If you are looking to shoot a movie, commercial, or any other project in the United Arab Emirates, you must understand how to get a film permit. Film permits are required for many filming projects in the UAE, without which the filmmaker can incur severe legal penalties.
This blog post will summarise what you need to do to get a film permit in the UAE.
Why do you need a film permit in the UAE?
As a filming destination, the UAE is a popular choice due to a variety of reasons. For one thing, it is a safe place for your cast and crew. Additionally, there are plenty of talented people and experienced teams working in the local industry who can help make sure that your production goes smoothly and without the roadblocks of shooting in a new location.
How to get a film permit in the UAE?
If you want to shoot a film in the UAE, you must apply for a film permit. Just like in any other country, getting permission from the government is required to legally insure your film pre-production. This legal technicality helps the authorities by moderating the crew movement and avoiding inconvenience for the locals.
To get started, you'll need to list some details about your project and add them to your application as correctly and accurately as possible to avoid complications at a later stage.
What kind of documentation do you require?
If you want to produce a film in the UAE, the first thing to do is apply for a permit. The next step is submitting your application with documentation that includes the following:
- A script outlining the story or theme of your production
- A storyboard detailing each scene and shot sequence
- A list of all crew members involved in filming, including their passport details and visa status
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The fees associated with getting a film permit
Generally speaking, the fees associated with getting a film permit are determined based on how long your project will be and what kind of filming you’re doing.
We can help you through every step: from getting permits to obtaining visas for your crew members. This enables you to focus on the creative aspects of your shoot without worrying about the legal technicalities.
The process of applying for a film permit
The process of applying for a film permit is a simple three-step process. You can begin your application by applying online. Ensure all documents are handy for the required application details. The more information you provide about your project, the easier it will be to process your request. Post-approval, your film permit will be delivered within five business days.
Tips for reducing the cost of your film permit
If you're going to be shooting a film in the UAE, it's highly recommended that you hire a film permit company to help with the process. A team with expertise and local experience knows the ins and outs of getting a permit and can save you time and money. As a filmmaker, here are a few things you can do to reduce your production costs:
Have an accurate budget
Correctly estimating the costs involved for filming in the UAE is essential to ensure that your plan of action does not go over budget. Therefore, it would be best to have everything from catering to transportation costs accounted for in your budget plan.
Create detailed schedules
A detailed schedule shows what days and times activities will occur on set (such as filming), which is essential because you may need to share this information to get permits or approvals for locations.
Write scripts page-by-page
Ensure that the core team has approved the script, by page, before moving on to another chapter/section. This step protects the companies from unnecessary creative differences during production or approvals from local authorities.
Also Read: How much does it cost to get a film permit in Dubai?
Conclusion
At UAE Film Permit, we understand that obtaining a film permit in the UAE can be a complicated process. This is why we bring our expertise on the table to assist you through every aspect of filmmaking in the country. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us today.
