Introduction
Hoodlum Film Fixers offers premier film fixer services in Iran, providing comprehensive support to international production teams. With our in-depth local expertise and hands-on experience, our dedicated local fixers manage every detail of your shoot—from securing film permits and visas to location scouting, crew coordination, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, still photography, and post-production services.
Iran’s rich diversity, featuring everything from ancient historical sites and bustling bazaars to dramatic mountain ranges, vast deserts, and picturesque coastlines, makes it an ideal setting for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.
Planning a shoot in Iran? Let Hoodlum and our expert local fixers handle all logistics—from securing permits and visas to managing equipment rentals, arranging flights and accommodations, coordinating transport, and overseeing post-production—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life.
Country Overview
Iran, a vast and diverse country in the heart of the Middle East, is nestled between the Persian Gulf to the south and the Caspian Sea to the north. Steeped in a rich history of ancient empires and cultures, Iran offers a captivating range of film locations, from the grandeur of ancient cities, palaces, and mosques to the serenity of snow-capped mountains, expansive deserts, and bustling bazaars. Iconic sites such as citadels, temples, mausoleums, and museums provide a stunning backdrop for both historical and modern productions. The Trans-Iranian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, offering unique and cinematic settings.
Agriculture plays a significant role in Iran’s economy, with crops like wheat, rice, barley, corn, cotton, saffron, pistachios, and dates being cultivated across the country. Industrial locations of interest include oil and gas facilities, while energy sites feature nuclear power plants, gas-fired power plants, and hydroelectric dams—ideal for industrial-themed films.
Iran has also been the backdrop for notable films such as Pasolini’s Arabian Nights (1974) and Baraka (1992), highlighting its cinematic potential.
At Hoodlum Film Fixers, we leverage our extensive local expertise to navigate the complexities of filming in Iran, ensuring your production runs smoothly. Whether you’re filming in ancient sites, modern urban landscapes, or unique industrial locations, we take care of everything—from securing permits and visas to arranging equipment rentals and coordinating crews—so you can focus on creating your vision. Let us help you bring your next project to life in Iran’s extraordinary and diverse landscapes.
Bordering Countries:
Iran is bordered by seven countries: Iraq to the west, Turkey to the northwest, Armenia to the northwest, Azerbaijan to the north (via the Caspian Sea), Turkmenistan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the east, and Pakistan to the southeast.
Additionally, Iran has maritime borders with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia across the Persian Gulf to the southwest.
Main Cities:
Iran has several cities that are significant for film production, offering diverse locations and infrastructure for filmmaking. Some of the main cities include:
- Tehran: The capital and largest city, Tehran is the hub for the Iranian film industry.
- Isfahan: Known for its stunning historical architecture, Isfahan is famous for its ancient mosques, palaces, and bridges.
- Shiraz: A city rich in cultural history, Shiraz is home to ancient Persian ruins like Persepolis.
- Tabriz: Located in the northwest, Tabriz offers a mix of traditional Persian architecture and modern urban spaces.
- Mashhad: As a major religious and cultural center.
- Kerman: Known for its vast desert landscapes, Kerman is perfect for films set in desert environments or those requiring an arid, otherworldly backdrop.
- Yazd: This ancient city in central Iran is famous for its wind towers, mud-brick houses, and desert surroundings.
Local Languages:
Iran is a multilingual country with several languages spoken across its regions. The main languages include:
- Persian (Farsi): The official language of Iran, spoken by the majority of the population. It is used in government, media, education, and daily communication.
- Azerbaijani (Azeri): Spoken by the Azerbaijani ethnic group, primarily in the northwest regions of Iran, particularly in areas like Tabriz and Ardabil.
- Kurdish: Spoken by the Kurdish people, mainly in the western regions of Iran, such as in Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and parts of Ilam.
- Arabic: Spoken by the Arab population in the southwestern region of Khuzestan, near the border with Iraq.
- Turkmen: Spoken by the Turkmen ethnic group in the northeastern part of Iran, particularly around the areas near the Turkmenistan border.
- Balochi: Spoken by the Baloch people in the southeastern regions of Iran, particularly in Sistan and Baluchestan.
- Gilaki and Mazandarani: Spoken in the northern provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran, along the Caspian Sea coast.
Local Currency:
IRR (Iran Rials)
Best time to film:
The climate of the country is primarily arid and semiarid, with the exception of the northern coastal regions and parts of western Iran. It experiences an extremely continental climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and very cold winters, especially in inland areas. The rainy season typically occurs from November to May.
Visa Requirements
General Requirements:
A letter of invitation, which will be provided by us. The visa application can be completed via the online platform by the client, or we can handle this on your behalf.
Required Information/Documentation for Application:
Letter of invitation, Filming permit, Hotel reservation details, Copy of passport, Vaccination card.
Processing Time:
1-2 weeks
Cost:
$150
Visa Application Link:
Visa is free of charge for the following 28 countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tunisia, Tanzania, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, and India (Air). Nationals from other countries should apply through the Iranian embassy in their respective countries.
International crew accreditation
General Accreditation Requirements:
The fixer will apply for the necessary accreditation on behalf of the client.
Required Information/Documentation for Application:
Proof of employment, Letter or contract with the production company, Passports for each crew member.
Processing Time:
1-2 weeks
General Film Permit
What organization issues the permits?
The permits are issued by the Police, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the Municipality, and the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization.
Processing Time:
The time required depends on the specific scenario; it typically takes 3 working days to a maximum of one week.
Required Information/Documentation for Application:
- Scenario
- Script
- Cast and crew names and designations
- Production budget
- Location and shooting period
- Full details of the production company
Cost:
A minimum of $200
Private Locations
General Process:
These locations are privately owned. The fixer will reach out to the owners on behalf of the client and negotiate the terms and rates.
Cost:
The fixer will negotiate the cost with the private owner on behalf of the client.
Drone Permitting
Drone Regulations:
Drones are only permitted in very limited and specific areas. An application is required for each location.
Drone Importation Regulations:
Drone importation is not allowed.
What organization issues the permits?
The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and Sepah Pasdaran are responsible for issuing permits.
Required Information/Documentation for Local Drone Application:
Production permit, scenario, and script.
Processing Time:
Varies depending on the specific scenario.
Cost:
Approximately $500 per day.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is it a Carnet country?
No, Iran is not a Carnet country.
General Process for Non-Carnet Country:
A clearing agent is required to process a temporary importation permit or document.
Required Information/Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance:
An equipment list indicating the value of the equipment and the equipment serial numbers.
What Organization Issues the Clearance?
The customs service department under the Iran Revenue Authority.
Processing Time:
Approximately 4 working days.
Cost:
5% of the value of the equipment.
Safety and Security
General Overview:
Iran faces challenges with an unstable economy and infrastructure that has been heavily affected by past conflicts. Despite the volatile security situation, Iran is generally considered safe for travellers. However, it is advisable to avoid the border regions with Iraq and Pakistan.
Type of Security Required:
High security is recommended. The Quds Force is available for security services, though it can be costly.
