Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Tuvalu
For an introduction to shooting in Tuvalu 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.
Tuvalu Film Locations
Tuvalu is a Polynesian island group in the Pacific Ocean located halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The country comprises of three reef islands and six atolls. It is the fourth smallest country by landmass, and third-least populated country in the world. Film locations of interest include paradise island palm-lined white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Agricultural film locations include plantations of coconuts, bananas, and breadfruit.
Islands and atolls include Funafuti, Nanumanga, Nanumea, Niulakita, Niutao, Nui, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, and Vaitupu.
Fongafale, located on Funafuti, is the capital and main settlement. Funafuti International Airport also doubles as a main road.
The country has no rivers or lakes. Freshwater comes from rainwater stored in tanks.
Tuvalu is low-lying with the highest point at 14.5 feet (4.5 metres) above sea level. As climate change continues to cause more frequent storm surges and floods, the islands are in danger of becoming uninhabitable.
Tuvalu is one of the world’s least-visited and least-filmed countries, offering intrepid filmmakers unique opportunities.
Tuvalu Film Location Permits
Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Tuvalu has a hot, humid tropical climate. The wet season experiences westerly gales and heavy rain from November to March. The dryer, cooler season runs from April to October. This is the best time to film for weather. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Tuvaluans are mostly conservative Christians, so those holidays are observed. Stores and bars are closed on Sundays.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Tuvalu.
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. Locations and talent costs are inexpensive but since no filming infrastructure exists on the island all crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Tuvalu trades in the Tuvaluan dollar, which is pegged to the Australian Dollar. Our Tuvaluan fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for feature films or commercials in Tuvalu.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Film and photography crews need to be brought in.
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 Tuvalu.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable on a personal basis. Casting facilities are undeveloped in Tuvalu so street casting is required.
English and Tuvaluan are the official languages.
Tuvaluans are a Polynesian people. All other talent looks are best cast abroad.
Tuvalu Film Equipment
Equipment. No camera, grip or lighting rental available locally.
Communications. Slow and unreliable internet.
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 are very minimal.
Studios and Backlots don’t exist.
Post Production. None available locally.
Visas & Work Permits
Crews travelling on western passports can enter Tuvalu visa-free or obtain visas on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Work permits are not required to film in Tuvalu.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Local roads are few and basic. Best to charter a yacht to travel between islands. A limited number of flights service Tuvalu.
Accommodation. See here for film friendly accommodation in Tuvalu.
Final Notes
Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Join the friendly locals for a game of “ano”.
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 Tuvalu, please see below:
Hire Tuvalu Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Tuvalu, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Tuvalu, 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.
