Liberia 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 Liberia? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Liberia
For an introduction to shooting in Liberia 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.
Liberia Film Locations
Liberia is a West African country located on the Atlantic Coast. The landscape is characterized by mostly flat to rolling coastal plains with mangroves and swamps, which rise to a rolling plateau and low mountains in the northeast. Tropical rainforests cover the hills, while elephant grass and semi-deciduous forests make up the dominant vegetation in the north of the country.
Agricultural film locations include rubber trees, timber, palm oil, and sugarcane plantations. Liberia mines iron ore, gold, and diamond mines. Energy locations include hydroelectric dams. International shipping registration, as a flag of convenience, is the economic mainstay.
Liberia has hosted productions such as The Ambassador (2011), Johnny Mad Dog (2008), and Pray the Devil Back to Hell (2008).
Film locations can be divided into the following counties: Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, Rivercess, River Gee, and Sinoe.
Locations of particular interest to filmmakers and photographers include the following:
The capital Monrovia is a large, sprawling city located on the Atlantic Coast. Buildings of note include the Executive Mansion, Temple of Justice, National Museum of Liberia, Centennial Pavilion, Waterside Market, and the Ducor Hotel, an abandoned luxury hotel. West Point is Liberia’s largest slum.
Harper is a fascinating town known for its untouched beaches and dilapidated mansions once owned by Liberia’s formerly enslaved African American settlers, including the remains of the Morning Star Masonic Lodge. Tubman University is located in Harper.
Other towns of note include Gbarnga, Kakata, Zwedru, Marshall, Buchanan, Greenville, Ganta, Voinjama, and Sanniquellie.
Sapo National Park is home to a large diversity of wildlife including the endangered pygmy hippopotamus, and African forest elephant.
Monkey Island has a fascinating history of US medical experiments on chimpanzees.
Kpatawee waterfall is a beautiful film location.
Robertsport is a popular surfing destination.
Bridgestone/Firestone operates the world’s largest rubber plantation in Harbel.
Hydroelectric dams include Mount Coffee Power Station and Firestone hydroelectric power station.
Liberia Film Location Permits
Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
The equatorial climate is hot all year round. The rainy season runs from May to October. High humidity levels make it feel hotter than it is. The heavy downpours of the period are usually broken up by a fortnight of good weather in July or August. Surf breaks are best from April to August. November to March is the dry season marked by Harmattan winds that make the coastal belt particularly arid. The dry season is the best time to shoot for weather. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Liberia is a predominately Christian country, with a Muslim minority. Most festivals and events are based on the those calendars.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Liberia.
Unique Local Stories
Did you know?
• Liberia was colonised by formerly enslaved African American settlers.
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. US dollars are widely accepted. 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 Liberian 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 Liberia.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Locals speak Liberian English. Liberia has a very small local pool of directors, videographers and stills photographers. Key crew must 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 Liberia.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
English is the official language.
The Kpelle are the largest ethnic group. Other ethnic groups include the Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mandingo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Sapo, Belleh, Mende, Dey, and Americo-Liberians who are descendants of of free-born and formerly enslaved African Americans. Some Lebanese, Indian and Caucasian looks are also available. All other talent needs to be cast abroad.
Liberia Film Equipment
Equipment. You will need to bring in all camera, grip and lighting equipment from abroad.
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
Visiting crews from most countries are required to have entry visas. Work permits are not required. Contact your local Liberian embassy or representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Some major roads are paved. Rural roads are unpaved and slow going especially during the rainy season when many become impassable. Our Liberian film fixer organises safe and reliable 4WD transport. Several international airlines service flights to Liberia.
Accommodation. Film friendly hotels in Liberia:
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. See here for vaccinations required for Liberia.
Down Time. See an endangered pygmy hippopotamus at Sapo National Park.
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 Liberia, please see below:
Hire Liberia Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Liberia, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Liberia, 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.
