Western Sahara 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 Western Sahara? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Western Sahara
For an introduction to shooting in Western Sahara 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.
Western Sahara Film Locations
Western Sahara is a disputed territory. The western part is under the administration of Morocco and the eastern border area (Free Zone) is controlled by the Polisario Front on behalf of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
The beautiful shifting sand dunes of the Sahara Desert are the main point of interest for visiting filmmakers and photographers. Other than that there are very few natural wonders. Much of the country is low-lying, arid, rocky desert. The beaches are also rocky.
Agricultural looks include nomadic herding of camels, sheep, and goats. Fishing boats are available for filming. Western Sahara has phosphate mines and is home to the World’s Longest Conveyor Belt System which runs phosphate for 62km from the desert to the coast.
Laayoune (El-Aaiún) is the capital and largest city. Although it is not an especially beautiful city, it has a certain charm with its faded colonial facades, bustling markets and call to prayer. Film locations include and Moulay Abd el Aziz Mosque, St Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Monumental Arch, and Hassan I Airport.
Dakhla is known for its beaches and windsurfing.
Western Sahara Film Location Permits
Moroccan authorities are generally hostile to any filmmaking and photography in Western Sahara. Official permission to film needs to come from the Ministry of Communications in Morocco, and possibly several other government departments, depending on the specifics of your shoot. Expect to be stopped and questioned at the many military checkpoints. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Western Sahara has a year-round desert climate characterised by very hot, dry days and cold nights. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
The religion in Western Sahara is Sunni Islam. Ramadan is widely observed with some services closed during this period.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Western Sahara.
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, local talent and support crew are inexpensive but since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Our Sahrawi / Moroccan 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 Western Sahara.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Western Sahara has a very small pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Key crew must be brought in from abroad.
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 Western Sahara.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiated on a personal basis.
The most common language is Arabic.
The major ethnic groups are Arabs and Berbers. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
Western Sahara Film Equipment
Equipment. You will need to bring in all camera, lighting and grip equipment from abroad.
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 are undeveloped.
Studios and backlots. None exist at present.
Post Production. Post abroad.
Visas & Work Permits
Since the vast majority of Western Sahara is administered by Morocco, officially the same visa rules apply as for visiting Morocco. In practice, independent travel in the region is restricted.
Entry requirements for the SADR-controlled areas are also unclear. The area is entirely off-limits to visitors: You cannot legally cross the heavily guarded and mined Berm from the Moroccan-controlled side, the land border with Algeria is closed, and there are no legal border crossings from Mauritania into SADR-controlled territory either.
Contact your local Moroccan embassy or representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure is very basic. There is one main road running north / south. Be prepared for many police checkpoints. For off-road unexploded land mines pose a real danger but our Sahrawi / Moroccan fixer organizes safe and reliable 4WD transportation. Several international airlines service flights to Laayoune.
Accommodation. Film friendly hotels in Laayoune include:
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. Western Sahara is at present a dangerous place for foreigners to visit. If you must shoot in Western Sahara appropriate personal security measures are essential.
Down Time. Visit Dakhla. Local cuisine of note includes tajín, meifrisa, jollof, fish with rice, goat meat, and camel milk.
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 Western Sahara, please see below:
Hire Western Sahara Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Western Sahara, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Western Sahara, 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.
