Filming in Jamaica

Hiring a fixer in Jamaica

Our fixer in Jamaica will tell you that government departments can move slowly here, so the general rule is to allow plenty of lead time for film location permits. This goes especially if you require street closures or large setups. Otherwise, filming in Jamaica does not impose difficulties. It has a talented labor pool and English is widely spoken. It has a good infrastructure and its proximity to the US mainland also means that equipment can be shipped in easily.

Visa for Jamaica

Carole Beckford, Film Commissioner, urges foreign crews filming in Jamaica to hire nationals: We have a huge diversity of locations and a very strong technical crew base so visiting productions only need bring their main creatives with them for a shoot. Should you want to bring a couple of your trusted collaborators with you, crews who enter Jamaica on Western passports can enter visa-free for periods of up to 180 days depending on the country. US travelers, see here for more information.

Film Permits in Jamaica

A Film License costs $300 per shoot and allows you to film public locations all over the island, except national parks and markets, which require separate film permits. To apply for a License, our fixer in Jamaica will require a synopsis of your company, a brief description of what is being shot, the TV or online outlet when applicable, and proof of insurance. Location-specific permits are usually arranged at the parish level, and some require location releases (such as the Bob Marley Museum).

Special equipment renting info

Full grip, lighting, and sound equipment are available in Jamaica as well as trucks, tents and marquees, and artist trailers. Also available are 1,000-amp Crawford generators, trucks, and honeywagons. There are RED Cameras, Epic X Cameras, and multi-camera trucks, including an HD multi-camera truck. Any additional equipment can be sourced through Jamaica’s rental companies, or brought in. Our film fixer can easily arrange for large cranes, underwater housing equipment and more to be flown in.

Cultural facts

Film permits in Jamaica are not the only strain here. In touristy areas, many people will try to help you, looking for money. They will try to fist pound or handshake with you. Keep walking and politely say ‘no, thank you’. It is illegal to buy or use drugs. Commonly, you will be offered marijuana – ‘smoke… smoke?’, ‘the bob Marley’ or ‘weed’ by the locals. The same ‘no, thank you’ will suffice.

Weather when filming in Jamaica

Filming in Jamaica, you will discover an ideal tropical maritime climate. Coastal temperatures average from 26C to 30C all year round and fall steadily with altitude. The Blue Mountains average 18C. At the shore, days are cooled by warm trade winds. Cool northerly winds can blow from December to March when cold fronts can affect Jamaica. The May to December rainy season brings the heaviest rains in September and October. The best times for filming are the end of November to March.

Tax rebate in Jamaica

Our fixer in Jamaica will tell you all about developing Jamaica’s broader international appeal as a movie location through JAMPRO (Jamaica Film Commission). This is especially true as the country lacks a truly competitive filming incentive program. It does have, however, a thriving commercials industry, aided in no small way by Usain Bolt who shoots most of his advertising campaigns locally. As with many of the world’s sporting stars, commercial producers come to him.

Conclusion on filming in Jamaica

Due to the long lead times in obtaining film permits, we will start arranging for it as soon as possible. Our renown and reputation for observing local rules allow us easier access to a network of government officials. However, we still need to wait on it more than our peers in other countries.

We will also count on you for information in these early stages, so we might have to work together closer and earlier in our partnership than you are accustomed to. Our fixer in Jamaica will make sure to keep you up to date with progress on documentation as well as other preparations being done in advance of your arrival. Pick Fixer Jamaica for speed in execution…as much as the local circumstances allow.

Get in touch

hello@fixerjamaica.com