A Complete Guide to Filming in Uganda
Our guide to filming In Uganda is a full-package article with practical advice, and answers to common questions asked by individuals and film crew intending to film in Uganda. We absolutely understand that this article may be long but we kindly request you to hang in there and read it to the end so that you have all your concerns regarding filming in Uganda answered.
Before coming to Uganda for your shoot. ( The Planning)
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Decide what you want to film in Uganda. guide to Filming In Uganda
Uganda as a destination has a number of filming opportunities ranging from the most sought after mountain Gorilla Filming in Bwindi Forest, chimpanzee Filming In Kibale Forest, shoebill Filming In Murchison falls, Lion Filming In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Giraffe Filming In Murchison Falls National Park and much more. Decide on what you what to film, and do some research regarding where its best to for instance film tree-climbing lions in Uganda.
Things to film in Uganda ( treat this as a guide)
** We recommend that you do your own research and then engage Realm Africa safaris™ or any other local fixer of your choice for a proof-check, and more practical on-ground advise & recommendations.
If you already know what you want to film and are only not sure of the best location for your shoot, we can assist with location scouting.
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What Permits & Permissions do I needed for filming in Uganda
Generally speaking, all persons intending to carry out any filming in Uganda must apply for filming permits commonly referred to As Press Accreditation and the equivalent of a press card or pass in your home country.
Press Accreditation in Uganda is issued by the Uganda Media council after each individual or crew member fills out FORM G. This form must be accompanied with copies of scanned passport (bios Page) and a recent passport-sized photo to be used in processing your Media card (Press accreditation).
It does take us approximately 02 – 03 working days from the time we receive all the above-mentioned documents to process your media card.
To accompany all the individually filled out FORM G’S for each crew member, the team leader has got to send us a detailed write-up or synopsis of the film you intend to shoot in Uganda.
After all the above is sent through, our Uganda film Crew Fixer Services team leader will then proceed to submit these to the Uganda Media Council for approval. Upon approval, we will then contact and inform you of this achievement.
After securing your Media cards, we will then need to advise and also further assist you in securing all the other necessary permits and permissions all guided by your film Scriptwriter or the Synopsis
Press Accreditation fees in Uganda (Payable to Uganda Media Council)
- a fee of US$175 per person is paid for a period not exceeding 30 days of the journalist’s stay.
- a fee of US$225 per person is paid for a period beyond 30 days up to six months of stay.
- a fee of US$325 per person is paid for a period of two years.
** 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.
Other permissions needed for Filming In Uganda. guide to Filming In Uganda
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 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.
Can I import my film equipment into Uganda
Yes, you may import your personal Film equipment for your shoot in Uganda. Realm Africa Safaris™ is happy to assist you. But we will take you through the process of importing filming equipment.
The best way to import your filming equipment to Uganda is by air. We recommend that you plan to accompany your filming equipment all the way to your Uganda – 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 customs port of arrival something that requires you to plan for yet extra days to pick it up and clear with customs.
Temporary importation of film equipment falls under a Bond system in Uganda.
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.
Can I film in Uganda using a Drone or mini-helicopter?
Yes, you can film In Uganda using a drone or Mini-helicopter. However, you must be cautious to adhere to the rules and regulations governing drone filming in Uganda. (See: Drone Filming In Uganda).
Realm Africa Safaris™ is happy to assist you to import your drone into Uganda. (see: Importing a drone into Uganda)
Other Optional services that you might need on your shoot.
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 from our Article: Location scouting across East Africa.
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™
- Accommodation :
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.
- Transportation:
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 from our article: Film crew Security
We hope that this guide to filming in Uganda was helpful. If you feel there is something that was left out and would be helpful to you or any other filmmaker, please email us: info@realmafricasafaris.com
