Panama Film & Photography Production Services

Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Panama? We have fully vetted, locally based fixers, service producers, directors, DP’s, videographers, cameramen, photographers, sound operators, production drivers, and a range of other film crew. Contact us for referrals, questions, cost estimates and references. Want to know more about shooting in Panama? See below for an introduction to Panama locations, permits, when to shoot, costs, talent, crews, equipment, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits, film friendly hotels, transport, communications and safety advice.

Panama Film Locations

Panama City boasts a unique blend of modern and historical charm, with its gleaming skyscrapers juxtaposed against Spanish colonial architecture. Take advantage of the city’s modern infrastructure, including a new subway system and a bustling container port, for your production needs.

Step outside the city and explore the diverse landscapes within easy reach:

• Rainforests teeming with life are just 30 minutes away.
• Go whitewater rafting on rivers or trek through mountains, both accessible within 45 minutes.
• Relax on pristine beaches within an hour’s drive.
• Hike up a volcano within 2 hours for breathtaking views.

Need an island paradise? Panama has you covered:

• San Blas Islands: Palm-lined white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await you, just 2 hours by boat or 20 minutes by plane.
• Bocas del Toro: This former banana plantation has been transformed into a lush eco-resort on the Caribbean coast.
• Coiba Island: Explore this former penal colony, now a protected nature reserve teeming with wildlife, on the Pacific coast.
• Isla Escudo de Veraguas: Discover the pygmy sloth, one of the world’s smallest primates, on this unique island.

Panama also offers diverse agricultural landscapes:

• Film amidst banana plantations, pineapple fields, and coffee farms.

Need a convenient entry point? Panama City serves as the capital and main airport hub.

Ready to start filming? Panama has already hosted major productions like James Bond: Quantum of Solace and Hands of Stone.

Panama Film Location Permits

Obtaining Film Permits in Panama: Easy with GP Productions

Filming in Panama requires permits for most public locations, but the process can be streamlined and hassle-free with the help of GP Productions. We offer a comprehensive range of film services for international companies, including:

• Permit acquisition and assistance: We handle all aspects of the permit process, from initial application to final approval, saving you valuable time and effort.
• Location scouting: We have an extensive knowledge of Panama’s diverse landscapes and can help you find the perfect location for your shoot.
• Crew and equipment hire: We provide access to a pool of experienced and qualified crew members, as well as top-of-the-line equipment, to ensure a smooth and successful production.
• Logistics and transportation: We handle all logistical arrangements, including transportation, catering, and accommodation, so you can focus on your creative vision.
• Cultural and language support: We bridge the gap between international productions and local communities, ensuring a positive and respectful filming experience.

With GP Productions as your trusted partner, navigating the permit process and filming in Panama becomes an efficient and enjoyable experience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you bring your vision to life in this stunning and diverse film destination.

When To Shoot?

Panama has a tropical climate. Temperatures in mountain areas and on the Pacific side tend to be lower than on the Caribbean. The dry season runs from December to May. This is the best time to film for weather. The rest of the year is rainy, with the greatest intensity of rain during the months of October and November. For monthly weather statistics please see here. Festivals and events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include: • Chiriqui Highlands Flower and Coffee Festival in January. • Panamanian carnival in February. • Semana Santa in March / April. • Bocas Del Toro Sea Fair in September. Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Panama.

Costs & Tax Incentives

Costs. Panama uses the USD as legal tender. The greatest cost is the need to bring in your specialized equipment and possibly your key crew but that is offset by the relatively low cost of locations, talent, supporting crew, transportation, accommodation and meals. Panama is generally slightly more expensive than other Central American countries, but less expensive than Costa Rica. Our Panamanian service producer / fixer packages will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget. Tax Incentives. Panama offers a 25% cash rebate on local production spend. The full rebate can be escrowed upfront with the bond company to cashflow the production. Requirements include a minimum $500K spend. The incentive program covers feature films, television pilots, television series (broadcast and cable), television commercials, music videos, industrials, documentaries, video game design and creation, and other forms of content. Panama also offers tax incentives such as tax-free temporary importation of all film equipment with no deposit required, as well as no payroll tax. For more information on financial incentives visit the Panama Film Commission.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. Panama has a very small pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Panama also has a small depth of good, fast working crews most of which speak English. Since it is still a small, developing production centre it may be necessary to bring in key crew depending on the availability of local crews. Contact us if you are looking for a Panama City based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Panama. Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis. Panama offers mainly International-Latin and Amerindian looks. Several ethnic groups exist including the unique, colourful Kuna Indians that live on the picturesque San Blas Islands, or the Embera people who live in Darien Province. With the existence of the Panama Canal there is also a sizable community of US and European citizens. Panama’s close proximity to major US production centres allows easy access to those pools of multicultural talent should you need to look further.

Panama Film Equipment

Only basic camera, lighting and grip equipment is available locally. Local production companies have their own equipment and share when necessary. The overall stock of equipment is quite small. All specialized equipment and operators are required to be brought in from abroad. Miami is the closest major production centre. Mexico and Colombia also have a range of equipment and are cheaper alternatives than bringing equipment from the US.

Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production

Art department and set construction is impressive in Panama. Local crews have built sets for Survivor, MTV’s Road Rules Challenge, and James Bond: Quantum of Solace. Studios. Only basic facilities belonging to local TV stations exist. Backlots. At present no backlots exist in Panama. Post Production. Best to post abroad.

Visas & Work Permits

Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Western passport holders can enter Panama visa-free for stays of up to 180 days. Visiting productions receive free work permits and reduced costs on multiple entry visas. Contact your local Panamanian embassy or representative for more information.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation. Roads are in an excellent condition. Beaches and mountains have good paved highway access. Rural roads are slower going with some becoming impassable during the rainy season. Several international airlines service Panama on a daily basis. Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Panama City include: Finisterre Suites Radisson Decapolis Hotel Sheraton Please contact us for corporate rates. For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.

Final Notes

Safety. Panama is one of the safest countries in the region. See here for up to date travel advice. Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Panama, please see below:

Hire Panama Production Support & Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Panama, please contact us. If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Panama, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us. We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.