WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION IN OMAN
Oman is located on the south-eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oma, at the Musandam Peninsula in the north of the country, it borders the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
The Climate of Oman can be described as subtropical dry, hot desert climate with low annual rainfall, very high temperatures in summer and a big difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, especially in the inland areas. Summer (June to September) is very low rainfall.
The best time to film in Oman is during winter (October to April) when it is warm and sunny.
The Omani Rial stands as the third strongest currency in the world today. The Omani government buys the US dollar at 0.384 Omani rials
Arabic is the official language across the peninsula, but English is widely understood. Road signs are often in both languages. Large numbers of immigrant workers also speak Urdu, Hindi and other languages of the Indian subcontinent.
Oman is one of the Middle East’s safest countries. The country is a very friendly and safe place to travel, but before you go, here are some important things you should know about local laws. Visitors might not be violating the law but here are a few things that they should never do in Oman:
- Don’t wear inappropriately short clothes.
- Don’t speak or laugh loudly in the street.
- Don’t drink or consume drugs.
- Don’t disrespect mosques.
- Don’t mock Omani traditions.
- Don’t reject hospitality.
- Don’t flirt with women.
There’s very little public transport in Oman. Buses will, at a pinch, get you between the main towns and cities, but hiring a car and driver is the most efficient mode of transport. This will be arranged for you by local.
The infrastructure in Oman is modern and up-to-date, mainly because it is really new. The network of roads in Oman measures about 60 000 kilometres. Almost every town in the nation is connected.
At present there are no tax incentives for foreign films production in Oman
Local film fixers will advise on film friendly hotels and serviced apartments in Oman.
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN OMAN
Oman is known for its spectacular arid landscapes, rocky canyons, sand dunes, wadis, beaches, old forts, palaces, mosques, and modern architecture..
Agricultural film locations include plantations of dates, barley, wheat, and corn. Industrial locations include oil and gas facilities.
Film locations are:
Muscat : The capital and offers the grand mosques,the Al Alam palace,opera houses, museums and forts. Just outside the city you will find the most beautiful turquoise water beaches.
Ad Dakhiliyah : Is a centrally located governorate with spectacular mountain ranges and rocky canyons. Nizwa is a verdant oasis city known for Nizwa fort, Al Qala’a mosque, and the Nizwa goat market and Bahla is known for Bahla fort and Jibreen castle. Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort is one of the best resorts in the Middle East.
Ad Dhahirah :Located in the northwest of the country, this region offer the Jebel Misht is a mountain popular with rock climbers and the Al Ayn and Bat Beehive Tombs are certainly a picturesque location worth looking at.
Al Batinah North : The area is known for its forts in Sohar, Shinas, Liwa, Saham, Al Khabourah, Al Hazm, and As Suwayq as well as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Al Batinah South :Bilad Sayt is a picturesque traditional village with green terraced date palm plantations located on the side of the Al Hajar mountains. The area is a home to many other beautiful wadis and villages, including Wadi Mistal and Wakan Village. Other locations of note include the impossing Nakhal fort, Rustaq fort, Al Masnaah fort, and the hot springs of Ain Al Thowara.
Al Buraymi : Located in the north-western part of the country and is known for its majestic sand dunes
Ash Sharqiyah North : Located in the northeast of the country and is recognised for the Sinaw camel market, and Wadi Bani Khalid. Majlis Al Jinn is a 500 feet deep cave chamber that is popular with base jumpers.
Ash Sharqiyah South : Located in the northeast of the country home to the Al Saleel National Park is home to wildlife including the Arabian gazelle, Egyptian eagle, Arabian wolf, and a variety of turtles and birds and the Jalan Bani Bu Hassan castle.
Dhofar : Omans dessert situated in the far south. The there is Salalah, a city of great importance in the trade of frankincense.
Musandam : Known for images of breath-taking fjords, desert mountains and waters of a beautiful shade of blue spotted with traditional dhows. Khasab fortress is an impressive film location in Musandam.
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS IN OMAN HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM & IMPORT PERMITS AND VISA APPLCATIONS
FILM PERMITS
Obtaining Filming permits takes a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks.
We require a letter from the production company addressed to Action Films. The letter should include the following information:
1. Is the project a TVC, Corporate video or a documentary
2. Filming dates
3. Filming locations
4. Will the film be broadcast on any TV channel
5. If possible, a letter of support from the broadcaster/client
6. Names & passport copies of the main crew members
Drones cannot be brought into the country. These may be confiscated at the airport. It is advisable to use local drone operators
For obtaining drone permits following details are required:
1. Filming dates
2. Filming locations including GPS coordinates
3. Type of drone
4. Details of local drone operator
- Permits take about 4 – 6 weeks
IMPORT PERMITS
Oman is not a carnet country. No camera equipment can be brought into Oman without a permit from the concerned ministry. The production company needs to send us list of equipment with serial no’s of major items like camera, lens etc. Passport copies of the crew who will be travelling with the equipment also needs to be attached with this list. Based on this document local film fixers will obtain gear clearance documents from the ministry. A copy of this letter will be mailed to the production company. A copy of this letter has to be carried by the person travelling with the equipment. A copy of this letter will be faxed by the ministry to the airport customs.
VISA APPLCATIONS
Visitors to Oman can apply for e-visas before travelling to Oman. This takes 24-48 hours and is usually valid for three weeks. The visas can be extended by another three weeks if needed.
MORE FROM LOCAL FILM FIXERS ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION IN OMAN
Film equipment
Some standard grip, lighting and camera equipment such as Red Scarlet, Red Epic and Black Magic cameras are available locally. DJI drones are also available. Larger specialised gear such as the Russian Arm, Technocrane, and gyro heads, can be easily brought in from abroad. Oman is not an ATA carnet country but the process of bringing in film equipment is easy.
Film crew
A small pool of local film crew is available but for bigger productions it is recommended to bring in HOD’s from abroad.
The Omani 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. Oman offers mainly Arabic looking talent. Most Omanis are neither Sunni nor Shiite, but Ibadi Muslim. Some multicultural looks are available, but lead roles are best cast abroad. Nearby Dubai has a larger selection of multicultural talent.
