Film Trade
FILMING IN DOMINICA
The Dominica Film Office is a one-stop resource which takes care of all the producer's needs. Our aim is to facilitate cost effective film production, creating easy access to all the beauty and unique locations available on the Nature Island.
WHY FILM IN DOMINICA?
The island is sparsely populated with 72,000 people inhabiting its 290 square miles. Dominica is an arcadia of unspoiled nature. Tropical forest cover two thirds of the island, which nourish 1,200 plant species. Rivers, lakes, streams and waterfalls abound, fed by the island’s high annual rainfall. Its volcanic physique points to extensive geothermal activity above and below sea level.
Untouched and unspoiled, Dominica is a filmmaker's paradise. It offers a variety of beautiful, scenic and exotic locations. The island offers jungle and swamp locations, grasslands, mangroves, reed and mudflats, lush virgin rainforests, over 300 cascading rivers, numerous waterfalls and freshwater lakes, one of the only boiling lakes existing in the world today, beautiful black and golden sand beaches, dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, unique Creole architecture and several other facets that create real movie magic!
WHERE IS DOMINICA?
Dominica is located in the Caribbean, in the middle of the island chain, between the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Convenient access from the US mainland is typically through San Juan or St. Maarten and from Europe through Barbados, Antigua, Martinique and Guadeloupe.
SERVICES OFFERED
The Dominica Film Office can offer the following services: assistance with location scouting; identifying and securing locations; assistance with obtaining a film license, work permit exemptions, visa waivers, special import permits for items such as firearms (real or fake), explosives, animals, aerosol, motor vehicles, fresh foods and meats, duty free exemption on all capital and other goods used for filming; assistance with sourcing local goods, services, talent and crew; and liaising between the production company and Government agencies and departments.
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
As a result of recent filming activity over the last three years, Dominica has developed a pool of hardworking, resourceful and skilled local people and artistic talent at competitive rates.
PROCEDURES
All inquiries on filming in Dominica must be addressed to the Film Office at filmdominica@dominica.dm. Scouting will be facilitated by the Film Office.
Once a decision has been made to pursue filming in Dominica, a completed Film Permit Application Form should be sent to the Film Office along with a letter of intent to film, the project outline, estimated time period of your production, and a request for permission to film. Once permission has been granted, all permits and special requirements must be applied for through the Film Office.
SECURITY
There are minimal security issues to be considered when filming on Dominica. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals on the island. Dominica boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the region and there is no threat of terrorism on the island.
REQUIREMENTS
The Dominica Film Office provides assistance in obtaining the waiver of work permits. All non-nationals are required to get Work Permits. Application for waivers must be submitted at least fifteen [15] days prior to arrival. For Work Permit Waivers, a list of personnel including name, position, nationality, country of residence, date of birth, passport number, country of issue and expiration date, as well as estimated dates of arrival and departure must be submitted to the Film Office along with two passport size photographs.
The Film Office provides assistance in obtaining a waiver of import duties and taxes on equipment and supplies to be used in production. The equipment list must include a description of all equipment with name, serial number, country of origin, and value. This list must be submitted at least seven [7] working days prior to arrival. All equipment must be checked in/out with Customs on arrival and prior to departure.
All incoming film companies must provide a copy of their liability insurance to the Film Office for the duration of their production in Dominica.
An Impact Assessment Form outlining expenditures to service sectors, employment data and other specifics must be completed and returned to the Dominica Film Office within 7 days of departure from Dominica.
A copy of the completed product is to be forwarded to the Dominica Film Office on release.
FILMS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMS SHOT IN DOMINICA
- Columbus - A Rank Studio's/Gainsborough film (1948)
- The Seventh Sign by Tri-Star Pictures (1987)
- The Orchid House by BBC Channel 4 (1991)
- Wide Sargasso Sea By UWI
- Once Upon a Sunday
- The Prenupt Challenge - Stonehenge Media (2005)
- Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (2005)
- Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End (2007)
- Pirate Master - Mark Burnett Productions (2007)
- Naked and Afraid - Discovery Channel (2015)
- American Tarzan - Discovery Channel (2016)
- Booze Traveller - (2017)
- Caribbean Pirate Treasure - (2017)
- Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen - (2018)
- House Hunters International - (2019)
