El Salvador
Locations. El Salvador offers volcanoes, black sand beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, Mayan ruins, Spanish colonial looks, coffee plantations.
Permits are typically same day
or within a couple of days.
When to shoot? The climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the mountains. Otherwise there is very little seasonal change. The rainy season extends from May to October. Almost all the annual rainfall occurs during this time.
For monthly weather statistics please see: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/sv-country.html
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. The favorable exchange
rate means that your currency goes far in El Salvador. Locations, local talent and support crew are inexpensive 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 rather undeveloped in El Salvador so street casting is often required.
El Salvador offers mostly Mestizo looks (mixed Amerindian and Spanish). All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
Creative talent. El Salvador has no local directors and directors of photography.
Please contact us for recommended directors and DoP's for your project.
Crews are also non-union.
Local crew experience is limited and most do not speak fluent English. It is best to bring in your key crew from abroad.
Fringes and Premiums. No hidden extras. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment needs to be brought in from abroad.
Art Department and construction is very limited in El Salvador. Key crew are best brought in from abroad.
Studios and backlots at present do not exist in El Salvador.
Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for foreign feature films or commercials shooting in El Salvador.
Film Stock. No film stock available locally. Best to bring in from Miami or Mexico which have both Fuji and Kodak available.
Post Production. No post production facilities exist at present.
Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local El Salvadorian embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation. The road
system is quite undeveloped. The main international airlines serving El Salvador are TACA, Copa Air, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, and American Airlines.
Accommodation. Recommended hotels in San Salvador include:
InterContinental San Salvador - http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb
Hilton Princess San Salvador - http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/groups.jhtml
Sheraton Presidente San Salvador - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/
Please contact us for corporate rates.
Communication. Web posted casting and scouting.
Safety. Like in most of the poorer Latin American countries, a certain amount of street crime does exist centered mostly in the bigger cities. However it's fair to say that El Salvador on the whole is a safe place
for filming.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in El Salvador, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
