Filming in South Africa

Finding a fixer
in South Africa

To really get the most out of filming in South Africa, it’s a great idea to team up with a video support company that’ll ensure a quick and uncomplicated production process. For instance, with us as your South Africa Fixer, you’ll be able to focus on the creative part of your project while we manage all the details behind the scenes. Besides the logistics of the production itself, that means helping you sort out visas, film permits and even a tax refund once filming is finished.

Visa for South Africa

Before filming in South Africa, you’ll need to obtain a work visa. You must apply through your own country’s South African embassy or consulate in person and then the visa is issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It’s a typically standard application but must include the appropriate vaccination documentation and proof of medical insurance to show you’re covered while you work in the country. If working with us, we’ll assist you with your application to make certain you’ve included all the required paperwork.

Film Permits South Africa

To be able to film on the streets or in any public place throughout South Africa, you’ll need to get a film permit from the location’s municipality. However, filming in the country’s many wildlife reserves involves getting the appropriate permissions from South African National Parks (SANParks). Some parks restrict filming on certain dates and times too. Still, your professional South Africa Fixer will let you know if those dates interfere with the shooting schedule of your video project.

Special equipment
renting info

One of the benefits of working with us as your film South Africa Fixer is the extensive contacts with have with local film rental companies throughout the country. Depending on where you’re filming, it’s not always easy to find specialized gear on time and within budget. However, we’ll take care of those details in advance, and ensure you get a good deal on full filming kits into the bargain. We’ll also arrange your equipment’s transport to and from locations.

Cultural facts

When working here you’ll be pleased to hear punctuality is highly valued. No having to wait for camera crews to show up—they’ll likely be on-site before you! And while there are 11 official languages in the country, most South Africans speak English so communication won’t be an issue. Finally, avoid making assumptions about the culture, people, or political situation here. If you encounter any cultural challenges with locations, film permits, or other aspects of production, just ask us and sidestep any cultural faux pas!

Weather when filming in South Africa

When it comes to weather it really depends on where you’re filming in South Africa. For example, there’s desert terrain in the northwest of the country while the eastern coast, which includes Cape Town, is more subtropical. When you’re planning locations, your film South Africa Fixer can advise you on the times to visit (if you have to shoot in a specific area) or the locations to look at depending on the kind of weather you need for your particular shoot.

Tax rebate in South Africa

South Africa is very film-friendly and keen to promote itself as a great film location. As part of this, foreign film productions here can access the generous rebate managed by South Africa’s Foreign Film and Television Production. This offers a tax refund of 35% on Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE). There are other incentives that you may be able to dip into too so make sure your film South Africa Fixer is fully in the know about them.

Filming in South Africa

There’s no doubt that filming in South Africa gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with diverse environments, lively city life, and the possibility of some close encounters with wild animals!  But getting to all of the locations and ensuring you have the right permits to film there is better handled by a specialist South Africa Fixer like us.

We can help you overcome any hurdles or holdups and ensure that your production moves along on time and within budget. From visa assistance to equipment rentals, and production logistics to giving you the real lowdown on the cultures you’ll come into contact with in South Africa, we handle every detail. We love it when foreign filmmakers want to film in our country. So, get in touch, and let’s work together.

filming in south africa

Get in touch

hello@southafricafixer.com