Kiribati 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 Kiribati? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Kiribati
For an introduction to shooting in Kiribati 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.
Kiribati Film Locations
Kiribati is a nation of island groups located in equatorial Micronesia. It is composed of 32 low-lying coral atolls and one raised coral island. The country stretches across 3.5 million km2 (1.4 million sq mi) of the Pacific. It is the only country in the world which is situated in all four hemispheres.
Kiribati is known for white sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, beautiful reefs, surf breaks, and World War II sites.
Agricultural locations include coconut, breadfruit, papaya and banana plantations.
Film locations can be divided into the following regions:
Gilbert Islands
Located in the west, the Gilbert Islands include Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Beru, Butaritari, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tamana, and Tarawa.
The capital Tarawa is one of the most densely settled areas in the world. Tarawa has a large lagoon, 500 square kilometres (193 sq mi) total area, and a wide reef. The area was the site of “The Battle of Tarawa”, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Remnants of Japanese bunkers and pillboxes, tanks, plane, and ship wrecks, can still be found.
Line Islands
Located in the east, the Line Islands include Caroline, Flint, Kiritimati, Malden Island, Starbuck, Tabuaeran, Teraina, and Vostok.
Kiritimati (Christmas Island) is the world’s largest atoll and home to the famous red crab migration. The island saw nuclear tests conducted by the United Kingdom in the late 1950s, and by the United States in 1962. Located close to the International Date Line, Kiritimati is the first island to see in the new year.
Kiritimati and Tabuaeran are known for their uncrowded surf reefs.
Phoenix Islands
A centrally located island group, the Phoenix Islands include Abariringa, Birnie, Enderbury, Manra, McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki.
West of the Gilberts
Banaba is a phosphate-rich island located west of the Gilbert Islands.
Kiribati Film Location Permits
Kiribati film location permits are arranged on the local level. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Long shoot days all year round. Kiribati has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather. The wet season runs from October to April. The dry season runs from May to September and is the best time to shoot in Kiribati for weather and underwater filming.
Kiribati is the first country in the world to welcome in the New Year.
The spectacular red crab migration of Kiritimati takes place in the beginning of the wet season, around October / November.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Kiribati.
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. Kiribati trades in the Kiribati dollar, which is pegged to the Australian dollar. Locations and local talent costs are inexpensive but since no filming infrastructure exists on the islands all crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. It is possible to get similar location looks that are closer to less expensive and better serviced production centres. In any case, our Kiribati 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 Kiribati.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Local fixer and basic videographer support is available locally. Everyone else needs to be brought in.
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 Kiribati.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable. English is widely spoken. Kiribati are the main ethnic group. All other talent looks need to be cast abroad.
Kiribati Film Equipment
Equipment. Best to bring in all camera, grip and lighting equipment into Kiribati.
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 are very minimal.
Studios and Backlots don’t exist.
Post Production. None available locally.
Visas & Work Permits
Visiting crews are not required to have work permits. Passport holders of western countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 or 120 days depending on the country.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Roads are limited to Tarawa and Kiritimati. Getting between islands is best done by plane and boat. Kiribati has three international gateways: Tarawa, Kiritimati and Kanton Islands.
Accommodation. Several options exist. For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Celebrate the new year in Kiritimati, the island that sees it first.
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 Kiribati, please see below:
Hire Kiribati Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Kiribati, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Kiribati, 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.
