Seychelles 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 the Seychelles? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in the Seychelles
For an introduction to shooting in the Seychelles 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.
Seychelles Film Locations
The Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. The three main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are granitic islands. The others are coral islands. Most of the islands are privately owned or are resorts or nature marine parks.
The Seychelles offer world famous pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, glacial boulders, lush hills, surf beaches, and coral reefs perfect for underwater photography.
The Amazing Race 16 (2010) was filmed in the Seychelles.
Agricultural film locations include plantations of coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, limes, and tea.
Film locations can be divided into the following regions:
Inner Seychelles
Located in the northeast of the country, this group of islands includes Mahé Island, Sainte Anne Island, Cerf Island, Marnelle Island, Praslin Island, Curieuse Island, Aride Island, Cousin Islands, La Digue Island, Félécite Island, The Sisters, Marie Anne Island, Silhouette Island, North Island, Inner Corallines, Denis Island, and Bird Island.
The main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are known for their beautiful beaches dotted with granite boulders.
Mahé is the largest island. Victoria is the nation’s capital. Film locations of note include Morne Seychellois National Park, Baie Lazare, Anse Soleil, Petite Anse, Beau Vallon, Port Launay Beach, Anse Parnel, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Intendance.
Praslin is the second largest island. Film locations of note include Praslin National Park, Vallée de Mai, Cote D’Or Beach, Anse Georgette, and Anse Lazio.
Moyenne Island is the world’s smallest national park.
La Digue Island beaches of note include Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Réunion, Grand Anse Beach, Anse Patates, Anse Marron, Anse Cocos, Petite Anse Beach, Pointe Cap Barbi, and Anse Gaulettes.
The best surf spots are located on Mahé and La Digue.
Outer Islands
The Outer Islands include the Aldabra Islands, Amirante Islands, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group, Southern Coral Group.
Aldabra is the world’s largest atoll and home to thousands of giant tortoises.
Seychelles Film Location Permits
Permitting in the Seychelles is an easy process. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
The Seychelles enjoy a consistently warm tropical climate all year round. Conditions are humid around the coast but become considerably cooler and wetter toward the mountainous interior. The cool, dry season runs from May to September. This is the best time to film for weather. The warm, rainy season runs from November to March. The Seychelles lie outside of the cyclone belt so violent storms are rare. Best water clarity for underwater photography is from March to May and September to November. Best surf breaks are from May to September. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
The Creole Festival takes place in October.
The Seychelles 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 the Seychelles.
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 Seychelles have little to no filming infrastructure so all crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Our Seychellois 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 the Seychelles.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. The Seychelles have a very small pool of directors, videographers and stills photographers. All film crew need to 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 the Seychelles.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
English, French and Seychellois Creole are the official languages. Locals mostly speak Seychellois Creole with each other.
Seychellois Creoles are the main ethnic group. Small minorities of British, French, Chinese, and Indian people are also available. Street casting is required as there are no local talent agencies. Best to bring in lead talent from abroad.
Seychelles Film Equipment
Equipment. 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
All foreign nationals visiting the Seychelles are granted visa free access. A Visitor’s Permit, valid for stays of up to 90 days, is issued on arrival.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Main roads on Mahé and Praslin are in an average condition. Several international airlines service flights to Seychelles International Airport, which is located on Mahé. Travel by ship to the outer islands including the Amirantes, Cosmoledo and Aldabra groups requires prior approval from the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in the Seychelles include:
Lemuria Resort of Praslin
Chateau de Feuilles
Banyan Tree
Please contact us for corporate rates.
Final Notes
Safety. The Seychelles is a very safe place for foreign productions to visit. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Beach time and delicious Seychellois Creole cuisine.
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 the Seychelles, please see below:
Hire Seychelles Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in the Seychelles, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in the Seychelles, 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.
