Bahrain
Film Locations. Bahrain is a flat and arid archipelago. No permanent rivers or streams exist on any of the islands. The beaches and desert looks are not particularly photogenic. Bahrain does have some new roads and infrastructure perfect for car commercials. There is also some interesting modern architecture. Bahrain also has a Grand Prix circuit.
Bahrain is not really set up for filming. It is best to base your production in Dubai.
Permits. Best organized through the Dubai based service company. Filming oil facilities anywhere in the Gulf States is not allowed.
When to shoot? Bahrain has two seasons, an extremely hot summer (April to October) and a relatively mild winter (November to March). Bahrain receives very little precipitation.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Dubai is the closest major film production centre.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable.
Bahrain offers Arabic looking talent only. All other talent needs to be brought in from abroad. Dubai is the closest place for a good selection of multicultural talent.
Bahrain has no local pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Its close proximity to Dubai allows easy access to those pools of creative talent.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crews are non-union. Key crew should be brought in from abroad. Dubai is the closest place with a good depth of professional crews.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment. Not much equipment available locally. Equipment is best brought in from Dubai.
Art department and set construction comes from Dubai and is of a relatively high standard.
Studios and backlots. None exist at present.
Tax Incentives. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign
commercials or films shooting in Bahrain.
Film Stock. None available locally. Fuji and Kodak available in Dubai.
Post Production. None available locally. We post in Dubai.
Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Bahraini embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. Roads are up to international standards. Several international airlines service flights to Bahrain.
Accommodation. Recommended options in Bahrain include:
Ritz-Carlton
Moevenpick
The Regency
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. At present Bahrain is a relatively unsafe place for foreign visitors. If you must shoot in Bahrain appropriate personal security measures are recommended.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Bahrain, please see below:
Our production service companies, line producers and fixers have serviced TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries for:
AXA Belgium, BBC UK, Canon Singapore, Coca Cola Indonesia, Concord Canada, Dove Malaysia, Deutche Bank Germany, Dressman Sweden, Evian France, HBO USA, Heineken Ireland, Hyundai Korea, Intercontinental Hotels Global, ITC India, Kirin Japan, Kraft USA, Landrover UK, LG Korea, Meunil China, McDonalds Australia, MUFG Japan, Nikon Hong Kong, Nokia China, Orange Moblie Slovakia, Philips Netherlands, Proctor & Gamble USA, Chery Riich China, Rimowa Germany, Samsung Korea, Sinoland Hong Kong, Skipper Italy, Smirnoff USA, Sony United Arab Emirates, Stella Russia, Telefonica Spain, Vidal Sassoon China, Virgin Media UK, and much more.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Bahrain, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
