Ghana
Locations. Ghana is best known for: Elmina and Cape Coast colonial slave trade castles. Architecturally interesting National Theatre. White sand beaches. Tropical forest, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and caves. Lake Volta, the world's largest artificial lake also has Africa's largest dam. Historic forts. Indigenous villages such as Nzulezu stilt village. Kejetia market. Palm tree lined streets. Savanna. Mole National African Wildlife Park. Kakum National Park rainforest with canopy walk. Larabanga Mosque.
Permits. Typically it takes at least one week for filming permits depending on the nature of the shoot. Shutting down roads and more complex requests will need more time.
When to shoot? The climate is tropical. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry, the southwest corner, hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry. Rainy seasons are from April to June and September to November. Dry season from November to March. January to February has the most sun but is not necessarily the best time for filming due to the high fog, which sometimes reduces visibility to as low as fifty metres.
For monthly weather statistics please see here: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/gh-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 Ghana. Locations, supporting crews and talent are by world standards very inexpensive. The major costs are having to fly in equipment and key crew.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.
More than 250 languages and dialects are spoken in Ghana. Only African looks are available in abundance. All else is best to be cast abroad.
Local casting facilities are quite basic so street casting is often required.
Creative talent. Ghana has a Film and Television Institute that turns out a small pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. It is best to bring in your creative talent from abroad.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crews are also non-union. Supporting crews are good but it's best to bring in key crew from abroad.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. Ghana has a ten hour working day. Anything over that is worked out on a case by case basis. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent. Extra charges typically apply for Sunday and holidays.
Equipment. Only basic equipment is available locally. Best to bring in the rest from abroad.
Art department and set construction. Construction crews are relatively good and art department is basic.
Studios. Two TV stations with studio facilities exist - TV3 and TV Africa Studio. Studios are not Ghana's strong point.
Backlots. At present there are no backlots in Ghana.
Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for foreign feature films or commercials shooting in Ghana.
Film Stock. None available locally. Must also be brought in from abroad.
Post Production. No facilities exist. All post is done abroad.
Visas and Work Permits. Accreditation is required for all foreign crew entering Ghana. Contact your local Ghanaian embassy / representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure is quite undeveloped, especially outside of the larger cities. Most cities and key municipalities are accessible by domestic airlines. Several international airlines service flights to Ghana.
Accommodation. Recommended hotels in Accra include:
Labadi Beach Hotel - http://www.legacyhotels.co.za/content.aspx?h=25
Novotel Accra - http://www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/1021/fiche_hotel.shtml
Golden Tulip - http://www.goldentulipaccra.com/
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting and scouting.
Safety. Petty crime is an issue the same way it is in many large African cities but on the whole Ghana is a safe place to shoot.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Ghana, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
