WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION IN GUINEA CONAKRY
Guinea is officially known as the Republic of Guinea (not to be confused with Equatorial Guinea or Guinea-Bissau). Guinea Conakry is situated in West Africa. It is bordered by Mali, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and the Atlantic Ocean.
The climate is tropical and humid with a wet and dry season. It is one of the wettest countries in West Africa. The monsoon season with a south-westerly wind lasts from June to November. The dry season with a north-easterly harmattan lasts from December to May.
The Republic of Guinea is a multilingual country, with over 40 languages spoken. The official language is French, which was inherited from colonial rule.
The Guinean franc is the official currency in Guinea. Keep in mind that Guinea is a cash economy. Only the major five-star hotels in Conakry and other high profile establishments will accept credit cards.
Guinea is of the same safety level as other countries of West Africa. Both petty and violent crime exists here. Local fixers will advise on safety measures to be taken when filming on location in the region.
Infrastructure is poor and public transport in Guinea is unreliable. Local film fixers will arrange the hire of reliable drivers with their own motor vehicles. Conakry International Airport, also known as Gbessia International Airport, is the busiest airport in Guinea. It is in Conakry, the capital of the Republic of Guinea in West Africa.
Film friendly hotels in Conakry include:
- Sheraton Grand
- Noon Hotel
- Hotel Palm Camayenne
- Hôtel Kaloum
There is currently no film rebates for filming in Guinea Conakry
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN GUINEA CONAKRY
The coast of Guinea holds many hidden areas of attractive scenery, largely untouched by human hand. Explorations of the inland forests top many Guinea itineraries, with forest elephants marching through the lush greenery and exotic birds up in the trees just waiting to be filmed.
Museums, Mount Nimba Nature Reserve: a world heritage site, the Conakry Grand Mosque and the picturesque Les Cascades De La Soumba, Dubreka, best filmed during the rainy season, since the waterfalls can become dry between January and March are a few of the film locations that make up local location scouts libraries.
A group of islands lying off Kaloum Peninsula with golden sand beaches, palms, and forested interiors, once a center for the Atlantic slave trade, today three islands are inhabited and have elementary amenities, while the remaining four are not. Motor vehicles are not permitted on the islands, but numerous trails provide for interesting hikes.
Straddling the tristate join of Guinea, Ivory Coast and Liberia in the extreme south-east of the nation, Mount Nimba marks the highest point in the wild and rugged Nimba Range. The whole area is an ecotourist’s dream-come-true, and comes complete with a UNESCO tag that’s intended to protect all the otherworldly and endangered creatures within: the viviparous toad; zebra duikers; pygmy hippos – the list goes on!
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS IN GUINEA CONAKRY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM & IMPORT PERMITS AND VISA APPLCATIONS
Visa requirements:
A letter of invitation from a local fixer in Guinea Conakry must be drawn up and delivered to the immigration services prior to visa application which is done in country of departure.
Upon arrival, the invitation letter needs to be presented at the point of entry.
Filming permits:
The applications are done by local fixers and take about two weeks.
Film equipment import regulations:
Declare all equipment on arrival. There is no fee payable. A local fixer will assist international producers at the airport.
MORE FROM LOCAL FILM FIXERS ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION IN GUINEA CONAKRY
Film equipment
Basic film Cameras, lights and grips are available locally. All other film gear is to be brought in neighbouring Ivory Coast or abroad.
Film crew
A very small pool of local film crew is available but most crew for bigger productions have to be brought in from abroad or neighbouring Ivory Coast it
The local film fixers will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of film production support to match every budget.
Talent
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable and made up of primarily West Africans. All other talent to be brought in from abroad.
