Dominica 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 Dominica? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Dominica
For an introduction to shooting in Dominica 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.
Dominica Film Locations
Dominica is an island nation located in the eastern Caribbean. It is the most northern island of the Windward Islands. Dominica has many beautiful natural landscapes to choose from including lush mountainous rainforest, swamps and jungle looks, mangroves, the second largest boiling lake in the world, volcanoes, hot springs, freshwater lakes, cascading rivers, black and gold sand beaches, easily accessible paradise-island waterfalls, and a variety of underwater photography looks.
Dominica is a centre for offshore banking. Agricultural film locations include banana, coffee, patchouli, cut flowers, aloe vera, mango, guava, and papaya plantations. The country is also known for its soap products.
Dominica has hosted productions such as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006), and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).
Film locations can be divided into the following parishes: Saint Andrew Parish, Saint David Parish, Saint George Parish, Saint John Parish, Saint Joseph Parish, Saint Luke Parish, Saint Mark Parish, Saint Patrick Parish, Saint Paul Parish, and Saint Peter Parish.
The capital Roseau is known for its French Quarter, Old Market, Roseau Cathedral, Botanical Gardens, and Windsor Park cricket stadium.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park is known for the Valley of Desolation, a region of boiling mud ponds, geysers, the Boiling Lake, Titou Gorge, and the magical Emerald Pool.
Fort Shirley is located in Cabrits National Park.
Morne Diablotins is the highest mountain in Dominica.
Tropical waterfalls of interest include Trafalgar Falls, Salton Falls, Middleham Falls, Jacko Falls, Spanny Falls, and Sari-Sari Falls.
Although better known for its jungle interior, there are also some beautiful beaches such as Mero Beach, Pointe Baptiste, Champagne Beach, Purple Turtle Beach, Coconut Beach, Douglas Bay, and Batibou Beach, where the Pirates of the Caribbean film series shot.
Dominica Film Location Permits
Film friendly government agencies. Permitting is a straight forward process. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Dominica has a hot, subtropical climate. The dry season runs from December to May. This is the best time to film for weather. The wet season runs from June to November. Thunderstorms and hurricanes occur during this period. Dominica is one of the wetter countries in the Caribbean with rainfall especially heavy in mountain areas. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
• The colourful Creole Carnival takes place in February every year.
• The World Creole Music Festival takes place in October.
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 Dominica.
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. The greatest cost is the need to bring in your key crew and equipment but that is offset by the low costs of local talent, locations and supporting crew. Our Dominican 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 foreign feature films or commercials shooting in Dominica.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Dominica has a very small pool of local directors, videographers and stills photographers. Best to bring your key crew from abroad. Dominica also offers support for underwater photography.
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 Dominica.
Talent. Day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
English is the official language.
Most Dominicans are Afro-Caribbean. Dominica also offers some Amerindian, Caucasian, and Lebanese looks. It is also home to the few remaining Carib Indians in the Caribbean. There is also a pool of American students available for background work as extras.
Dominica Film Equipment
Equipment. Needs to be brought in from abroad. For productions intending to bring in camera, lighting and grip equipment, Dominica is not an ATA carnet country. The Dominica Film Commission provides assistance in obtaining a waiver of import duties and taxes on equipment and supplies visiting crews are bringing in for the shoot.
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 limited in Dominica. Key crew are best brought in from abroad.
Studios and backlots at present do not exist in Dominica.
Post Production. Best to post abroad.
Visas & Work Permits
Western passport holders visiting as tourists can enter Dominica visa-free for periods of 6 or 3 months. The Dominica Film Commission is able to provide assistance to visiting film crews in obtaining a waiver of work permits. Application for waivers must be submitted at least 15 days prior to arrival.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Roads are well maintained especially around the capital. The winding mountain roads that get you around the island are slower going. Several international airlines service flights to Dominica.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Dominica include:
Jungle Bay Resort & Spa
Fort Young Hotel
Garraway 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. Try the unique local Creole cuisine including dishes such as mountain chicken, manicou, agouti, callaloo soup, chatou water, and sancocho.
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 Dominica, please see below:
Hire Dominica Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Dominica, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Dominica, 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.
