Greece

Introduction

Welcome to Greece, where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Hoodlum Film Fixers offers expert services to help you navigate the ins and outs of filming in this beautiful Mediterranean country. From the sun-drenched islands of the Aegean to the bustling streets of Athens, Greece provides a wide range of filming locations. Whether you’re producing a historical epic, a travel documentary, a commercial, or a contemporary drama, our team is here to support you with everything from location scouting to securing permits and local crews. With Hoodlum’s expertise, your film production in Greece will run smoothly, allowing you to focus on telling your story.

Planning to film in Greece? Let Hoodlum Film Fixers take care of the logistics, so you can focus on your creative vision. Contact us today and let’s make your Greece production a success.

Why Film in Greece?

Greece offers an array of stunning locations for filmmakers:

• Athens: The centre of ancient civilization, with iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, and vibrant modern streets.
• Santorini: Known for its white-washed buildings and spectacular sunsets, perfect for romantic or lifestyle shoots.
• Crete: A mix of ancient ruins, serene beaches, and mountainous landscapes, ideal for a wide variety of settings.
• Meteora: Breathtaking rock formations and monasteries—perfect for dramatic, awe-inspiring shots.
• Peloponnese: Historic sites such as Olympia combined with stunning coastlines, offering a blend of heritage and natural beauty.

Local Languages

The official language is Modern Greek (Νεοελληνική, Neoellinikí), widely spoken across the country.

Local Currency

The currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR), making transactions seamless for productions operating within the Eurozone.

Weather / Seasons

• Spring (April – June): Ideal for filming with blooming landscapes and moderate temperatures (up to 39°C/102°F by June).
• Autumn (September – November): Features golden foliage, fewer tourists, and comfortable weather.
  These periods offer abundant sunlight (9-10 hours/day) and are cost-effective for filming.

Visa Requirements

General Requirement in Country
Film crews require:

• Schengen Visa (Type C): For stays up to 90 days.
• National Visa (Type D): For stays over 90 days.

Required Information / Documentation for Application

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity).
• Completed visa application form.
• Recent passport-sized photos (2-3).
• Proof of film-related profession (not required for short-stay visas).
• Travel health insurance and proof of visa fee payment.

Timings

• Schengen Visa (Type C): 15 days.
• National Visa (Type D): 30 days.

Cost

• Schengen Visa: €80.
• National Visa: €180.

Visa Application Link
Visa Application Portal

International Crew Accreditation

General Accreditation Requirements

To film in Greece, you must first register with the Greek Film Centre (GFC) and obtain a tax identification number (AFM) from the Greek Tax Authority.

Required Information / Documentation

To complete your accreditation, you’ll need to submit a fully filled-out application form, along with a valid passport and proof of health insurance coverage.

Timings
Processing takes 1-2 weeks.

Cost
Approx. €50-€200.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organizations

• Greek Film Centre (GFC): For public area filming and procedural guidance.
• Municipalities: For filming in city areas (streets, parks, squares).
• Ministry of Culture and Sports: For archaeological sites and museums.
• Ministry of Interior: For sensitive locations (e.g., military bases).
• Hellenic Police: For road closures and traffic restrictions.
• Regional Authorities: For filming in their jurisdictions.

Timings
Permit approvals take 2-4 weeks.

Required Documentation

• Completed application form.
• Script and storyboard.
• Shooting schedule and location list.
• Proof of liability insurance.

Cost
€500-€2,000.

Drone Permit

Regulations

For drone filming in Greece, registration with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) is required for drones weighing over 250g. Additionally, a certified drone pilot’s license for commercial use is necessary, along with obtaining permits for any no-fly zones, such as airports or archaeological sites.

Importation Regulations
Drones over 25kg require an import permit from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

Issuing Authority
Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).

Required Documentation

• Drone application form.
• Proof of liability insurance.
• Film permit from GFC or local authorities.

Timings
Processing takes 10-15 working days.

Cost
€20-€50.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Country
Greece is a Carnet country, simplifying the import/export process.

Required Documentation

• Carnet document.
• Commercial invoice and packing list.

Issuing Organization
Greek Customs Authority.

Timings
Clearance takes 3-5 working days.

Cost
€50-€200.

Film Rebates and Tax Incentives

Greece offers tax rebates for film productions that spend over €60,000. The application costs typically range from €700 to €1,500, with processing times taking between 3 to 6 months.

Safety & Security

General Overview
Greece is a safe and film-friendly destination, boasting modern infrastructure and supportive local authorities.

Security Requirements

• Stay informed about local conditions.
• Cooperate with local authorities for a seamless experience.