Gambia 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 Gambia? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.

Filming in Gambia

For an introduction to shooting in Gambia 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.

Gambia Film Locations

Gambia is a small, narrow West African country. It is completely bounded by Senegal with the exception of a narrow Atlantic coastline. The country follows the Gambia River, which is the defining feature of the landscape.

Agricultural film locations include plantations of peanuts, cotton, and palm oil.

Film locations can be divided into the following divisions:

Banjul

Banjul is the capital. A small city, it is known for its busy harbour, British colonial architecture, Banjul Central Mosque, and Albert Market.

Serekunda is the country’s largest city.

West Coast

The West Coast division is located on the coastal southwest of the country.

Abuko Nature Reserve and Bijilo Forest Park are home to a variety of monkey species.

Kiang West National Park on the banks of the Gambia River is home to leopards, hyenas, West African manatees, pythons, crocodiles, and a diversity of birdlife.

Tanji Bird Reserve is home to a variety of birdlife.

Tanji Fish Market is a vibrant location known for its pirogues and busy fish market stalls set up on the beach.

Brufut Beach is a beautiful golden sands beach with baobab trees.

Banjul International Airport has an interesting design.

North Bank

The North Bank division is located in the northwest of the country, north of the Gambia River.

Kunta Kinteh Island is home to the ruins of Fort James.

Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is a landscape of mangroves. salt marshes, and savannah home to West African manatees, hyenas, leopards, monkeys, and a variety of birdlife.

Lower River

The Lower River division is located in the central part of the country, south of the Gambia River.

Central River

The Central River division is located in the central part of the country.

River Gambia National Park includes the Baboon Islands archipelago. Wildlife includes chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys, hippos, honey badgers, aardvarks, and West African manatees.

Upper River

The Upper River is located in the east of the country.

Gambia Film Location Permits

Most locations are possible given time, money and a good fixer. Unauthorised photography of government buildings, airports, military installations, embassies, bridges, or government motorcades, is against the law. Penalties include fines, imprisonment and confiscation of equipment.

Please contact us for location specific information.

When To Shoot?

Gambia has a tropical climate. The cooler, dry season runs from November to May. This is the best time to film for weather and wildlife photography. The hot, rainy season runs from June to November. Sunny periods occur on most days even during the rainy season. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

Cultural festivals and events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:

• Banjul Demba Cultural Festival held in January.
• International Roots Homecoming Festival held every two years in May / June.
• Abene Festival held towards the end of the year.

As a predominately Muslim country, Ramadan is widely observed with some services closed during this time.

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Gambia.

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 Gambian 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 Gambia.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. Gambia has a very small local pool of directors, videographers and stills photographers. Key crew should 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 Gambia.

Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.

English is the official language.

The largest ethnic groups are the Mandinka Fula, and Wolof. Minority groups include the Jola, Serahuli, Serer, Manjago, Bambara, and Aku Marabou. All other talent needs to be brought in from abroad.

Gambia Film Equipment

Equipment. You will need to bring in all camera, grip and lighting equipment from abroad.

Communications. Slow internet speed and access limited to major cities.

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

Most Western crews can enter Gambia visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. US citizens are required to get a visa from the Gambian embassy. Those travelling on last minute jobs can obtain a visa on arrival but will be required to submit their passport to the Department of Immigration in Banjul for 48 hours to be issued a visa. Evidence of yellow-fever vaccination is also required for entry into Gambia. A project synopsis may also be asked for.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Only major roads are paved otherwise many roads are in disrepair and impassible during the rainy season. Road travel by night is not recommended. Our Gambian fixer organises safe and reliable 4WD transportation. Travel along the Gambia River and other waterways is a common way to get around. Several international airlines service flights to Gambia.

Accommodation. Gambia has several film-friendly five star hotels to choose from. For those looking to stay with local Gambian communities our fixer also organises hosted accommodation.

Final Notes

Safety. See here for up to date travel advice. Our fixer organises security depending on the areas you plan to enter. See here for vaccinations required for Gambia.

Down Time. Gambia has a fun nightlife.

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 Gambia, please see below:

Hire Gambia Production Support & Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Gambia, please contact us.

If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Gambia, 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.