About filming in South Africa



GENERAL INFO

Salaries in South Africa are still very competitive to Europe.  For example a World-Class DOP's fee is under 700 Euros per 10hr day,

VAT is 14% and refundable.  Exports carry no VAT.Premium days - Sundays & Public Holidays, 7th working day and every consecutive day after day 7. The first night of a night shoot. The premium is 150%. Turnaround time is charged at pro-rata per hour less than 10 hours between shifts. The working day starts from the unit base or location within a 40km radius of the city centre. Full details of crew working conditions are available upon request.

CREW

Crews are flexible when it comes to working overtime and will do their best to carry out anything within reason. They all speak English and have a great deal of experience of working with international personnel. South Africa has excellent DOPs and reels are available upon request.

INCENTIVES

South Africa offers incentives in the form of a cash rebate ranging from 20% to 35% depending on how a production is structured. For more info click here.

STUDIOS

Cape Town has a range from small daylight studios to large 'blimped' 400m2 studios in the city centre. Larger structures are available such as aircraft hangars.  A large new studio Cape Town Film Studios boasts the first proper sound stages in Cape Town. It recently built a water tank and an artificial beach set.

EQUIPMENT

South Africa has an extensive range of equipment. Alexa, Red, Sony, Moviecam, Arriflex and Panavision are supported. There are SuperTechno Cranes and an extensive gripping inventory. (The Giraffe Crane was invented and made by FilmAir in Cape Town!). There are lighting companies including Arri Media. If it exists then it generally can be found in Cape Town.  

LAB & POST

Whilst filmstock and developing still exists, South Africa is now fully equipped with the latest HD technology and at least three leading VFX houses that service international productions.

LOCATIONS

Click here for a sample of the wide variety of locations available.

WEATHER

The seasons in Cape Town are swapped with Europe and America, meaning Cape Town enjoys lovely summers during the worst of the European and American winters.

Filming in South Africa

Locations in South Africa

Incentives in South Africa

Why Cape Town is thriving with international productions