Albania
Locations. Rugged mountains, rivers, lakes, national parks, ancient ruins, castles and fortresses, traditional villages, Mediterranean looks, beaches.
Permits. No extraordinary rules or restrictions apply. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach.
When to shoot? Albania has a transitional climate from Mediterranean to continental. In the lowlands, the summers are hot and dry and the winters are mild. In the highlands, snow can fall from November until March.
For monthly weather statistics please see: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/al-country.html
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Local costs are are some of the lowest in Europe but since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.
Casting facilities are undeveloped and street casting is often required.
Albania offers mostly Mediterranean talent looks. It's close proximity to other major European production centres allows you to access those pools of talent should you ever
need to look further.
Creative talent. Albania has no directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. It's close proximity to other major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of creative talent should you ever need to look further.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crew is non-union. Key crew must be brought in from abroad.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. No fixed rules. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment. Only the most basic equipment is available locally. You will need to bring in most standard equipment from abroad.
Art department and set construction are basic.
Studios and Backlots. None exist at present.
Tax Incentives for foreign commercials and features do no exist at present.
Film Stock. We bring in from abroad.
Post Production. No labs exist locally. Post abroad.
Visas and Work Permits. No formal work permit required. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Albanian embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure is all up to known and expected world
standards. It is a small country so domestic transport is by ground. Albania is serviced by several international airlines.
Accommodation. Recommended hotels include:
The Sheraton Tirana - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting and scouting.
Safety. Crime rates are low and comparable to the rest of Western Europe. Albania is a safe place to film.
For a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Albania, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
