Armenia 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 Armenia? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Armenia
For an introduction to shooting in Armenia 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.
Armenia Film Locations
Armenia is a landlocked country in the Caucasus Mountains. It is best known for its ancient monasteries, churches and cathedrals, many of which sit in beautiful remote mountain settings. The country is also known for its Soviet-era architecture, national parks, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.
Agricultural film locations of note include plantations of wheat, barley, potatoes, grapes, watermelons, apples, and apricots. Armenia mines copper, gold, lead, silver, and zinc. Energy locations include nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, and hydroelectric dams.
Armenia has hosted The Amazing Race 28 (2016).
Film locations can be divided by the following provinces:
Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and largest city in Armenia. It is best known for its grand Soviet-era architecture, museums, churches, and centres of higher learning. Turkey’s Mt Ararat features in the Yerevan city skyline.
The Cascade Complex is a giant stairway made of limestone.
Republic Square is Yerevan’s main square.
Government buildings include the National Assembly Building, Government House, President’s Residence, Constitutional Court of Armenia, and Yerevan City Hall.
Museums of note include The Matenadaran, Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial, Mother Armenia Monunment, National Art Gallery, Komitas Museum, and Erebuni Museum.
Religious buildings of note include St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church, Blue Mosque, and Komitas Pantheon.
Entertainment venues include Yerevan Opera Theatre, Gabriel Sundukyan State Academic Theatre, Komitas Chamber Music House, Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex, and Hrazdan Stadium.
Centres of higher learning include Yerevan State University, Armenian National Academy of Sciences, CANDLE Synchrotron Research Institute, and Tigran Petrosian Chess House.
Parks of note include Lovers Park, Victory Park, and English Park.
Transport film locations include Yerevan Railway Station, Yerevan Metro, and Zvartnots International Airport.
Aragatsotn
Fortress ruins of note include Amberd and Dashtadem.
Monasteries of note include Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank, Tegher, Aruchavank, and Vahramashen.
Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory is located in this province.
Ararat
Monasteries of note include Khor Virab, and Havuts Tar.
Khosrov Forest State Reserve is a landscape of semi-desert, mountains, and alpine meadows. Wildlife includes Persian leopards, Eurasian lynxes, brown bears, foxes, badgers, gray wolves, least weasels, European hares, wild boars, bezoar goats, and a diversity of reptiles, insects, and birdlife.
Armavir
Monasteries of note include Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Zvartnots Cathedral, Saint Hripsime Church, Saint Gayane Church, and Shoghakat Church.
Ziarat Yazidi Temple is located in this province.
Gegharkunik
Sevanavank Monastery and Hayravank Monastery are located on the beautiful Lake Sevan in Sevan National Park.
Makenis Monastery and Noratus cemetery are also located in this province.
Kotayk
Garni Temple is a Greco-Roman pagan temple.
Garni Gorge is known for its rock structures.
Monasteries of note include Kecharis, Geghard, and Saint Hovhannes Church.
Casino Senator Golden Palace is a casino like no other.
Charent’s Arch is located in this province.
Lori
The province is best known for Haghpat Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, Odzun Church, and Akhtala Monastery.
Shirak
Mount Aragats is Armenia’s highest peak.
Monasteries of note include Harichavank, Marmashen, and Holy Saviour’s Church.
The Black Fortress is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress.
Nature locations in this province include Lake Arpi National Park, and Trchkan Waterfall.
Syunik
Shikahogh State Reserve is known for its leopards, bears, and wild goats.
Other nature locations of note include Arevik National Park, and Shaki Waterfall.
Tatev Monastery is located in this province.
Tavush
Dilijan National Park is famous for its forest landscapes and medicinal mineral water springs. Wildlife of note includes red deers, brown bear, foxes, lynxes, wolves, wild boars, wild cats, badgers, and a diversity of birdlife. Many of Armenia’s more important cultural locations can be found within the grounds of the park, such as Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery and Jukhtak Vank, as well as Matosavank Monastery and the Akhnabat Church.
Vayots Dzor
Noravank Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the country. Tanahat Monastery and Gndevank Monastery are also located in this province.
Armenia Film Location Permits
Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Armenia has a continental climate. Winter (December to March) can be bitterly cold and snow-covered, especially at higher altitudes. Spring (April to May) is mild with wildflowers in full bloom. Summer (June to September) is hot, dry and sunny. Fall (October to November) brings colourful leaves. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:
• Dolma Festival in May.
• The Syunik Mulberry Festival in July.
• The Vardavar Festival in July.
• Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival in July.
• Yerevan Color Run in July.
• Taraz Festival in August.
• International Balloon Festival in September.
Armenia 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 Armenia.
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. Since only a basic filming infrastructure exists most visiting production choose to bring in their key crew and equipment, which adds to travel costs. Once on the ground, local costs including locations, talent, supporting crew and equipment, are relatively inexpensive. Our Armenian 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 Armenia.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Yerevan is the main production service centre. Armenia has a small pool of locally based directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Key crew are best brought in from abroad.
Contact us if you are looking for a director, DoP / cinematographer, videographer / camera operator, stills photographer, or any other film crew for your shoot in Armenia.
If you’re an exceptionally talented Armenian director, DoP / cinematographer, videographer / camera operator, or stills photographer, introduce yourself here.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
Armenian is the official language.
Most people are ethnically Armenian. There is also a small minority of Yazidi and Russian people. All other talent need to be cast abroad.
Armenia Film Equipment
Equipment. Armenia has some equipment available locally including RED DRAGON, ARRI ALEXA, and a range of other camera, grip and lighting equipment. Bringing in gear from abroad is an easy process.
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 very basic.
Studios and Backlots. None exist at present.
Post Production. Post abroad.
Visas & Work Permits
Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Western passport holders can enter visa-free, or obtain a visa on arrival, or an E-visa. Contact your closest Armenian embassy or representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Main roads are paved. Rural roads are slower going. Best to avoid road travel by night. Our Armenian fixer organises safe and reliable 4WD transportation. Several international airlines service flights to Armenia.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Yerevan include:
Hotel Meg
Golden Tulip Hotel
Marriott Armenia Hotel
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. Enjoy the cafes of Yerevan. Armenian cognac and beer are known around the world.
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 Armenia, please see below:
Hire Armenia Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Armenia, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Armenia, 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.
