Belize
Film Locations. Belize is best known for having the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, untouched tropical forests and a wealth of Mayan ruins. You can also find mountain ranges, thick jungles, limestone underwater caves, rivers, lakes, high waterfalls, savannas, plantations, white sand beaches, tropical islands, coastal lagoons and an abundance of exotic flora and fauna - Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary, Belize zoo, Baboon sanctuary, Butterfly farms. Belize also has some very good underwater filming locations. Architectural looks include British colonial buildings, small villages, dilapidated Caribbean city looks. Filming at the airport is permitted.
Belize City is the capital and most likely place to base your production.
Permits. Permitting is a quick and easy process. Some protected nature reserves are restricted.
When to shoot? Climate is sub-tropical, tempered by trade winds. The climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the mountains. The dry season is from December to May. The wet season is from June to November. Typically, Belize gets more rain the further south you go.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Local costs are very competitive. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Miami is the closest major production centre and is only a short 2 hour flight away.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are always negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.
Casting facilities are rather undeveloped in Belize so street casting is often required.
Belize has a diverse society, composed of many cultures much like what you will find in Cuba or Brazil. Belize's close
proximity to Miami allows access to that significant pool of multicultural talent
should you ever need to look further.
Creative talent. Belize has no pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crews are non-union. English is the official language in Belize so supporting crews speak it fluently. Local crews have limited international experience. Key crew needs to be brought in. Miami is the closest major film production centre should you need to look further.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment. Only the most basic equipment is available locally. Miami is the closest major film production centre should you need to look further.
Art department and set construction. Art department key crew are best brought in. Local construction crews are skilled and hard working.
Studios and backlots. None exist at present.
Tax Incentives. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign
commercials or films shooting in Belize. The government is open to providing incentives on a case by case basis depending on the benefits a production would bring.
Film Stock. None available locally. Miami is the closest major film production centre.
Post Production. No post production facilities exist at present. Rushes go to Miami.
Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Belize embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation. Main roads are in a good condition. Rural roads are slower going and in a poor condition. Several international airlines service flights to Belize.
Accommodation. Recommended options in Belize include:
Radisson Fort George Hotel
Princess Hotel
Blackbird Caye Resort
Royal Palm Island Resort
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. Belize is a very safe place for foreign productions to visit.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Belize, 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 Belize, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
