WHAT OUR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING ON LOCATION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
East of Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic, one of the largest countries in the Caribbean, offers an attractive filming location for producers looking for somewhere exotic and accessible.
Stunning landscapes, unparallel biodiversity, a fast-developing industry, accessible pristine beaches on over 800 miles of coastline, white sand islands, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, a small desert, big Latin American cities, the oldest colonial city of the Americas, and much more, you will find everything you need for your film or television production.
The climate is tropical with temperatures never going far beyond the annual average of 25C. Rainfall, however, is very seasonal. The wettest months on the north coast are October through to April. May to November marks the rainy season in the south. The south is also prone to hurricanes during August and September. The best time to go to avoid the worst of the humidity is between November and April.
The Dominican Peso (DOP) is the official currency. The symbol for the Peso is $.
In recent years well-known features shooting locally have included Vin Diesels xXx: Return of Xandar Cage.
TAX INCENTIVES FOR FILMMAKERS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic offers foreign productions 25% transferable tax credit (TTC), inclusive of payments made for foreign payroll- if paid via a Dominican Production Company. Withholding tax, can be as small as 1.5%. The law also provides for 100% exemption from all taxes, duties, charges, and fees affecting production and export activities in the zones. Zones located near the Dominican-Haitian border as well as those located throughout the rest of the country.
Filmmakers can also save money on services from exclusive film providers, suppliers such as studios and film equipment rentals that are registered as exclusive film providers are exempt from Dominican Value-Added Taz (18% ITBIS).
What are the requirements?
- Single Shooting Permit (PUR) issued by the Dominican Film Commission (DGCINE)
- A minimum spend in the country of USD$500,000.
- A signed production services agreement with a local production services company
- Contracting legal, accounting and auditing services from pre-approved firms in the DR
- A local general liability insurance
- At least 25% of the total crew and cast members must be Dominican nationals or residents.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FILM LOCATION PERMITS
A film and photography shooting permit is required when shooting in the Dominican Republic, it must be presented in the event of a random check by authorities. Hoodlum film fixers can assist your production team with obtaining such permits.
Film equipment
Most basic equipment is available in the Dominican Republic, specialized equipment can be brought in from Puerto Rico and Miami. The Government is very interested in developing the film industry, so it has made the import process as easy as possible. There is a ferry service between the Domican Republic and Puerto Rico three times a week so anything can be easily shipped from there.
A list of the film equipment entering the country must be provided to the Dominican Republic Film Commission Office at least 2 weeks before its arrival.
Crew and infrastructure
The island is home to Lantica Medias Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios. It has 3 sizeable soundstages and a 60,500 square feet horizon water tank with blue-screen capabilities.
CULTURAL PRACTISES
Carnival celebrations are held in the Dominican Republic each February with parades, street dancing, food festival, and music. Festivities also take place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DRONE REGULATIONS
According to Dominican Republic’s national aviation authority, the Dominican Republics national aviation authority, the Dominican Republics Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (IDAC), flying a drone is legal in the Dominican Republic, please be aware of and complaint with the drone regulations listed: https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-dominican-republic/