Sao Tome & Principe
Film Locations. The equatorial islands of Sao Tome and PrÃncipe lie in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa. Locations include colonial architecture, small islands, palm-fringed beaches, plantations, rugged landscapes, mountains, dense forests, waterfalls, Porto Alegre ancient fishing town.
Permits. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach.
When to shoot? An equatorial climate with heavy rainfall, high temperatures and humidity. The south of the main island, being mountainous, is wetter than the north. The main dry season is from early June to late September. There is another dry season from the end of December to the start of February.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. 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.
The local population are decendents of a mix of Portuguese colonists and African slaves that migrated to the islands hundreds of years ago. Some Chinese looks also exist. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
Sao Tome & Principe has no local pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crews are non-union. Key crew should be brought in from abroad.
Fringes and Premiums. No hidden extras. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment. You will need to bring in all equipment from abroad.
Art department and set construction is very basic.
Studios and backlots. None exist at present.
Tax Incentives. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign
commercials or films shooting in Sao Tome & Principe.
Film Stock. Must bring from abroad.
Post Production. No labs exist locally. Post abroad.
Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Sao Tome & Principe embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure is quite basic. Major roads are sealed. Most other roads are unsealed and damaged. Several international airlines service flights to Sao Tome & Principe.
Accommodation. See here for options in Sao Tome & Principe:
Omali Lodge
Pestana Sao Tome Ocean Resort
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. Sao Tome & Principe is a relatively safe place for foreign visitors. Petty theft is a problem but violent crime is almost unheard of.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Sao Tome & Principe, 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 Sao Tome & Principe, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
