WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION IN MEXICO
Mexico is located in North America. Mexico is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico; the United States to the north, and Belize and Guatemala to the south.
The climate in Mexico is tropical with a rainy and dry season and little temperature fluctuation from season to season. The temperature in all areas of Mexico typically ranges between 50°F and 90°F throughout the year. Average annual humidity is around 70%. The rainy season runs (generally) from May/June through to October each year—sometimes spilling over into November.
The best time to film in Mexico is between December and April, when the sun is high in the sky, and there is almost no rain. July to August is also a good, as the summer heat would have waned away, but the summer vacation crowds might be too high for some people.
The Mexican Peso is the legal tender in Mexico, a currency that has lived adapting to the needs of the market throughout the years. At present, the peso is issued in nine different kinds of banknotes and nine coins of different value, ranging from 5 centavos to 1,000 pesos.
The Mexican government uses Spanish in the majority of its proceedings; however it recognizes 68 national languages, 63 of which are indigenous. Of the indigenous languages spoken, two of the most widely used are Nahuatl and Maya.
Mexico does suffer from high crime and homicide rates — undoubtedly linked to the drug trade however many areas of the country are safe to visit. Most of the cartel-related violence that occurs in Mexico is geographically limited in its intensity, with narco-traffickers targeting each other with Mexican authorities or entities that stand in their way. It is rare for such violence to specifically target a traveller or tourist unless they are caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Local film fixer will guide international filmmakers on the where to go and where not to go.
Mexico’s culture is rich, colourful and vibrant, influenced by its ancient civilisations such as the Aztec and Maya as well as European colonisation. It is unique and probably one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. … Music and dance feature heavily in Mexican culture. . It is considered rude to stand around with your hands in your pockets. Don’t show signs of discomfort, which would also be considered rude by your Mexican counterpart. Mexicans often “hold” a gesture (a handshake, a squeeze of the arm, a hug) longer than westerners.
There are basically two classes of bus, first (primera) and second (segunda), though on major long-distance routes there’s often little to differentiate them. First-class vehicles have reserved seats, videos and air-conditioning (which can be fierce – you may want a jumper), though an increasing number of second-class lines have the same comforts. The main differences will be in the number of stops – second-class buses call at more places, and consequently take longer to get where they’re going – and the fare, which is about ten percent higher on first-class services (sometimes a lot more). Most towns of any size have a modern bus station, known as the Central Camionera or Central de Autobuses. here are more than fifty airports in Mexico with regular passenger flights run by local airlines, plus several smaller airports with feeder services. The big company – formerly state-owned and with international as well as domestic flights – is Aeroméxico which connects most places to Mexico City, usually several times a day.
Local film fixers will advise on film friendly hotels and serviced apartments in Mexico.
There are several tax incentives and rebates in place for film production in Mexico and the local film fixers can assist international film producers to make the most of these.
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN MEXICO
There are a number of absolutely stunning film locations throughout Mexico that can work well for feature film, commercial, stills campaign, promotional video or TV series. Mexico City is the hub of the country’s film industry and is home to all the post-production facilities in the country. It is also one of the largest cities in the world offering plenty of spectacular and varied backdrops. Local Fixers can help you arrange travel to and from filming sites, some of which include pyramid ruins, upscale neighbourhoods and slums. Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city, home to neoclassical architecture and colonial landmarks, along with sites such as the Palacio del Gobierno. Guanajuato is situated in central Mexico’s Bajío region, Guanajuato is home to a number of archaeological sites, along with a network of underground driving tunnels. Oaxaca is known for many things, including it’s rough terrain, high indigenous population, it’s culinary scene and world-famous Dia de Los Muertos festival, one of the best in Mexico. Cozumel is stunning Mexican island is home to plenty in the way of natural beauty, and is famed for it’s scuba diving. The Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and Chankanaab Eco Park, which surrounds a lagoon with underwater caverns, are particularly stunning. San Miguel de Allende and Puebla offer traditional colonial settings, while larger beachfront resort areas like Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco have long stretches of white sand along with ample amenities and facilities. Film location to bear in mind are the Agua Azul Waterfalls, Cave of Swallows, Chichen Itza ruins, Copper Canyo, The Cave of Crystals, Palenque ruins, Tulum Mayan ruins and the Sian Ka’an Reserve.
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS IN MEXICO HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PERMITS AND VISA APPLCATIONS
| Location Permits – How long does it take to get filming permits | It depends on the location. If it is a government location it normally takes from 2 to 3 weeks; although, because of COVID, permits for these are taking even longer because of the difficulty to reach the authorities. On the other hand, if it is a private location, it can take a week. |
| What are the drone regulations in-country | The pilot has to be a certified pilot and with a DJI license. Usually, to be covered by insurance and have all the Mexican licenses, it is better to hire a local drone pilot. |
| How long do drone permits take to get? | 6 months for all the licenses from the Mexican Government. |
| What are the regulations on bringing film equipment into the country? (Carnet country or not) | Carnet Country |
| Visa requirements and timings (for RSA/USA/UK/German passport holders) | You can enter the country as a tourist without a VISA for USA, UK and German passports -if it is for a short period of time. If you enter to work for more than three months you require a VISA. For RSA passports you do require a VISA. Please talk to your local Mexican Embassy/Consulate for requirements. |
| Covid Protocol (testing, airport protocol) | Mexico does not require a COVID test coming into the country, but you must do one when you leave the country. |
MORE FROM LOCAL FILM FIXERS ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION IN MEXICO
Mexico is a cost-effective filming location, one that is more affordable than the US. With this said, costs can be incurred with travel given the expansive size and scale of the country, but these can be minimized with forward thinking, logistics and planning.
Film equipment
Camera, grips and lighting equipment is readily available locally. Film equipment is also easily bought into the country as Mexico is a carnet country.
Film crew
Local film fixers have access to both unionized and non-unionized film crew able to speak English fluently and experienced in working with international film producers.
In Mexico, 10-hour days are standard, while night shoots are set on an 8-hour shoot time. Anything above this or any footage shot on public holidays (and in some cases weekends) are subject to premiums. The Mexican 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.
