Saudi Arabia
Film Locations. Madain Saleh (Saudi Arabia's Petra). The Empty Quarter (largest sea of sand in the world with huge dunes). Najran (where mud brick forts rise out of palm plantations and oasis). Jeddah souqs and coral houses. Modern skyscraper Kingdom Tower in Riyadh. Red sea coral scuba diving. Arid mountain ranges.
Riyadh is the capital and most likely place to base your production.
Permits. Saudi Arabia is a very closed country. Even if you have a permit police can shut you down without reason. Only Muslims can enter Mecca religious sites. In theory filming is forbidden unless you do so as a guest of an important religious or political figure. You would only really shoot in Saudi Arabia at the behest of a local client or as a guest of an important religious or political figure. Filming oil facilities anywhere in the Gulf States is not allowed.
When to shoot? Most of Saudi Arabia has a desert climate characterized by extreme heat during the day, an abrupt drop in temperature at night, and slight, erratic rainfall. Temperatures peak from June to August and are lowest from November to February.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Comparable to Dubai for average costs. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew, equipment and talent are best brought in from abroad which can add considerably to the cost of filming.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable.
Saudi Arabia offers mainly Arabic looking talent. All other talent needs to be brought in from abroad.
Saudi Arabia has no pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Its close proximity to Dubai allows easy access to that pool of creative talent should you ever need to look further.
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. Only the most basic equipment is available locally. You will need to bring in most standard 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 Saudi Arabia.
Film Stock. Must bring from abroad.
Post Production. No labs exist locally. We post abroad.
Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Saudi embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. Roads are up to international standards. Several international airlines service flights to Saudi Arabia.
Accommodation. Recommended options in Riyadh include:
Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers
Al Faisaliah Hotel
Four Seasons
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing. Some websites are blocked from access.
Safety. Saudi Arabia is at present quite a dangerous place for foreigners to visit. If you must shoot in Saudi Arabia appropriate personal security protection measures are recommended.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
