US Virgin Islands 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 the US Virgin Islands? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in the US Virgin Islands
For an introduction to shooting in the US Virgin Islands 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.
US Virgin Islands Film Locations
The US Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Film locations of interest include paradise white sand beaches, turquoise seas, coral reefs, mangrove lagoons, rugged hills, dry forests, national parks, sugar mill ruins, Danish colonial architecture, luxury villas, hotels and resorts, cruise ship ports, and golf courses.
Tourism is the economic mainstay. The US Virgin Islands also produces rum.
The US Virgin Islands have hosted international productions such as The Amazing Race 25 (2014), The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (2011), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), and Trading Places (1983).
The US Virgin Islands consists of the main islands of Saint Thomas, Saint Croix, and Saint John, and 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is the most populated of the islands.
Charlotte Amalie is the capital and the largest city. As well as its cruise ship port, the city is known for its Danish colonial architecture including Blackbeard’s Castle, and Fort Christian. Skyride to Paradise Point is a gondola with sweeping harbour views.
Paradise island beaches with white sands and turquoise waters include Lindquist Beach, Coki Beach, Lindbergh Bay, and Sapphire Beach.
Water Island is a beautiful location near Saint Thomas.
Little Saint James is a small private island formerly owned by Jeffrey Epstein.
Saint Croix
Saint Croix is the largest of the islands.
Christiansted is known for its Danish colonial architecture including Fort Christiansvaern, and Customs House.
The Very Long Baseline Array radio telescope is an interesting film location.
Beaches of note include Cane Bay, Jack Bay, and Isaac Bay. Judith’s Fancy Beach has surfing.
Buck Island is a small, uninhabited island located near Saint Croix.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is a nesting area for turtles.
Saint John
Saint John is the most remote and relaxed of the main islands.
Virgin Islands National Park occupies the majority of the island of Saint John.
Paradise beaches of note include Magens Bay Beach, Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Beach, Gibney Beach, Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Maho Bay, Salomon Beach, Salt Pond Bay, Oppenheimer Beach, and Francis Bay Beach.
Waterlemon Cay is a beautiful uninhabited island just off the coast of Saint John.
Lovango Cay is a private island.
US Virgin Islands Film Location Permits
Permitting in the US Virgin Islands is a very straightforward process requiring usually no more than one week for permits. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
US Virgin Islands have a tropical climate, tempered by easterly trade winds, with relatively low humidity and little seasonal temperature variation. The wet season is from June to November which is also the hurricane season. The dry season from December to May is the best time to film for weather and underwater photography conditions. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:
• The St. Thomas International Rolex Regatta is a prestigious yacht race taking place in March.
• St John Festival and Independence Day features calypso musicians, colorful mocko jumbies, and a lively parade, held in July.
• The turtle nesting season runs from March to December.
Christianity is the dominant religion, so those holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in the US Virgin Islands.
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. Local costs are fairly expensive especially for imported goods. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. The US Virgin Islands trade in the USD. Our US Virgin Islands fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
Tax Incentives. At present there are no official tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in the US Virgin Islands.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. The US Virgin Islands have a very small pool of directors, videographers and stills photographers. Some supporting crews are available locally. Crews are non-union.
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 the US Virgin Islands.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable.
English is the official language.
Most citizens are Afro-Caribbean with some Caucasian looks also available. All other talent looks need to be cast abroad.
US Virgin Islands Film Equipment
Equipment. The US Virgin Islands has some basic camera, grip and lighting equipment available locally.
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. Luxury props and wardrobe available locally.
Studios and backlots. None exist at present.
Post Production. None available locally. Post abroad.
Visas & Work Permits
The US Virgin Islands follow United States visa policy. Visitors travelling on most Western passports can enter the US for stays of up to 90 days via the Visa Waiver Program. A valid ESTA is required prior to travel. Canadians can enter visa-free. Working media must enter under a Media Visa. Contact your local US embassy or representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. The islands have well maintained roads. Ferries or private yachts are the best way to travel between islands. Several international airlines service flights to Saint Thomas and Saint Croix. Getting to Saint John requires a ferry from Saint Thomas.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in the US Virgin Islands include:
The Palms at Pelican Cove
Crystal Cove Beach Resort
Gallows Point Resort
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. The US Virgin Islands are a very safe and reliable place for foreign productions to visit.
Down Time. Hit the beach.
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 the US Virgin Islands, please see below:
Hire US Virgin Islands Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in the US Virgin Islands, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in the US Virgin Islands, 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.
