A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Armenia
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Armenia: What You Need to Know
So you want to film your next production in Armenia! You’ll be delighted to hear, then, that if you have been accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), you usually don’t need further permits to film in public areas.
If, however, you’re planning to film with a drone, some buildings and areas may be out of bounds or require additional filming fees. For example, filming in Yerablur cemetery is upon the approval of the Ministry of Defence.
Timing Your Armenian Film Production around the Weather
Armenia is a country with four separate seasons —Spring, Summer, Autumn/Fall, and Winter.
Depending on your film project, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of weather you can expect with each season, as this will determine the look and possibilities of outdoor shoots.
For instance, spring and autumn, which run from April to May and October to November respectively, boast mild temperatures and the beautiful green or autumnal vistas typical of both seasons. If your video production needs visually arresting, natural outdoor backgrounds, then it makes sense to book filming dates around these months.
Summer is from June to September and offers long, dry days to film in. However, it can get very hot, which makes it challenging to film in.
You’ll see a lot of snow during the winter months, which last from December to March. While this can be pretty on camera, it’ll also be freezing to shoot in, so make sure you have the relevant protective covers for equipment and crew!
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Armenia has an active film industry, so whether you need an Arri Alexa or Red Dragon camera, you can usually rent the latest cameras and additional gear from reputable filming equipment rental companies. However, it’s always good to check with your local production partner as to what’s available, as some specialised gear may not be so easily acquired and may need to be imported.
As Armenia is not an ATA carnet country, this can be costly. But your budget can be balanced out by hiring some of your equipment and crew locally. English-speaking film professionals are light on the ground, but Fixer Armenia can provide reliable, English-speaking support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No, it is not.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, Armenia is safe for you and your team. But it’s important not to get too close to border villages and towns, as well as military sites.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Your visa requirements will depend on your citizenship. All foreign crew members must be accredited by the MFA to film here.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
It is highly recommended that you work with a local film fixer to help with the process of accreditation and all other filming needs.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Drones can be used freely in most public places. However, if you’re planning to film government or other sensitive buildings, you will need to apply for a permit, which might be refused.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Currently, international film producers are eligible to receive a 25% rebate for expenses directly incurred in the country. You can also earn an additional 10% for promoting Armenia as a great destination. Armenian producers can look forward to receiving up to 5%, and co-productions or non-resident producers up to 10% more.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
It is possible to shoot in national parks in Armenia, but you will first need to obtain permits through a local producer or fixer.
Working with Fixer Armenia
Fixer Armenia is a member of Storytailors, one of the world’s leading film production support agencies with members in over 150 countries. Through this partnership, we’ve worked on local, international, and multi-location shoots around the globe. Storytailors’ clients include Netflix, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Mainichi Shimbun (Japan), the BBC, Mastercard, Google, Hyundai, and Puma, all of whom are major global brands that expect the high level of expertise that Fixer Armenia and its Storytailors partners consistently deliver.
If you’re interested in shooting a video in Armenia, you deserve that same level of professional support. Get in touch, and let’s make your production a success.
