum, and the Collection of Voitures Anciennes. The Circuit de Monaco hosts the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix.
Monaco Film Location Permits
Monaco has a streamlined permitting process. Please contact us for more location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Monaco has a beautiful Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sunshine each year. The hottest months are July and August. The coolest months are January and February. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:
• Monte Carlo Rally in January.
• Monaco Rose Ball in March.
• Tennis Masters in April.
• Monaco Formula One Grand Prix in May.
• Prince’s Palace Concert in July.
Monaco is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Monaco.
Unique Local Stories
Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.
If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.
If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.
Costs & Tax Incentives
Costs. Monaco trades in the Euro. It is known to be a tax haven for the wealthy. As such, it can be a very expensive place to shoot, particularly if it’s a large, complicated project. That said, our Monégasque service producer / fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
Tax Incentives. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in Monaco.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Monaco has a small but good pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Some key crew need to be brought in from abroad. Local crews speak fluent English. It’s close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those crews should you ever need to look further.
Contact us if you are looking for a director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Monaco.
Talent. Day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
French is the official language. Italian, English, and Monégasque are also widely spoken.
Monaco is the most densely populated state in the world. Ethnically, the country is mainly comprised of French, Monégasques, and Italians. As a tax haven, many celebrities and people of wealth from all over the world, also reside in Monaco. Should additional casting be required, Monaco is close to major European production centres.
Monaco Film Equipment
Equipment. There is a range of standard and specialized camera, grip and lighting equipment available locally. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Monaco is an ATA carnet country.
Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.
Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production
Art department and set construction is of a high standard but very expensive.
Studios. Basic local facilities. Larger facilities exists in nearby Nice.
Post Production. Post abroad.
Visas & Work Permits
Although Monaco is technically not a member of the Schengen Area, it has open borders with France, making it a de facto Schengen Area country. Crews travelling on western passports can enter visa-free for stays of up to 3 months. There are no specific work permits required for filming in Monaco.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Roads getting to and around Monaco are very well maintained. Cote d’Azur International Airport in Nice, France is the closest airport, 15 miles drive away.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Monte Carlo include:
Hotel Hermitage
Hotel de Paris
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Dress up and try your luck at the Monte Carlo Casino.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Monaco, please see below:
Hire Monaco Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Monaco, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Monaco, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
