Tonga
Film Locations. Tonga is an archipelago in the south Pacific Ocean comprising 169 islands, 36 of them inhabited, stretching over a distance of about 800 kilometres (500 miles) in a north-south line. The islands lie south of Samoa and are about a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. Tonga is known for its uninhabited small coral islands, beautiful bays and lagoons, white sand beaches.
Permits. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach.
When to shoot? The climate is subtropical with a distinct warm period (December-April), and a cooler period (May-November).
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Locations and talent costs are inexpensive but since no filming infrastructure exists on the islands all crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are
very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.
Casting facilities are undeveloped in Tonga so street casting is required.
There are very few non-Tongan looks available locally so those do need to be brought in from abroad.
Creative talent. Tonga 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 need to be flown in.
Art department and set construction are very minimal.
Studios and Backlots don't exist.
Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for feature films or
commercials shooting in Tonga.
Film Stock and Post Production. None available locally.
Visas and Work Permits. Only certain countries need visas and there is
no need for work permits. Contact your local Tongan embassy / representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. Local roads are basic. The best way to get around the islands is by boat or the local airline Tonga Airlines. Tonga has direct flights from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Hawaii.
Accommodation. Recommended options include:
Fafa Island Resort
International Dateline Hotel
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. Tonga is quite a safe place to shoot. Politically stable and low crime rates.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Tonga, 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 Tonga, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
