Introduction
Hawaii, with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes, has long been a top choice for international film and TV productions. From lush rainforests and dramatic volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches and vibrant cityscapes, Hawaii provides exceptional backdrops for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.
At Hoodlum, we provide expert film fixer services in Hawaii, offering comprehensive production support for international crews. Our team handles every aspect of your shoot, including securing film permits, visa assistance, location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.
Why Film in Hawaii?
- Diverse Locations: Hawaii offers a variety of landscapes, from tropical jungles and towering mountains to stunning beaches and active volcanoes.
- Unique Culture: The islands’ rich Native Hawaiian heritage and cultural landmarks provide authentic and visually captivating settings.
- Experienced Local Crew: Hawaii has a robust film industry infrastructure and skilled local crews experienced in large-scale productions.
Planning a shoot in Hawaii? Hoodlum ensures a seamless production process, handling all logistics so you can focus on your creative vision. Contact us today for expert production support in Hawaii.
Country Overview:
Main Cities:
The main cities include Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua, and Kapaa. Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, is the state capital and the largest city.
Bordering Countries:
As an island state situated in the Pacific Ocean, this region does not share borders with any country. It is separated from the North American continent by a considerable distance.
Local Languages:
The official languages are English and Hawaiian, the latter also known as “ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi,” a Polynesian language native to the islands.
Local Currency:
The currency used is the United States Dollar (USD).
Weather / Seasons:
The best time to film in Hawaii is from mid-April to mid-June and again from September to mid-December. During these months, the weather is generally calm, sunny, and warm, with minimal rainfall. The winter months, from mid-December to mid-April, are less suitable for filming due to rainier, windier conditions and the potential for storms, which can pose challenges for outdoor shoots.
Visa Requirements
When traveling to Hawaii for filming purposes, film crew members typically need to secure a non-immigrant visa, such as the B1 business visa or O1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities. Additional permits and approvals may also be required depending on the specifics of the production.
Required Information/Documentation for Application
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Letter of introduction from the production company
- Detailed itinerary for the production shoot
- Proof of financial support
Timings
1-3 months
Cost
B1 business visa:
- $160 (application fee)
- $160 (reciprocity fee)
- Total: $320
Visa Application Link
For more information, please refer to the Visa Verge Website for the full visa process.
International Crew Accreditation
Film crew members working in Hawaii typically require accreditation from the Hawaii Film Office. This involves submitting an application, providing proof of identity and qualifications, and paying an accreditation fee, which varies based on the type of accreditation required.
Required Information/Documentation for Application
- Valid passport
- Proof of identity
- Proof of qualifications or relevant experience
- Resume or CV
- Completed accreditation application form
Timings
Typically, 2-5 business days to process, although timing can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the speed of submission of required documents.
Cost
Typically, ranges from $25 to $50 per person, depending on the type of accreditation and the duration of the production.
General Film Permit
Film permits in Hawaii are issued by the Hawaii Film Office, which is responsible for coordinating and issuing permits for film, television, and commercial productions across the state.
Timings
Typically takes 3-10 business days to process.
Required Information/Documentation for Application
- Completed permit application form
- Proof of liability insurance
- Detailed shooting schedule
- Location map
- Certificate of workers’ compensation insurance
Cost
Typically ranges from $25 to $1,000, depending on the nature and scope of the production.
For more detailed information and guidance on obtaining both crew accreditation and filming permits in Hawaii, it’s best to reach out to the Hawaii Film Office or visit their website.
Private Locations
Hoodlum Film Fixers in Hawaii plays a crucial role in scouting and securing private film locations. They work to obtain necessary permits and approvals, coordinate logistics, and facilitate communication between the production team and location owners or managers.
Cost
The cost of securing a private film location in Hawaii can vary significantly and typically cannot be determined until the production schedule is received. Factors such as location fees, staffing requirements, and equipment needs influence the final cost. Prices depend heavily on the specifics of the shoot and the location itself.
Drone Permit
In Hawaii, operating drones for film and photography purposes requires a permit from the Hawaii Department of Transportation and must comply with FAA regulations. Additionally, operators must adhere to state laws that impose restrictions on flying over populated areas, sensitive ecosystems, and other regulated zones.
Drone Importation Regulations
When importing drones into Hawaii, they must be declared at customs and comply with FAA regulations. The drone must meet the Hawaii Department of Agriculture requirements, which may include obtaining a permit for certain types of drones.
Permit Issuing Organization
Hawaii Department of Transportation, in coordination with the FAA, issues permits for drone operations, including commercial drone use and flights in restricted airspace.
Required Information/Documentation for Local Drone Permit Application
- Completed permit application form
- Proof of liability insurance
- FAA certification or license
- Drone registration documentation
- Detailed flight plan or operations manual
Required Information/Documentation for Drone Importation Application
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- FAA registration documentation
- Proof of ownership
- Completed Hawaii Department of Agriculture Plant and Animal Declaration Form
Timings
7-30 days for processing the application
Cost
$25 to $500, depending on the specifics of the permit and application type
For further assistance and information on drone permits and private filming locations, it’s advisable to consult with Hoodlum Film Fixers to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations and obtain the required permits for a smooth production.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Carnet Requirements
Hawaii is not a Carnet country, so the traditional ATA Carnet process does not apply here.
Customs Process for Non-Carnet Countries
For a non-Carnet country like Hawaii, the equipment clearance process generally involves obtaining an ATA Carnet exemption or using alternative documentation such as a commercial invoice, bill of lading, or a temporary import bond.
Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Film crews arriving in Hawaii should be prepared to present the following documents for customs clearance:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Customs declaration form
- Detailed inventory of all equipment, including serial numbers and values
Organization Issuing Clearance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for issuing equipment clearance in Hawaii.
Timings
The clearance process typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Cost
The cost of customs clearance ranges from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on factors like the type and value of the equipment, shipment complexity, and the services required.
For additional information, refer to this Google Search.
Film Rebates and Tax Incentives
Hawaii offers a refundable tax credit that can help offset production costs for film and media productions. This rebate is designed to attract more productions to the state and support local industry growth.
For further details, explore this Google Search.
Safety & Security
General Country Overview
Hawaii offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and modern infrastructure, making it an attractive filming location. With a well-established film industry, favourable business environment, and competitive incentives, it provides a secure and conducive environment for both large and small-scale productions.
Type of Security Required
Film productions in Hawaii typically require the following security measures:
- Liability insurance to cover potential risks and damages during production
- Location permits to ensure compliance with local regulations and access to filming sites
- On-set security personnel to safeguard the production, equipment, and crew
Additionally, productions filming in sensitive or restricted areas, such as military bases or national parks, may require special security arrangements and additional approvals to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
