Introduction
Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in St Lucia, offering comprehensive production support for international film and television crews. With extensive local knowledge and hands-on experience, we manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.
St Lucia’s stunning landscapes—dramatic volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant local culture—offer the perfect backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.
Planning a shoot in St Lucia? Hoodlum ensures a smooth production process, handling logistics from permits and visas to equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in St Lucia.
Country Overview
Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, this region is a stunning island nation that offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and modern amenities. With its lush rainforests, towering volcanic peaks, and pristine beaches, this region is an ideal destination for filmmakers looking to capture a tropical paradise on camera.
Main Cities:
The main cities are Castries (the capital), Gros Islet, Soufrière, and Vieux Fort.
Location:
This region is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, with no shared borders with any countries.
Language:
The official language is English, but the majority of the population also speaks Saint Lucian Creole, also known as Kwéyòl.
Currency:
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).
Best Time to Film in St Lucia
The best time to film in this region is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is generally sunny and calm, with minimal rainfall and hurricane risk. This period offers ideal conditions for outdoor filming, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity.
Avoiding Hurricane Season
It is not recommended to film in this region during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, due to the risk of tropical storms and heavy rainfall. This period can be challenging for outdoor filming, and safety concerns may arise.
With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and modern amenities, St Lucia is an ideal destination for filmmakers. By planning your shoot during the dry season, you can take advantage of the island’s optimal weather conditions and capture breathtaking footage of this tropical paradise.
Visa Requirements
General Requirements
- A valid visa (if applicable)
- A filming permit from the St. Lucia Tourism Authority
- Compliance with local regulations, such as hiring a local fixer or production coordinator
Required Information/Documentation
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of travel arrangements
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Letter from the production company stating the purpose and duration of the trip
Timings
- Processing time: 3-5 working days
- Recommended to apply: at least 2-3 weeks in advance
Cost
USD $110-$185
Visa Application Link
https://www.govt.lc/services/apply-for-saint-lucia-non-immigrant-visa
International Crew Accreditation
General Accreditation Requirements
- Crew list with names, job titles, and passport numbers
- Proof of travel insurance
- Payment of accreditation fee
Required Information/Documentation
- Completed accreditation form
- Copy of passport
- Proof of travel insurance
- Letter from the production company stating the purpose and duration of the shoot
Timings
- Processing time: 2-3 working days
- Recommended to apply: at least 1-2 weeks in advance
Cost
USD $37-$74
General Film Permit
What Organisation Issues the Permits?
The St. Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is responsible for issuing film permits in St Lucia, in conjunction with the St. Lucia Film Commission and other relevant government agencies.
Timings
Typically takes 5-10 working days
Required Information/Documentation
- Completed permit application form
- Copy of script, storyboard, and/or shot list
- Detailed location schedule
- Proof of liability insurance
- Letter from the production company outlining the project’s objectives, budget, and timeline
Cost
Approximately USD $185 to USD $1,850
Private Locations
General Process
The Fixer plays a crucial role in the private film location process in St Lucia by scouting and securing locations, obtaining permits and approvals, coordinating logistics, and facilitating communication between the production team and local authorities, property owners, and stakeholders.
Cost
The cost of a private film location in St Lucia is typically determined on a case-by-case basis and cannot be provided until the production team submits a detailed filming schedule, including dates, times, and specific location requirements.
Drone Permit
Drone Regulations
In St. Lucia, drone operations for film and photography purposes require permission from the St Lucia Civil Aviation Authority and the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, and must comply with regulations regarding altitude, proximity to airports and populated areas, and pilot certification.
Drone Importation Regulations
In St. Lucia, the importation of drones for film and photography purposes requires a temporary import permit from the Customs and Excise Department, and may also require a permit from the St Lucia Civil Aviation Authority, with certain exemptions available for equipment valued under a certain threshold.
What Organisation Issues the Permits?
The St. Lucia Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) is responsible for issuing drone permits in St Lucia, including permits for aerial filming and photography.
Required Information/Documentation
- Completed permit application form
- Proof of drone registration
- Proof of pilot certification
- Copy of drone’s airworthiness certificate
- Detailed flight plan, including location coordinates and altitude
Timings
Typically takes 3-5 working days
Cost
Approximately USD $185
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is it a Carnet Country?
No, St. Lucia is not a Carnet country
General Process for Non-Carnet Country
In a non-Carnet country like St Lucia, a Temporary Import Permit or a Customs Bond is typically required for the temporary importation of goods, such as film equipment, which involves lodging a cash deposit or bank guarantee with Customs, to ensure the goods are re-exported within a specified timeframe.
Required Information/Documentation
- Commercial invoice
- Detailed equipment list
- Customs declaration form
- Copy of film permit
- Proof of temporary importation permit or customs bond
What Organisation Issues the Clearance?
Customs clearance in St Lucia is issued by the Customs and Excise Department of the Government of St Lucia, specifically the Customs Brokers Unit at Hewanorra International Airport or the Customs House at the Port of Castries.
Timings
Typically takes 2-4 hours
Cost
Approximately USD $37 to $185
Film Rebates and Tax Incentives
St Lucia offers a Film Production Rebate Program, providing a rebate of up to 20% of qualifying expenditures for:
- Film productions
- Television productions
- Reality TV productions
- shot on the island.
Safety & Security
General Overview
St. Lucia provides a film-friendly environment with:
- Diverse landscapes
- Relatively low production costs
- Supportive government
Making it an attractive location for international film and television productions.
Security Requirements
Film crews in St Lucia are advised to:
- Hire local, unarmed security personnel
- Use reputable security companies to provide a visible presence and deter petty theft or crime
Particularly in:
- Public locations
- Isolated areas