St Barts 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 St Barts? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in St Barts
For an introduction to shooting in St Barts 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.
St Barts Film Locations
St Barts is a small, volcanic island located in the northwest Caribbean. A beautiful island with a sophisticated and carefree atmosphere, it has long been considered a playground of the rich and famous with its pristine beaches, rugged mountains, private villas, gourmet dining, and high-end boutiques.
Tourism is the economic mainstay. Agricultural production is limited given the dry and rocky volcanic terrain.
Superyachts are available for filming.
Gustavia is the capital.
Paradise beaches of note include Saline Beach, St Jean Beach, Colombier Beach, Flamand Beach, Gouverneur Beach, Shell Beach, and Grand Cul-de-Sac.
Gustaf III Airport is a short runway airport suitable only for small aircraft. The location makes for dramatic takeoff and landing footage.
St Barts Film Location Permits
Permitting in St Barts is a very straightforward process requiring usually no more than one week for permits. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
St Barts weather is warm throughout the year. The high temperatures vary just slightly between the summer and winter months, and the humidity levels on St Barts are lower than nearby islands. Winter nights are somewhat cooler (December to March). St Barts is subject to the occasional hurricanes (July to October) and moderate rainfall is commonplace during this period. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
The St Barts Bucket Superyacht Regatta takes place in March.
St Barts 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 St Barts.
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 Euro is the official currency and the USD is also widely accepted. Local costs are very expensive. St Barts is a high-end tourist destination. Since little is produced locally everything needs to be imported. Likewise, there is little to no filming infrastructure so key crew and equipment must also be brought in from abroad. Our Barthélemois fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
Tax Incentives. France offers a 20% tax rebate (TRIP) for qualifying foreign features and TV productions shooting in St Barts.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. St Barts has a very small pool of local directors, videographers and stills photographers. Key crew needs to be brought in. Miami is the closest major production centre should you need to look further.
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 St Barts.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
French is the official language and English is also widely spoken.
St Barts offers mainly Caucasian looks. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
St Barts Film Equipment
Equipment. There are no camera, grip or lighting equipment houses in St Barts. Miami is the closest major production centre should you need to look further.
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. None available locally. Post abroad.
Visas & Work Permits
Crews travelling on western passports can enter visa free for stays of up to 90 days. There is no work permit required to film in St Barts.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Although the island is small enough to walk, the roads are often steep and narrow. Visiting crews may prefer to rent vehicles especially if the production involves a lot of gear.
Several airlines service flights to St Barts from nearby islands such as Puerto Rico, St Martin, Antigua or Guadeloupe. One of the most direct options is to fly to St Martin, and then take a 45min ferry or a 15 min puddle-jumper flight to St Barts.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in St Barts include:
Hotel Taiwana
Hotel Carl Gustaf
Hotel Le Toiny
Hotel Guanahani & Spa
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. St Barts is a very safe and reliable place for foreign productions to visit. See here for more information.
Down Time. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
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 St Barts, please see below:
Hire St Barts Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in St Barts, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in St Barts, 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.
