Filming Facility: Good
Cyprus has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The summer season typically runs from June to September, with temperatures averaging around 32°C (90°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night. The winter season usually runs from December to February, with temperatures averaging around 17°C (63°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night.
Cyprus offers a variety of beautiful and diverse filming locations that can cater to a wide range of film genres. Here are some of the best filming locations in Cyprus:
Troodos Mountains: This mountain range in central Cyprus offers stunning landscapes, including forests, waterfalls, and picturesque villages. It is an ideal location for nature documentaries, adventure films, or even romantic comedies.
Limassol Marina: This marina is a popular spot for luxury yachts and high-end restaurants, and its modern design and sleek lines make it a great location for filming fashion shoots, commercials, or lifestyle documentaries.
Akamas Peninsula: Located on the north-western tip of Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula is a protected natural reserve with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and dramatic cliffs. It is perfect for filming scenes that require a pristine and unspoiled environment.
Larnaca Salt Lake: This salt lake in Larnaca is a unique location that changes color depending on the time of year and the water level. It is a great location for filming natural phenomena, such as migratory birds or reflections of the sky.
Paphos: This coastal town in the southwest of Cyprus has a rich history, with ancient ruins such as the Tombs of the Kings and the Roman Amphitheatre. It is a great location for filming historical dramas or documentaries.
Cyprus offers various options for photo, video, TV, and film studios rentals, as well as film backlots. Here are some details:
TV and Film Studios: Cyprus also has several TV and film studios that are available for rental. These studios are usually larger and more equipped to handle bigger productions and can be found in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca. These studios offer a range of services such as set design, sound and lighting, and post-production facilities.
Film Backlots: Cyprus has several film backlots available for rent, which are essentially outdoor sets that can be used to create a wide range of environments, such as streets, villages, and natural settings. These backlots are located in various parts of the island and offer a range of landscapes, from coastal scenes to mountainous terrain. Some backlots also offer production services such as set construction, costume and prop rental, and special effects.
Cyprus has several cities that offer photo, video, TV, and film facilities. Here are some of the cities in Cyprus that have these facilities:
Limassol: Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus and has a range of modern photo and video studios, as well as TV and film production facilities. It is also known for its location services and experienced crew members.
Larnaca: Larnaca is a coastal city in Cyprus that offers a range of photo and video studios, as well as TV and film production services. The city has a bustling port and a scenic marina, making it an ideal location for filming coastal scenes.
Paphos: Paphos is a popular tourist destination in Cyprus, but it also has a range of photo and video studios, as well as TV and film production facilities. The city has several historical locations that can be used for filming, including the Tombs of the Kings and the Paphos Castle.
Ayia Napa: Ayia Napa is a popular resort town in Cyprus that has a range of photo and video studios, as well as TV and film production facilities. The town is known for its beaches and nightlife, making it an ideal location for filming party scenes or beach scenes.
Cyprus has a relatively small film industry, but it has produced several films over the years. Here are some notable films produced in Cyprus:
Lark on a String (1990) – Directed by Czech filmmaker Jiri Menzel, this film was partially shot in Cyprus and tells the story of a group of workers in a scrapyard during the 1950s.
The Last Homecoming (2002) – This film, directed by Michael Cacoyannis, explores the impact of the Cyprus conflict on a Greek Cypriot family.
A Touch of Spice (2003) – Directed by Tassos Boulmetis, this film tells the story of a Greek chef who returns to Cyprus to reunite with his childhood sweetheart.
Small Crime (2008) – This black comedy, directed by Christos Georgiou, is set in a small Cypriot village and follows the story of a police officer investigating a murder.
Boy on the Bridge (2016) – This drama, directed by Petros Charalambous, tells the story of a young boy who finds a gun and sets off a chain of events that lead to tragedy.
The cost of filming in Cyprus can vary depending on the specific needs of the production, but in general, it is considered to be relatively affordable compared to neighbouring countries. Cyprus has a low cost of living and a favourable exchange rate, which can make it an attractive location for productions looking to stretch their budget.
Cyprus is a relatively safe country for filming, with low levels of crime and political stability. However, there are some sensitive regions and areas that should be approached with caution.
Military installations: Filming near military installations is prohibited without prior permission from the Cyprus National Guard. Unauthorized filming in these areas can result in fines or legal action.
Religious sites: It is important to be respectful of religious sites when filming in Cyprus. It is advisable to seek permission from local authorities before filming at religious sites, such as churches and mosques.
Protected areas: Cyprus has several protected areas, including national parks, nature reserves, and archaeological sites. It is important to seek permission from the relevant authorities before filming in these areas, as there may be restrictions or permits required.
Filming Permit
Filming in Cyprus requires a variety of permits and approvals, depending on the location and scope of the production. Here are some of the permits and approvals that may be required:
Drone Permit: If you plan to use a drone for aerial filming in Cyprus, you will need to obtain a drone permit from the Civil Aviation Department.
Location Permits: Certain locations in Cyprus, such as archaeological sites and nature reserves, may require additional permits or approvals from the relevant authorities.
Road Closure Permits: If you plan to close roads or block traffic for filming purposes, you will need to obtain a road closure permit from the Cyprus Police Film Commission.
Firearm Permits: If you plan to use firearms or explosives during filming, you will need to obtain a firearm permit from the Cyprus Police Film Commission.
Cyprus has a liberal visa policy and offers a range of visa options for visitors. The type of visa required for filming purposes will depend on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit. Here is an overview of the general visa policies in Cyprus:
Long-stay Visa: A long-stay visa is required for visits of more than 90 days. This visa is suitable for productions that require a longer-term stay in Cyprus for filming purposes. Long-stay visas are issued by the Migration Department in Cyprus.
Visa Waiver: Citizens of certain countries, including the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, do not require a visa to enter Cyprus for stays of up to 90 days. However, they must have a valid passport and may need to register with the immigration authorities upon arrival.
Film crews in Cyprus are generally experienced and professional, with a good understanding of local conditions and locations. The cost of film crews in Cyprus varies depending on the size and scope of the production, as well as the level of experience and expertise required. Generally speaking, the cost of film crews in Cyprus is competitive compared to other European countries.
The art department in the film industry in Cyprus is generally skilled and experienced, with a good understanding of local resources and locations. Art direction, set construction, and props making are all available in Cyprus, with a range of options to suit different production requirements.
Local Equipment Rental
Photo, video, TV, and film equipment rental in Cyprus is available from a variety of companies, ranging from small independent operators to larger rental houses with extensive equipment inventories.
Bringing Equipment into Cyprus
ATA Carnet applies in Cyprus for temporary import of filming equipment. ATA Carnet is an international customs document that simplifies the temporary importation of commercial goods, including filming equipment, into a foreign country. It allows the equipment to be imported without paying customs duties or taxes, as long as it is re-exported within a specified period.
To use an ATA Carnet in Cyprus, the following requirements must be met:
The equipment must be covered by a valid ATA Carnet.
The equipment must be used for professional purposes, such as film production.
The equipment must be re-exported within the validity period of the ATA Carnet.
The ATA Carnet must be presented to customs officials upon arrival and departure.
It is important to note that some types of equipment may require special permits or licenses to be imported into Cyprus. Filmmakers are advised to consult with their local ATA Carnet issuing authority and the Cyprus customs authorities to ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements.
Cyprus has a growing film industry, and there are several talent agencies and casting agencies that can provide a range of casting and talent services for local and international productions.
Talent agencies in Cyprus represent actors, models, and other performers and can provide a range of services, including talent scouting, casting, and contract negotiation.
Casting agencies in Cyprus provide casting services for local and international productions, including auditions, talent scouting, and contract negotiation.
Overall, the talent and casting agencies in Cyprus are professional and well-equipped to provide a range of casting and talent services for film productions. They have access to a pool of talented actors and performers and can provide a range of services to meet the needs of the production.
Cyprus has a relatively small film and television industry, and as such, the post-production and animation/VFX industry is also relatively small. However, there are a few companies in Cyprus that specialize in post-production and animation/VFX services.
In terms of post-production, there are companies that offer services such as video editing, sound editing, color grading, and visual effects.
As for animation and VFX, there are companies that offer services such as 2D and 3D animation, character design, visual effects, and compositing.
While the industry is relatively small in Cyprus, it is growing, and there is a demand for post-production and animation/VFX services in the region. Additionally, the government of Cyprus offers incentives to attract foreign productions, which could further boost the post-production and animation/VFX industry in the country.