A Complete Guide to Filming in Rwanda
Hiring a drone in Uganda
Filming Fixers at Eco Film Fixers are well conversant with Filming in many locations in Uganda and offer groundbreaking location scouting for filming in Uganda. Once the scriptwriters, producers or directors have decided what general kind of scenery or location they require for the various parts of their work that is shot outside the studio begins. It’s at this point that our vast knowledge of Uganda comes in handy. Eco Film Fixers boasts of up to more than 10 years of assisting film crews and individual filmmakers find that ideal film location In Uganda.
Our team of local film location scouts also look for generally spectacular or interesting locations beforehand, this means we have (off-our-fingers) a database of varying pre-researched film locations in Uganda in case of requests. When we find the idea location(s), we go the extra mile to negotiate all relevant legal access to these filming locations. Be sure we will get you best deals on filming locations in Uganda.
The Things we consider while finding your ideal Film Location.
Having done Location scouting for filming in Uganda for quite some time, we now understand that if not done well, this can greatly affect a production.
We have learned to look out for the following;
- The overall philosophy of Art in film shooting.
- The financial cost to production.
- Logistic feasibility including but not limited to distance from base of operations or other locations scheduled.
- Availability of electrical power or feasibility of bringing in generations for lights and electrical equipment.
- Availability light(indoors or outdoors) and weather conditions(outdoors)
- Permission from and cooperation of location owner and neighbors, local government and law enforcement.
The process of finding a suitable film location in Uganda.
Typically, ideas for what a filming location should be discussed between the Production Company and Eco Film fixers, then the research to find and document your ideal location then begins .Its often likely we already have done research on the location you want and we will only have our filming Scout take you to couple of locations that match your requests. If not, our location scouts working under supervision of the local manager will generally strive to provide as many potentially useful/viable ideas /and one options as possible for review by production; often the Assistant Director, Production Manager and subsequently, the Director or even the Executive Producer in the case of narrative filmmaking.
Once a consensus on locations with the most potential is reached, arrangements are normally made for some of the heads of the other production Departments of tour those location(s) to confirm suitability.
If the locations visited are approved by the team, the Eco Film Fixer location scouting team will then start to contact negotiate with all relevant parties concerned in order to secure all permits and permissions to film at the location something we call “clearing the location”. The relevant parties concerned in order to secure all permits and permissions to film at the location clearing process involves investigating and confirming availability and knowing all fees to be paid to a location owner or agent, and working on obtaining any needed any film permits (may involve fees)
Top tip: For Filmmakers seeking to capture amazing sceneries, the wet season might be the best time to shoot your project. During this time, the vegetation is greener and wildlife is scattered- not confined to particular water points.
Contact us about your film project and Location scouting for filming in Uganda, and we will advise on where and when it is the best to film in Uganda.
Necessary requirements to film in Uganda
Filming in Uganda will require you to get a filming permit when filming in locations and these permits are issued by the respective authorities and management. For one to film in the national parks, you will need to get permission from Uganda wildlife authority. In order to get a Filming Permit, one must write a letter requesting the permit and fill out an application form which is accompanied by a copy of the screenplay, a story synopsis, and a shooting schedule. These are then sent to the respective authorities Contact us at Eco film fixers we will help you process the filming permissions with the Local Authorities for you to successfully film in Uganda.
Media Accreditation
All members of the crew are supposed to be accredited by the Uganda media council to be able to film In the country. Media accreditation is a must for all applications to make feature films or documentaries. . Each crew member is required to fill Form G with all details, scan and send it back to us with a copy of his/her passport as well as one photograph to be put on his/her media card and work IDs. On top of this, we will need a letter from the filming company detailing who they are, why they are filming, where they will be filming and details of crew members on this shoot. Crew members will also be required to seek for letters of Good conduct from Interpol (it’s a must have). We will attach this to all details provided and send them to Uganda Media Council for Media card processing and follow it up. This takes about 2-3 working days
Custom clearing.
Uganda is not a member of the Carnet Free Systems Unions, so Carnet’s are not valid. The only process to get your equipment in and out of Uganda is through a bonded Agent. A comprehensive list of equipment and value needs to be submitted to URA through a bonded clearing agent for the issuance of a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). A fee equivalent to 10% percentage of the value of the equipment is payable. This fee is non-refundable but will guarantee you safe entry and exist with your equipment. We are able to handle clearing for you as we have a trusted bond agent. On the other hand, you can choose to source gear and equipment from the country to avoid the hustle of clearing.
Visa Advice
In case of visas, we advise you to get a tourist or business visa. Both can work well. Most film crews prefer getting their vsas before coming to Uganda and this can be done online. On the other hand visas can also be easily obtained on arrival.
Vehicle Hire Services
Eco film fixers will help you organize transport for film crews to film in Uganda. The transportation services all depend on your interest, the nature of the roads and the schedule. For us to have a final estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to have an established mileage and distance to be traveled. We also organize both charter and scheduled air transport for those that are interested in flying to reduce the number of hours.
Accommodation when filming in Uganda
When filming in Uganda, you have a range of accommodation options to choose from ranging from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose which lodges to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Contact us here for booking details. Options include serana hotel, latitude 0 , Sheraton hotel and many more
Why you should use Eco film fixers for Location scouting for filming in Uganda
Eco film fixers is film Fixing Company based in Uganda, we pride ourselves we assist filming companies and Production agencies that are interested in filming in East Africa. We are very capable in handling all fixer services required. our team of local fixers and driver guides is very professional .over the years, we have been able to get all relevant connections with other service providers and authority agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are easily processed. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful Location scouting for filming in Uganda.
