A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Madagascar
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Madagascar: What You Need to Know
To film here you must request a general filming permit from either the National Film Centre or the Ministry of Communication and Culture. It’s best to work with a local film fixer as they can guide you in your application, which includes:
- A formal request letter from a local production company
- Your film script or synopsis
- A shooting schedule
- Crew list with passport copies
- Equipment list.
You should expect to wait 2-4 weeks to hear anything back, as much depends on the location, size, and scope of your production. Additionally, there may be a fee attached, with permit fees ranging anywhere between $200 and $1,000 USD.
Timing Your Madagascar Film Production around the Weather
There are two seasons in Madagascar:
The Dry Season—Starts in April and continues until October. Dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C.
The Wet Season—Starts in November and continues until March. Expect regular afternoon showers, flooding and thunderstorms. It is harder to ge around during this season as flooding can make jungle roads impassable.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
You’ll only be able to find basic cameras, grips, sound, and lighting gear in Madagascar film equipment rental houses. If that’s all you need, then your local film fixer can organize them for you. If you need a larger film kit or more specialized equipment, you’ll have to bring them with you but you can use the ATA carnet to do so.
It is possible to hire English-speaking crews throughout Madagascar, though they may be a little more costly than film teams that only speka French or Malagasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
A business visa is typically required, but, depending on your nationality, we advise you to check with your local embassy or consulate to make sure.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
No but we recommend it as it will help your production happen more efficiently.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes. You will need a permit from the Malagasy Civil Aviation Authority.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Not yet.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, but only on request, and you must get the approval before filming starts.
Working with Fixer Madagascar
As an international team coming to Madagascar to film, you need a local professional film fixer company that’s deeply knowledgeable about the country as well as filmmaking services. That’s us. We’ve been supporting television and internet platforms, individual filmmakers and news teams, and many other types of video-makers for many years, and now as a member of the global Storytailors network, we have even more resources to give them the support they need.
Our top Storytailors clients here and across the African continent include Google, Cisco, Puma, and IFPMA, among others, and we’re waiting to add you to this impressive list.