Reunion Island

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Reunion Island, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Reunion Island

Capital

Saint-Denis

Main Cities

Saint-Pierre, Saint-André, Saint-Benoît, Le Tampon

Local Languages

Réunion Creole, French

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Climate

Hot & Humid

General Visa Requirements:

For filming crews heading to Réunion Island, visa requirements are a crucial consideration. Since Réunion Island is a French overseas department, period. (and european territory). A Schengen visa is necessary for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day

Required Documents:

Letter from the film company, outlining the company name, film title, location, plot, and crew members' duties.
Authorization to film, verified by the respective film association or producer.
Proof of affiliation with your home country's Ministry of Culture or equivalent agency.

Visa Application Process:

You can start you Visa Application here.

Film Permit: Obtain a permit from the Réunion Island Film Commission (Commission du Film de la Réunion) or local authorities.
Script and Synopsis: Provide a copy of the script and synopsis.
Shooting Schedule: Submit a detailed shooting schedule.
Location Agreement: Obtain agreements from location owners or managers.
Crew List: Provide a list of crew members, including passports and contact information.
Schengen Visa (for non-EU nationals): Apply through the French consulate or embassy.
Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
Travel Insurance: Proof of medical and travel insurance.
Invitation Letter: From the French producer or local partner (if applicable).

Processing Time:

Up to 30 days.

Cost:

€60 – €180.

Accreditation Requirements:

For international film crews shooting on Réunion Island, accreditation requirements ensure compliance with French and European regulations and laws. International Crew Accreditation is mandatory.

Crew accreditation process:

Submit application: Provide required documents to the Réunion Island Prefecture or French Embassy/Consulate.
Review and approval: Authorities review and approve the application.
Accreditation delivery: Receive accreditation documents.

Required Documents:

Film permit: Obtain a permit from the Réunion Island Prefecture or the French Ministry of Culture (depending on the type of production).
Temporary Work Permit (APT): Required for foreign crew members working on Réunion Island. (For kids and teeanagers need to ask 2-3 months before shooing)
Visa: Short-stay or long-stay visa, depending on the length of stay.
Customs clearance: For equipment import/export.
Professional ID: Proof of professional identity (e.g., business card, letter from production company).
Insurance: Liability and equipment insurance.
Crew list: Detailed list of crew members, including nationality, role, and duration of stay.

Processing Time:

4-6 weeks

Cost:

€300 – €500

Issuing Organization:

Réunion Island Prefecture.

Required Documents:

Completed application form: Provided by the Réunion Island Prefecture or Film Commission.
Script and synopsis: Detailed script and synopsis of the production.
Shooting schedule: Detailed shooting schedule, including dates, times, and locations.
Crew list: List of crew members, including nationality, role, and contact information.
Equipment list: List of equipment to be used, including type and quantity.
Production company registration: Certificate of registration for the production company.
Director's ID: Valid ID or passport of the director.
Producer's ID: Valid ID or passport of the producer.
Proof of insurance: Liability insurance and equipment insurance certificates.
Location permits: Permits from local authorities for filming at specific locations.
Property owner agreements: Agreements with private property owners for filming on their property.

Processing Time:

4-8 weeks

Cost:

€90 – €900

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Location scouting: Identify suitable private locations.
Location owner contact: Establish contact with location owners.
Location visit: Assess location feasibility.
Negotiations: Discuss terms, fees, and logistics.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Vary depending on location, production type, and duration.
Typically, €500-€5,000 (approximately $550-$5,500 USD) per day.

Drone Regulations:

Authorization: Obtain prior authorization from the Réunion Island Prefecture and the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).
Certification: Drone operators must hold a valid EU drone pilot certificate or equivalent.
Insurance: Liability insurance covering drone operations is mandatory.
Permit: Obtain a film permit from the Réunion Island Prefecture.
Declared Zones: Filming in declared zones (e.g., national parks) requires additional permits.
No-Fly Zones: Respect no-fly zones (e.g., airports, military areas).
Altitude Limit: Maximum altitude: 150 meters (492 feet).
Visual Line of Sight: Maintain visual line of sight with the drone.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Declaration: Declare your drone at customs upon arrival.
Permit Application: Submit an application for a permit, providing details about your drone, filming purpose, and locations.
Liability Insurance: Secure liability insurance covering drone operations.
Customs Clearance: Clear customs with the help of a local fixer or production service company.

Permit Issuance:

Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (French Civil Aviation Authority)

Timing:

2-6 Weeks

Cost:

EURO 130

Carnet Status:

Yes, Réunion Island, as an overseas department of France, is a Carnet country.

Required Documents:

Commercial Invoice – Detailed description, value, and weight of equipment.
Packing List – Itemized list of equipment and accessories.
Bill of Entry – Customs declaration form.
ATA Carnet (if applicable) – Temporary import/export document.
Certificate of Origin – Proof of equipment’s country of origin.
Export License – From equipment’s country of origin.
Insurance Certificate – Proof of insurance covering equipment.
Freight Forwarder’s Documents – Air waybill, shipping invoice, etc.
Permit from Réunion Island Film Commission – For filming-related equipment.
Permit from DGAC (French Civil Aviation Authority) – For drone equipment.

Issuing Organization:

Réunion Island Customs (Douane de la Réunion)

Timing:

2-5 Days

Cost:

7% of Equipment Value

General Overview:

Physical Safety

Location scouting – Ensure locations are secure and accessible.
Permits – Obtain necessary permits for filming.
Crowd control – Manage crowds and bystanders.
Weather – Monitor weather conditions, especially during outdoor shoots.

Equipment Safety

Equipment insurance – Cover against damage, loss, or theft.
Secure storage – Store equipment in safe, locked areas.
Regular maintenance – Ensure equipment is well-maintained.

Security Requirements:

Armed guards – Trained personnel for high-risk locations.
Unarmed guards – For general security and crowd control.
Security patrols – Regular patrols around locations and accommodations.
Equipment locks – Secure equipment with locks and cables.
Secure storage – Store equipment in locked, alarmed facilities.
GPS tracking – Track equipment location.

Rebates/Incentives:

Réunion Island has positioned itself as an attractive destination for international filmmakers through competitive financial incentives. Two main rebate programs are available: the Tax Rebate for International Productions (TRIP) and the Réunion Island Rebate. These schemes are designed to encourage both foreign and French productions to bring their projects to the island.

Tax Rebate for International Productions:

Eligibility: Foreign-initiated films and television programs.
Minimum Budget Requirement: €250,000.
Cultural Criteria: Projects must incorporate elements related to French culture, heritage, or territory.
Incentive: 30% rebate on eligible production expenses, capped at €30 million per project.

Réunion Island Rebate:

Eligibility: French-produced films.
Minimum Budget Requirement: €200,000.
Location Requirement: Productions must be shot on Réunion Island.
Incentive: 20% rebate on eligible production expenses. While the official framework mentions a maximum of €4 million per project, in practice the Regional Council allocates a total of €4 million annually across all supported projects. For feature films or series, productions can expect a minimum of €300,000 in support, depending on scope and eligibility.

Eligible Expenses:

Cast and crew salaries
Equipment rental
Location fees
Transportation and logistics
Accommodation
Catering

Local Support

The Agence Film Réunion plays a central role in assisting production companies, offering guidance and logistical support throughout the process. With years of experience, the agency acts as a bridge between filmmakers and local authorities, ensuring smooth operations on the island.

Learn more about Réunion Island Film Rebates