Fiji
Locations. Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu. The country occupies an archipelago of about 322 islands. It is only a few hours flight from Australia and New Zealand and a 10 hour flight time form Los Angeles. Fiji offers a variety of locations including palm lined white sand beaches, surfing, coral reefs, lagoons, tropical islands, lush rainforests, pine forests, rolling hills, rivers, waterfalls, caves, resorts and unique rock formations.
The main island is divided into two different weather patterns: the dry west side of Viti Levu, the Nadi side, which features rolling grass covered hills, pine forests, mountains and many of the country's beaches, and resorts. The wet east side of the island (or Suva side) which features lush rain forest, jungle, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Suva and Nadi are the main production centres.
Permits. Permits are usually very easy to obtain. Negotiations are carried out by our Fijian producer and the Fiji Audio Visual Commission (FAVC). If a production goes through the FAVC you will be entitled to a waiver on work permit fees. They will also help you in obtaining assistance of government departments and statutory bodies for the required permits and accesses.
When to shoot? Fiji has a tropical climate. May to October is the dry season and November to April the wet season. Long sunny shoot days are common all year round.
For monthly weather statistics please see here: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/fj-country.html
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Locations and talent costs are inexpensive but since little to no filming infrastructure exists on the islands key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. The closest major production centres are Brisbane and Auckland.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are
very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.
Casting facilities are undeveloped in Fiji so street casting is often required.
Fiji offers mostly Pacific Islander looks but some East Indian and Caucasian looks are also available. Experienced models and actors need to be brought in from abroad.
Creative talent. Fiji has a 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 and Equipment. All equipment and department heads need to be brought in from abroad. . Supporting crews speak English. Australia and New Zealand are the closest major production centres to bring in crews and equipment. There are no union or guild problems in doing this.
Fringes and Premiums. No set rules but we do consider the standard rules for foreign crews.
Art department and set construction are very minimal.
Studios and Backlots do not exist yet but there are plans for the Yaqara Studio City.
Tax Incentives are available for both commercials and features. The F1 or F2 Audio Visual Production incentives are schemes whereby a production entity can raise production finance from Fiji Tax payers. This allows Fiji tax payers to claim a tax deduction of either 125% [F2] or 150% [F3] against their tax liability, depending on the projects ability to meet the necessary requirements. The tax rebate is available for fully funded productions including commercials whereby a production is eligible for a 15% tax rebate or cash subsidy [calculated on its qualifying production expenditure in Fiji] when it lodges its tax return at the end of the production. See here for more information: http://www.fijiaudiovisual.com/pages.cfm/legislation/
Film Stock and Post Production. None available locally. Australia and New Zealand are the closest production centres.
Visas and Work Permits. The FAVC wil provide all work permits for all international crew free of charge. For visas, contact your local Fijian embassy / representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. Air Pacific is Fiji’s international carrier that has direct flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Narita (Japan). Other airlines that fly into Fiji are Qantas, Air New Zealand, Korean Air and Pacific Blue. Domestic travel is best achieved by road and boat.
Accommodation. The best hotels include:
Shangri La - http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/yanucaisland/fijianresort
Sheraton Fiji - http://www.sheraton.com/fiji
Outrigger - http://www.outrigger.com/fiji
Tavarau - http://www.tavarua.com/
Toberua - http://www.toberua.com/
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Internet connection is basic.
Safety. Fiji is a safe place to shoot. Politically stable and low crime rates. It has played host to Hollywood features the likes of Castaway Island with Tom Hanks.
"I have a very safe feeling being in Fiji, everything looks just great, and I am very excited to be here” - Dean Zanuck, Hollywood Film Producer
The main problem with filming in the South Pacific islands is the lack of local filming infrastructure. Of all the islands, Fiji at least has a very active Film Commission that is making great efforts to develop the country as a film friendly location.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Fiji, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
