African Fixer

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African Fixer
Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

Filming in Sierra Leone

African Fixer provides full film, video and stills production services across Sierra Leone – from the stunning white-sand beaches of the Freetown Peninsula and the Banana Islands to the rainforest and chimpanzees of Tiwai Island and the historic slave fort on Bunce Island. English-speaking and beautiful, Sierra Leone is exceptional, under-filmed material, and we manage producers, fixers, crew, permits and crew accommodation throughout.

African Fixer connects international production companies, agencies, brands, broadcasters and photographers with trusted local producers, fixers and crew across Sierra Leone.

We support TV commercials, documentaries, feature films, branded content, corporate videos, music videos and still photography campaigns with experienced local teams and reliable on-the-ground production support.

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Sierra Leone

Why Film in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone offers some of West Africa’s most beautiful and empty white-sand beaches, alongside rainforest, chimpanzees, powerful heritage and a warm, English-speaking welcome – strikingly photogenic, rarely filmed material.

  • English-speaking, easing communication and direction
  • Stunning, empty white-sand peninsula beaches
  • Rainforest and chimpanzees on Tiwai Island
  • The historic Bunce Island slave fort
  • The Banana and Turtle Islands
  • Krio culture and colonial Freetown
  • Mountains, waterfalls and rainforest
  • Genuinely under-filmed, beautiful coast

Production Services

Our Sierra Leone production services include:

  • Local Producers
  • Film Fixers
  • Production Management
  • Film, Video & Stills Crew
  • Camera Equipment
  • Lighting & Grip
  • Drone Operators
  • Location Scouting
  • Film Permits
  • Casting
  • Transport & Logistics
  • Crew & Cast Accommodation
  • Security
  • Catering

Crew & Equipment

Sierra Leone suits travel, documentary and NGO productions, with local fixers coordinating permits and logistics in a developing production environment.

The local crew base is modest; local fixers, drivers and production assistants support on the ground, while senior technical crew and specialist equipment are brought in from the region.

Productions plan to import camera, drone and specialist packages, aided by English-speaking crews and short coastal distances.

Top Filming Locations

Hotel Options

Sierra Leone’s Freetown and beach hotels serve as bases for productions. Access for filming is subject to approval and availability.

  • The Place Resort, Tokeh Beach – Beachfront resort.
  • Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko, Freetown – Landmark city hotel.
  • The Country Lodge, Freetown – Hilltop hotel with views.
  • Home Suites, Freetown – Modern city hotel.
  • Bureh & River No.2 beach camps – Beachside bases.
  • Banana Island guesthouses – Island bases.

Crew & Cast Accommodation

Cast and crew accommodation is concentrated in Freetown and along the peninsula beaches. We arrange group bookings, boats and transfers.

  • Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
    The Place, Tokeh / Radisson Blu, Freetown – Premium bases for talent and clients.
  • Mid-range (main crew, production team)
    Freetown: The Country Lodge and Home Suites – Reliable city bases.
    Peninsula beaches: beach camps – Comfortable coastal bases.
  • Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
    Freetown guesthouses – Value options for larger crews.
    Beach and island guesthouses – Practical bases near locations.

Accommodation availability and rates vary by season and should be booked well in advance. African Fixer manages crew and cast bookings, transfers and per-location logistics as part of production support.

Best Time to Shoot

  • November to April – Dry season with the most reliable conditions.
  • December to March – The driest, best months for beach and exterior work.
  • May to October – The heavy West African rainy season.
  • Beach visibility and access are best in the dry months.
Visa Requirements

International cast and crew should confirm visa and work permission requirements before travelling. Typical documents may include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation details, invitation letter, crew list and equipment list.

  • Required Documentation

    A completed visa application form. A passport valid for at least six months. An official invitation letter from a local production company. Proof of travel itinerary and accommodation details. Payment of visa fees.

  • Timings

    5-7 working days.

  • Cost

    USD 100 per person.

International Crew Accreditation

International productions may require local coordination, film permissions and supporting letters depending on the production type, locations and crew nationality, and should work with an in-country fixer or service company.

General Film Permit

Filming permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, with protected-area and island permissions where needed. Work through a local fixer and allow lead time.

Drone Permit

Drone filming requires authorisation from the civil aviation authority, with restrictions near sensitive sites. Permissions should be arranged in advance; the beaches are superb for aerials.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Professional equipment can usually be temporarily imported with the correct customs documentation. An ATA Carnet may be used where applicable, and equipment lists should be prepared in advance.

Safety and Security

Sierra Leone has been stable and peaceful for years, with Freetown calling for standard urban precautions. English is a real asset, and the main considerations are modest infrastructure, the heavy rainy season, malaria and boat logistics for the islands.

Rebates & Incentives

Sierra Leone does not currently operate a formal national film cash rebate for international productions, so budgets should not rely on a rebate.

African Fixer will confirm the latest position on permit fees and any incentives during planning, and manage the permissions and logistics that make Sierra Leone’s beaches and rainforest accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, with additional permissions for protected and heritage areas. Work through a local fixer and allow lead time.

Sierra Leone has local fixers and a modest crew base; senior technical crew and equipment are brought in from the region.

The Freetown Peninsula beaches, the Banana Islands, Tiwai Island's chimps and the Bunce Island slave fort.

Hotels in Freetown and camps along the peninsula beaches.

Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used. Plan to import camera, drone and specialist packages.

Yes. Drone filming requires civil-aviation authorisation, with restrictions near sensitive sites and protected areas.

No. Sierra Leone does not currently offer a film rebate. We confirm permit fees before you budget.

Yes, especially for travel and documentary work needing beautiful beaches, rainforest and heritage, and being English-speaking helps.

Yes. We provide full production support from planning through to wrap, including permits and logistics.

Did you know?

The white-sand beaches of the Freetown Peninsula are so beautiful they once featured in a famous beer commercial that convinced viewers they were in “paradise” – yet they remain almost entirely empty and rarely filmed.

PRO TIP:

Base on the peninsula beaches for stunning, empty coast, add a Tiwai Island chimpanzee leg, shoot the dry November-to-April window, and use the English-speaking crews to keep things simple.

want to film in Sierra Leone? Contact us Today!

Sebastien - Sierra Leone

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Importing film, broadcast and photographic equipment is handled with an ATA Carnet for temporary admission. African Fixer arranges carnet processing, customs clearance and equipment logistics as part of full production support.