A Complete Guide to Filming In Uganda: All you’ll need to Know about filming in Uganda; Best time to film in Uganda, What to film in Uganda, Permits & Permissions needed for Filming In Uganda. Filming In Uganda just like any other filming destination requires a Uganda Filming Permit often referred to as a Press Accreditation issued in form of a Media Card that allows foreign film crews, Journalists (Company employed or Freelance) to carry on with any activities of Filming In Uganda. The process and procedures for applying for Filming permits In Uganda (Press Accreditations & other relevant Permissions) can be tiresome without the help of a professional Film Crew Fixer company like Realm Africa Safaris™. All Uganda Filming Permits are issued by the Uganda Media Council – a body mandated by the Ugandan government to oversee all issuance of valid Filming permits to Film In Uganda. Realm Africa Safaris™ can assist you in completing the mandatory Uganda Filming application form (FORM G), putting together all information needed and then submitting it to Uganda Media Council for approval. Once APPROVED, an Identification card dubbed “Media Card” will be issued indicating the Full Names of your Film Crew member, with his or her photo appearing on their media Card. Press Accreditation fees in Uganda (Payable to Uganda Media Council) ** The fees mentioned above are set and can be amended by the Uganda Media Council without any prior consultation. we, therefore, remind you to treat these as a guide. For all Filming Crews and Production Companies, we recommend that you allow ample time to the process of application, and acquiring all your Uganda Filming Permits (Press Accreditations, media cards, and Location Permissions). If you have limited time, a rushed last-minute permit might be possible however, the costs are much higher. Once we have obtained your Press Accreditation from the Uganda Media Council, we then need to acquire location filming permits/ permission from relevant authorities. For instance, if you intend to film gorillas in Bwindi Forest, then you will need to fill out a UWA Commercial film & Photography Permit request form, and thereafter send it through to Uganda wildlife Authority – UWA for approval (see: Filming inside Uganda’s National Parks). Various Film/Video Fees apply for filming within National Parks, Wildlife Areas, and Conservation Areas. National Parks and Conservation areas have fees specific to film crews that are subject to change regularly. See the Uganda Wildlife Authority Website for up-to-date Filming fees/charges. Depending on where you want to film In Uganda, there will probably be filming fees for the area. Filming fees are a huge factor in any filming project budget, therefore, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, if you are filming in another location other than in the National parks, we need to seek permission from the local area leaders and the Uganda police. ***It is important to bear in mind that Uganda is a developing country, one with many rules and regulations and therefore it is important to be properly guided through bureaucratic processes. Considering that Uganda is the filming destination of your choice, you will most definitely need to bring in filming equipment. The best way to do this is by air. We recommend that you plan to accompany your filming equipment all the way to your filming destination – in other words, be on the same flight as your equipment. The other option is to air freight it as ‘unaccompanied’ luggage. However, be informed that the option of flying in your equipment ” unaccompanied may turn out to be more expensive, and the equipment risks sitting too long at the customs port of arrival something that requires you to plan for yet extra days to pick it up from customs. With the Bond system, you have the option of depositing the full value of the equipment with the Uganda Government for the duration of the shoot. On exit, you can apply to get this Bond money refunded. Otherwise, film crews can pay a non-refundable 10% of the total value of the equipment to a freight agent who will allow you to use his Bond. This is a quicker and easier process. Realm Africa Safaris™ has a reliable and efficient freight agent whom we work with on most of our filming projects. Locations can make or break a project and Uganda has several amazing film-worthy locations. Realm Africa safaris™ can help you find and secure the perfect location(s) for your next film, commercial, or still shoot. Get a glimpse into some of the amazing Uganda Filming locations from our previous projects. Learn more about Our Location scouting services. Dealing with the right persons (company) to assist you clear all your filming equipment will help make your shoot a success. Realm Africa Safaris™ can assist in clearing you Filming Kit at any entry point in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda. Among the things we do is assist in temporary importation of filming drones. However, drones being a sensitive subject, we often recommend starting this process a lot earlier. Ample time is the secret to successfully importing a drone in most destinations we fix. Learn More from our article: Hassle-Free film Kit clearance Services by Realm Africa Safaris™ Realm Africa Safaris has a long-standing good working relationship with most hotels, lodges and inns in each of the destinations we fix. We are therefore in a better position to not only recommend but to also find the best rates and also book the accommodation for your film crew if need be. Realm Africa Safaris™ operates a fleet of very reliable and purpose-suited vehicles for filming. From open-sided jeeps to very basic closed cars including well-suited equipment carriers. We can arrange both your crew and equipment transportation. Our Filming security services are designed to secure your filming location, and protect your cast, crew, and equipment. Location shooting offers its own unique threats and risks, so we design patrol tours, standing guard placement, and post-order duties to maximize our surveillance and minimize opportunities for theft, trespassing, vandalism, disturbances, and other unwanted activity. Learn More about Film crew Security
Top requirements for filming in Uganda are; Learn more about Requirements for filming In Uganda. Generally speaking, the best time to film in Uganda is in the dry season months of June to August and December to February. However, the best time to film in Uganda largely depends on what you intend to film. For instance, individuals or film crew intending to capture the captivating shoebill breeding experience, ought to plan to film in the dry season months of June-August, and January to February. Read our full article: Best time to film in Uganda. Yes. drone filming in Uganda is possible however, all relevant drone permits ought to be secured well in advance. if you are importing your own drone, this too needs to be organised well in advance. Read our full article; Importing a drone into Uganda.
There is a varied list of Realm Africa Safaris™ recommended film crew accommodations in Uganda. We are very careful about choosing and recommending the best accommodation for all our clients depending on where you will be filming in Uganda. Best Places to stay for Cast & film Crew (Region by Region)
Other permissions are needed for Filming In Uganda.
Importing your film equipment into Uganda
Temporary importation of film equipment falls under a Bond system in Uganda.
OTHER OPTIONAL SERVICES THAT WE CAN OFFER
Frequently Asked Questions about Filming In Uganda
