A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Georgia
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Georgia: What You Need to Know
You only need film permits in Georgia if your crew consists of five people or more. A smaller team that is not using a lot of equipment, and therefore not disruption the day-to-day movement within the location they’re shooting in, generally don’t need any special permits.
Larger teams will need to apply for a standard film permit through a local producer, such as Fixer Georgia. We’ll manage the application, which normally normally takes around 15 days.
Timing Your Georgia Film Production around the Weather
If you’re planning outdoor filming in Georgia, March to late November are the months you should consider. During this time, the weather is mild, and temperatures rarely rise to a point where it’s too hot to shoot.
If you do want some snow on screen, however, then head up to the more mountainous regions during the winter months of December and January. The Caucasus Mountains are beloved by winter sports fans and though you’ll have to watch out for icy road and sub-zero temperatures, you can be sure of capturing magical snowscapes.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Georgia has all the standard equipment you may need. That said, if your production project only requires the use of a small filming kit, you might prefer to bring it with you. For larger production setups, it’s often more practical to rent locally, however.
There is also a large pool of English-speaking crew and talent who can be easily booked. Their rates are only moderately higher than those of non-English-speaking crew, but the communication headaches are considerably less!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Georgia is not an ATA carnet country. You will need to work with a local fixer like Fixer in Georgia to help you with the customs process.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, it is safe to film in Georgia.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
No.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, it is necessary to work with a local company to secure permits.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, you do need a permit for drones and a local licensed drone operator. Furthermore, you are not allowed to bring a drone over 240 grams into the country.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Yes, there is a cash rebate of 20-25% on qualified local spending. Additionally, you can earn an extra 5% rebate if your production passes the “Cultural Test” and promotes Georgia.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
You can shoot in National Parks in Georgia, though you will need special permits to do so. Your local producer will arrange these for you.
Working with Fixer Georgia
At Fixer Georgia, you can rely on us to meet the international standards of quality that foreign clients expect. Over the years, we’ve built a robust production support company offering a complete suite of top services, including pre-production research, location scouting, permit sourcing and local access, crew and film kit hire and management, drone operations, and much more.
We are members of Storytailors, a world-leading video production network whose clients include major brands such as Netflix, the BBC, Discovery Channel, Mastercard, Samsung, Adidas, and many others.