A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Ethiopia
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Ethiopia: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning your next video shoot for Ethiopia, then you’ll need to get all your paperwork in order. This includes obtaining the right filming permits and media accreditation from the Ministry of Information. Applications have to be made early to ensure you get the green light to shoot in your selected locations, and there will be a fee incurred for each permit.
Also, if you’re aiming to use an aircraft for any part of your shoot, you’ll need a separate flight permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority.
Certain areas, such as Dallol, located in the Afar Depression, and known as one of the hottest and, as such, most dangerous places on the planet, are protected due to their incredibly rare environment. You will need special permits to film here and, if you do get them, you can expect local guides and Afar police members to travel with you while you film.
Timing Your Ethiopian Film Production around the Weather
Ethiopia isn’t known as the “Roof of Africa” for nothing! Our massive mountain ranges make up a large part of the country and filming in these high-altitude areas can be exceedingly cold, with near freezing temperatures. During the months of July and August, mountain highlands get a lot of rain too. The opposite of this is the extreme heat in the lowland areas, especially in Dallol. People are drawn to this area because of the incredibly bright yellow and other heat-burnished colours of its hot springs and salt canyons, but as it is one of the hottest places on earth, you must follow local guidance regarding shooting here.
As experienced filmmakers in Ethiopia, we can recommend filming during the dry season from September to March. This is the time you’ll capture clear, sunny scenes and a lot of daylight to make the hours of your shoot stretch that little bit longer.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
When it comes to hiring local film equipment, you can be lucky. But you don’t want to depend on luck alone! Make sure to send through a comprehensive equipment list before shooting starts so that your film fixer can check with their contacts to see what gear is available and what you will need to bring with you.
It will not be a problem either to organize an English-speaking crew, and they will not charge higher rates for their English skills. What you will be charged higher for is the skill that professional and experienced crew members bring to your film production, but that is to be expected if you want the best team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No. If you are bringing your own equipment, you will need a clearing agent to ensure you clear it with Customs.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
It is safe but you need to be sensible. If filming within large crowds like marketplaces or informal settlements, you may need to hire local security. Additionally, any places outside of Addis Ababa may not be safe for foreign filmmakers due to the civil war.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Yes. There are different routes to getting your visa depending on the nature of your work. For example, you will need to apply at your own local embassy for a journalist visa, with the process then followed up by your local Ethiopian film fixer with the Addis Ababa Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Once it’s been issued, a crew member will then need to pick up accreditation and pay the $100 fee in person, when you arrive in Ethiopia.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, and because it’s a long and complicated process, having a local film fixer to help you will be beneficial.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
No.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, but you will need your local produer to apply for the permit on your behalf and then it is at the descretion of the national park department whether you receive the permit or not.
Working with Ethiopia Fixer
Filming in a country like Ethiopia, with its tight permit processes, extreme weather, and many languages and cultures can be challenging to foreign filmmakers. That’s why it makes sense to team up with us. As well as being part of the international Storytailors network, we have the proven experience and the skills to ensure your Ethiopian video production happens without problems. Our client roster includes well-known brands such as Cisco, Google, Discovery Channel, Puma and more, and we’re ready and waiting to add you to it!