British 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 British 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 British Virgin Islands
For an introduction to shooting in the British 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.
British Virgin Islands Film Locations
The British Virgin Islands comprise of around sixty tropical Caribbean islands. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and have a hilly, rugged terrain, with the exception of Anegada which is a flat island composed of limestone and coral. Film locations include luxurious residences, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reef underwater photography, sailing, sheltered harbours, national parks, botanical gardens, lush green mountains, caves, old forts, and plantation estates.
The British Virgin Islands are one of the world’s leading offshore financial centres. Agricultural film locations include small plantations of fruit, vegetables, and sugarcane. The islands also have rum distilleries. Fishing boats are available for filming.
The British Virgin Islands have hosted a long list of TV shows, TV commercials and stills shoots as seen here.
The largest island, Tortola, is home to the capital, Road Town. Tortola is known for the rainforest-filled Sage Mountain National Park. Beautiful beaches of note include Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler’s Cove, and Josiah’s Bay.
Virgin Gorda is known for The Baths with its giant granite rocks, perfect waters, and white sands.
Beyond the major islands, other locations of note include Jost Van Dyke, Scrub Island, Norman Island, Peter Island, Cooper Island, Guana Island, Beef Island, Mosquito Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Cay. Necker Island is a luxurious private island owned by Sir Richard Branson.
British Virgin Islands Film Location Permits
Permitting is a quick and easy process requiring usually no more than one week for permits. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
British Virgin Islands have a sub-tropical warm and sunny climate throughout the year. The warm, dry season runs from December to April and is the best time to film for weather, although it’s also the high season for tourists and therefore the most expensive time to film. The hot, rainy season runs from May to November with hurricanes a possibility. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:
• Sweethearts of the Caribbean and Classic Yacht Regatta
• BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival in March / April
• BVI Music Festival in May
• HiHo Windsurfing Competition in June / July
• Emancipation Festival in August
Christianity is the main religion, so those holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in the British 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. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Miami is the closest major film production centre a 2.5 hour flight away.
The British Virgin Islands trade in the USD. Local costs are also somewhat expensive, especially for accommodation during the dry period. That said, our Virgin Islander 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 British Virgin Islands.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. British Virgin Islands has a very small pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Some supporting crew is available locally. The close proximity to Miami and other major US production centres allows easy access to those crews.
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 British 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 brought in from abroad. Miami offers a deep multicultural pool of talent.
British Virgin Islands Film Equipment
Equipment. Some basic camera, grip and lighting equipment available locally. For productions intending to bring in equipment British Virgin Islands is not an ATA carnet country but the process of bringing in gear is easy.
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. There are no post production facilities in British Virgin Islands.
Visas & Work Permits
British Virgin Islands allow the passport holders of the below countries highlighted in green to enter visa-free for a period of up to 1 month. The rest should contact the Home Office in the UK or the nearest British Embassy / High Commission for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Good network of roads albeit often narrow and steep. Charter boats and yachts are a good way to get around the islands. Several international airlines service flights to the British Virgin Islands.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in the British Virgin Islands include:
Peter Island Resort
Guana Island
Biras Creek Resort
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. British Virgin Islands are a very safe and reliable place for foreign productions to visit. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Take a sailboat out to The Baths.
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 British Virgin Islands, please see below:
Hire British 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 British Virgin Islands, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in the British 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.
