10. Australia
Beautiful locations, multicultural talent, experienced creative and technical crew, modern film equipment, world-class studios and VFX facilities, safe filming environment, great weather, and friendly people with a helpful can-do attitude… Australia has it all! Generous film incentives and a weaker Australian dollar help make the long flight worth it. Recent productions filming in Australia include Alien: Covenant, Hacksaw Ridge, and Pirates of the Carribean: Deadmen Tell No Tales. 2017 is expected to be another strong year for Australia.
9. Emirates
The Emirates are the safest and most established production service centre in the Middle East. All manner of equipment is available locally, including the Russian Arm. There is a good pool of experienced local crews. To sweeten the deal, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission offers a 30% tax incentive. Adding to its world famous, cutting edge architecture, the Emirates will see the completion of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2017.
8. England
As a world-class production centre, England has long been attractive for visiting productions. Recent devaluations in the GBP have made England more cost competitive than ever before. Many expect the GBP to fall even further once the UK leaves the EU. Qualifying productions are also eligible for 25% UK Film Tax Relief.
7. Ethiopia
One of the safer countries in the region, Ethiopia has seen great leaps forward in recent years. The country has a long, rich history, and is home to over 80 different ethnic groups and 140 different dialects… Many possible stories for filmmakers to explore.
6. Fiji
Fiji offers one of the world’s most generous rebates of 47% on qualifying production expenditure. In terms of locations, Fiji has over 322 unexplored islands offering a variety of paradise island looks including palm-lined white sand beaches, surf breaks, coral reefs, lagoons, tropical islands, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and luxury villas.
5. Jordan
Jordan is the go-to country for filming locations that double well for less-safe countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Filming in Jordan requires far less red tape than most other Middle Eastern countries. Public locations are free of charge.
4. Montenegro
Montenegro is one of Europe’s least explored film destinations. The country offers a diversity of beautiful undiscovered old world and natural locations within a short drive from each other. Montenegro is a great alternative to filming in countries such as Croatia, which is more expensive and sees more tourist traffic.
3. Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of the top up and coming places to film in 2017. Offering a variety of interesting locations including colonial towns, rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches, Nicaragua is very cost competitive, it’s not far from the US, and it is much safer than years ago.
2. Nigeria
1. St Helena
Although technically not a country, Saint Helena is so remote, it may as well be. Recently opened to the world with a new airport, Saint Helena offers of visiting filmmakers a unique window of opportunity to shoot the island as it was, before tourism takes its affect, and the island changes forever.
Production Support
Feel free to contact us if you are planning to film in any of these and are looking for locally based production service support including producers and fixers. We are also able to refer directors, DP’s, videographers, VR 360 shooters, and photographers if you are looking to hire locally.