Nauru 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 Nauru? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Nauru
For an introduction to shooting in Nauru 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.
Nauru Film Locations
Nauru is a tiny equatorial, oval-shaped island microstate. It is located in the region of Micronesia, east-northeast of Papua New Guinea. Nauru is the world’s smallest island nation, covering just 21km² (8.1 sq mi).
The main industries are phosphate mining, offshore banking, selling passports, and coconut products.
Yaren is the de facto capital, and location of the parliament building.
Arijejen is the largest town.
The main film location of interest is the lunar-like landscape of the island’s interior, left that way after phosphate reserves were depleted. Jagged limestone pinnacles rise up to 15m high.
The island has a small train that runs from the island’s interior to the cantilever jetties on the west coast.
Giant defunct metal phosphate cantilevers on a tropical beach make for an unusual film location.
Nauru is surrounded by a jagged coral reef. As such, there is no port that can accommodate larger commercial vessels. The ports of Anibare and Aiwo can accommodate smaller boats.
Strong currents make underwater photography difficult.
Anibare Bay is the most beautiful beach on the island.
Command Ridge is Nauru’s highest point.
The underground freshwater lake of Moqua Well lies amid the limestone Moqua Caves.
Buada Lagoon is a landlocked, slightly brackish, freshwater lake.
Desalination plants provide freshwater for islanders.
The Nauru detention centre was established by the Australian government to detain asylum seekers.
Nauru Film Location Permits
Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Media access to the Nauru detention centre is tightly controlled by the Nauruan government. Please contact us for more location specific information.
When To Shoot?
The equatorial location means long shoot days all year round. Nauru has a wet season from November to October and dry season from March to October. The dry season is the best time to film for weather. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Independence Day is celebrated on 31 January.
Nauru is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Nauru.
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. Nauru trades in the Australian Dollar. Credit cards are rarely accepted and ATMs often run out of money, so be sure to bring enough cash prior to boarding. Locations and talent costs are inexpensive but since no filming infrastructure exists on the island all crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. It is possible to get similar location looks in less expensive and better serviced production centres. Our Nauruan 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 feature films or commercials shooting in Nauru.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. There are no film and photography crews based in Nauru.
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 Nauru.
Talent. Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
Nauruan and English are the official languages.
There are only 10,000 people living on Nauru. Most locals are ethnically Nauruan, with the rest being Pacific Islander, Chinese, and Caucasian.
Nauru Film Equipment
Equipment. Needs to be brought in from abroad.
Communication. Limited, slow internet.
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. Bring in team from abroad.
Studios. None.
Post Production. None available locally.
Visas & Work Permits
Visas are required to enter Nauru. There is no need for work permits to film in Nauru.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Nauru is so small that it takes less than one hour to drive right around it. Our Airline is the only airline offering flights to Nauru.
Accommodation. Not many options available. Contact us for special rates.
Final Notes
Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Aussie rules football is the nation’s most popular sport. Get in on a game. Otherwise, try your hand at the ancient sport of frigatebird catching.
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 Nauru, please see below:
Hire Nauru Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Nauru, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Nauru, 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.
