Introduction
Guyana’s pristine landscapes, diverse culture, and unmatched natural beauty make it a filmmaker’s paradise. At Hoodlum Film Fixers, we offer comprehensive on-ground production support to ensure your project runs smoothly. From location scouting and local crew sourcing to logistics and permits, our experienced team is on hand to provide seamless solutions tailored to your production needs.
Let’s transform your creative vision into reality in one of the world’s most captivating locations. Reach out to us today to discuss how Hoodlum Film Fixers can support your Guyana production!
Country Overview
Guyana is a country located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Venezuela to the west, and Suriname to the east.
Geography
- Area: 214,969 km² (83,000 sq mi)
- Population: approximately 790,000 people
- Capital city: Georgetown
- Highest point: Mount Roraima (2,810 meters or 9,220 ft)
- Major rivers: Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice
Currency
Currency: Guyanese dollar (GYD)
Weather
Guyana has a tropical climate with two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The main dry season runs from August to November — the most reliable window for interior shoots, river access, Kaieteur Falls and Rupununi savannah work. The short dry season runs from February to April and is useful for coastal and Georgetown-based shoots. The main wet season runs from May to July; the short wet season from December to January. Interior locations can become inaccessible by road or even by small aircraft during heavy rainfall — rivers rise rapidly, airstrips flood and overland routes to the Rupununi can extend from 8 hours to genuinely impassable. Plan interior shoots in the dry season unless you have strong contingency and a local team with field experience.
- Tropical rainforest climate
- High temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F)
- Low temperatures range from 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F)
- Rainy season: May to July and November to January
Getting to Guyana and interior Access
Getting to Guyana and Moving Around
International arrival: Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) at Timehri, approximately 40km south of Georgetown, is Guyana’s main international airport. Direct international connections operate from New York (JFK), Miami, Toronto, London (via Trinidad or Barbados) and several Caribbean hubs. There are no direct flights from Europe — European crews typically connect through Trinidad (POS), Barbados (BGI) or Miami. Factor this into equipment freight planning and crew travel time.
Georgetown and the coast: The coastal strip — Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam — is accessible by road and has the island’s best production infrastructure. Georgetown has functioning hotels, vehicle hire, some equipment suppliers and decent mobile connectivity. This is the staging hub for all interior shoots.
Interior access — the critical variable: Guyana’s interior is its most compelling filming environment and its most logistically demanding. The three main routes are:
- Scheduled flights: Domestic carriers including Air Services Limited (ASL) operate to interior airstrips including Annai, Lethem and Kaieteur. Payload limits are strict — typically 15–20kg per passenger. Camera packages, lighting rigs and sound equipment must be broken down and distributed carefully. Oversized or overweight gear cannot travel on scheduled services.
- Chartered flights: Charter aircraft can carry heavier loads to interior airstrips, but availability must be confirmed well in advance, weather delays are common, and costs are significant — budget USD 1,500–4,000+ per charter leg depending on aircraft type and destination.
- Overland: The road from Georgetown to Lethem (Rupununi) takes 8–16 hours in dry conditions and is not suitable for large equipment in the wet season. It is used by productions moving heavy gear that cannot fly, but requires experienced drivers and robust vehicles.
A recce trip is essential for any interior shoot. Do not schedule interior shooting days without having physically assessed the airstrip conditions, accommodation, connectivity and access routes first.
Indigenous Community Filming in Guyana
Filming in Indigenous Communities Guyana has 10 recognised indigenous peoples, including the Wapichan, Macushi, Arawak and Wai Wai, many of whom live in titled community lands in the interior. Filming in or near these communities requires prior approval from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and, critically, from the community’s own elected leadership (the Toshao and Village Council).
This is not a bureaucratic formality — it is a genuine relationship-building requirement. Productions that approach community filming correctly, through proper introductions, transparent communication about purpose and fair compensation discussions, will find extraordinary cooperation and access. Those that don’t will find doors closed and permits stalled.
Allow additional time — 4–6 weeks minimum beyond standard permit timelines — for community consultation and ministry approval. Hoodlum’s local team has established relationships with communities in the Rupununi and can facilitate introductions properly.
Guyana Local Crew & Equipment
Local Crew and Equipment Georgetown has a developing but limited local production industry. Camera operators, fixers, production assistants and drivers with international production experience are available — Hoodlum’s team includes crew with Discovery Channel, Vice News and BBC credits. Specialist camera packages, lighting rigs, grip and advanced sound equipment are not reliably available for hire on-island. Productions should plan to bring all specialist equipment from outside the country, factor in customs clearance timing (GTA endorsement required), and have a clear re-export plan in place before equipment arrives.
For interior shoots, equipment weight and packability are as important as technical specification. Crews shooting in the Rupununi or at Kaieteur should stress-test every kit item against the payload limits of the aircraft they will use.
Language
Official language: English
Other languages: Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (Waiwai, Macushi, and Patamona), and Indian languages (Hindi and Urdu)
Culture
Ethnic groups: Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindians, and mixed heritage
Cuisine: influenced by Caribbean, Indian, and African traditions
Visa Requirements
General Requirements
Ensure you meet Guyana’s visa requirements. Film crews may require a Business or Tourist visa, depending on the purpose of their visit. Check the Guyana Government’s official website or consult with the Guyana Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (at least six months’ validity)
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Letter of intent or Terms of Reference from the Client
- Invitation letter or confirmation from local partner/fixer/company in Guyana (for business visa)
- Proof of payment for visa fee
- Proof of onward travel or return ticket
- Health insurance certificate (required for some nationalities)
- Additional documents for film crews:
- Letter explaining the purpose and duration of the film project
- List of equipment and crew members
- Location permits and approvals (if applicable)
Timings
3-5 working days (72 hours)
Cost
US$40-$60
International Crew Accreditation
General Accreditation Requirements
Submit application and supporting documents to the Guyana Tourism Authority or Ministry of Tourism.
Required Documents
- Visa: Business or tourist visa (depending on the purpose of the visit)
- Passport: Valid for at least six months
- Application Form: Completed and signed film crew accreditation application form
- Company Documents: Registration documents, certificate of incorporation, or equivalent
- Project Description: Detailed synopsis, script, or treatment
- Location List: Proposed filming locations
- Equipment List: List of equipment and crew members
- Insurance Certificate: Proof of liability insurance
- Additional permits and approvals (if applicable)
Timings
GTA: 3-4 weeks / EPA: 4-6 weeks / GRA & Customs: 3-4 weeks / Ministry of Amerindian Affairs: 12-14 weeks
Cost
Application Fee: $40USD & Permit Fee: $750USD
General Film Permit
Issuing Organisation
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)
Timings
AT LEAST 3-4 weeks for this process.
Required Documents
- Film Permit Application Form: Completed and signed application form
- Project Synopsis: Brief summary of the film project
- Script: Full script or treatment
- Location List: List of proposed filming locations
- Shoot Schedule: Detailed shooting schedule
- Crew List: List of crew members, including names, nationalities, and roles
- Equipment List: List of equipment to be used
Cost
The GTA does not charge an application nor Permit Fee, however, the cost to facilitate this process will be subject to the Fixer / Local Counterpart.
Private Locations
General Process
- Location Scouting: Identify potential locations, consider factors like accessibility, aesthetics, and logistics.
- Location Owner Contact: Reach out to location owners or managers to inquire about availability and fees.
- Location Visit: Conduct a site visit to assess suitability and negotiate terms.
Cost
The costs of private locations in Guyana can only be accurately determined once a production synopsis is available, as location fees vary.
Drone Permit
Drone Regulations
- Altitude Limit: 400 feet (122 meters) above ground level
- Airspace Restrictions: Avoid flying over sensitive areas (e.g., airports, military bases)
- Right-of-Way: Yield to manned aircraft
- Visual Line of Sight: Maintain visual contact with drone
- Drone Importation Regulations
- Drone Classification: Recreational, commercial, or specialized (e.g., agricultural)
- Weight Limit: 55 pounds (25 kg) for recreational drones
- Frequency Regulation: 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz frequency bands
- Battery Restrictions: Lithium-ion batteries subject to transportation regulations
Issuing Organisation
Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
Required Documents
- Drone Permit Application Form: Completed and signed application form
- Project Synopsis: Brief summary of the film project
- Script: Relevant scenes or sections involving drone footage
- Flight Plan: Detailed plan outlining drone operations
- Drone Specifications: Make, model, weight, and technical specifications
Timings
6 – 8 Weeks
Cost
Permit cost to be confirmed by the GCAA on application
Equipment Customs Clearance
Carnet Country Status
Guyana is a Carnet country. However, customs clearance is usually granted after receiving an endorsement letter.
General Process
- To clear customs in Guyana, follow these steps:
- Apply through Carnet issuing authority: Apply through the national Carnet issuing authority (e.g., Chamber of Commerce).
- Provide required documents: Provide required documents (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list).
- Pay Carnet fee and security deposit: Pay the Carnet fee and security deposit (if required).
Required Documents
- To clear customs, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice for equipment and goods.
- Packing List: A detailed list of equipment and goods.
- Bill of Lading: A document confirming shipment details.
- Airway Bill: A document confirming air freight details.
- Carnet Document: An ATA Carnet or other temporary importation document (if applicable).
- Letter of Intent: From the client.
- Letter of Endorsement: From the Guyana Tourism Authority.
- Approved Equipment List: Including serial numbers and estimated value costs.
Issuing Organisation
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) issues customs clearance. Note that mandatory film applications are facilitated through the Guyana Tourism Authority, and another mandatory application and permit (Research/Film) is facilitated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Timings
Customs clearance typically takes 2-5 working days (8-20 hours). Allow an additional week for the Guyana Tourism Authority to submit the endorsement and receive approval from the Revenue Authority.
Cost
The cost of customs clearance is approximately USD 75-175.
Film Rebates and Tax Incentives
Guyana does not offer film rebates.
Safety and Security
General Overview
Guyana is generally considered safe for film crews, and locals are often welcoming.
Film-Friendly Policies: Guyana has implemented policies to attract film productions.
Tourism Authority: The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) provides support.
Local Film Commission: Note that Guyana does not have an active Film Commission at present. Fixing services are provided by private sector businesses or experienced professionals.
Recommended Precautions
To ensure a smooth production, consider the following:
- Awareness: Stay informed about local conditions and events.
- Equipment Guards: Hire guards to monitor equipment during filming.
- Location Scouting: Conduct thorough location scouting.
- Vaccinations: Ensure crew members have necessary vaccinations.
Recommended Timeline
Reach out to the relevant authorities at least 4-6 weeks prior to the intended arrival date in Guyana to ensure a smooth production process.