Nigeria
Film Locations. Nigeria has a variety of landscapes. The far north has the Sahel, where the Sahara desert transitions into savannas which make up most of the country. The far south transitions into rainforest and beaches. The south-east and south-west are marked by rugged plateaus. Nigeria's main rivers are the Niger and the Benue. They are home to a large area of Central African Mangroves. These rivers converge and empty into the Niger Delta, one of the world's largest and most polluted river deltas. The Yankari wildlife reserve is home to a wide variety of African animals. Lagos is the most populous city in Africa. It is a chaotic, congested and polluted metropolis. Film locations of interest in Lagos include the central business district high-rise buildings on Lagos Island, a variety of interesting looking hotels, beaches, a container port, an airport, and Eko Atlantic City - a business district the size of Manhattan that is being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.
Permits. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Filming requires permits from the Nigerian Film Corporation and journalist accreditation from the Federal Ministry of Information. Permits are typically same day
or within a couple of days.
When to shoot? Nigeria has a tropical climate. December to February has the coldest temperatures, March to April has the highest temperatures, April to July has the highest rainfall.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. The favorable exchange
rate means that your currency goes far in Nigeria. The greatest cost is the need to bring in
your key crew and equipment but that is offset by the low costs of locations,
talent and supporting crew.
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 Nigeria so street casting is often required.
Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups. Non-African looks are limited and it is recommended to bring from abroad.
Creative talent. Nigeria 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 also non-union.
Unfortunately the depth of local crews is very limited. It is advisable to bring your key crew from
outside of Nigeria.
Fringes and Premiums. No hidden extras. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment. Very basic equipment is available locally. All else needs to be brought in from abroad.
Art department and set construction is very limited in Nigeria. We improvise with what is available to us.
Studios do exist but facilities are very basic.
Backlots. At present no backlots exist in Nigeria.
Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for feature films or commercials shooting in Nigeria.
Film Stock. Best to bring in from abroad.
Post Production. No post production facilities exist at present.
Visas and Work Permits. Only certain countries need visas and there is no need for work permits. Contact your local Nigerian embassy / representative for more information.
Transportation. The road
system is quite undeveloped. Nigeria is well serviced domestically and internationally by several airlines.
Accommodation. Recommended hotels in Nigeria include:
Protea Hotel
Southern Sun Hotel
Moorhouse Hotel
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. The Delta region is considered quite dangerous and Lagos has a poor reputation for violent street crime. Although the security situation has improved recently appropriate personal security measures are still recommended.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Nigeria, 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 Nigeria, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
