For decades, Bermuda has served as a beautiful backdrop for film production. Just a short two-hour flight from many East Coast cities in the U.S., three hours from Toronto, and seven hours from London, it’s an easy destination for cast and crew – and once you arrive, getting around is easy, too.
Why Film in Bermuda?
This island paradise boasts a spectacular setting with 75 miles of stunning pink-sand coastline, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for underwater shoots, and diverse landscapes ranging from secluded coves and dramatic cliffs to lush greenery and vibrant flora. Beyond its natural charm, Bermuda offers rich historic character, including architectural gems and ancient fortifications, providing a versatile backdrop for any production.
Adding to its appeal is an ideal, temperate climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream, ensuring pleasant weather year-round with rare extremes. Bermudians themselves are renowned for their incredible friendliness and hospitality, offering a unique culture that beautifully blends British charm with an authentic island soul. This welcoming spirit, combined with a comprehensive infrastructure of world-class marinas, luxury accommodations, and state-of-the-art telecommunications, makes Bermuda not just a stopover, but an extraordinary place to drop anchor for your next film project. It's an invitation to immerse yourself in timeless allure, effortless elegance, and a truly unforgettable experience.
Requirements for Filming in Bermuda
Planning for a film/video production or a photo shoot in Bermuda includes a few important steps in order to meet the requirements of Bermuda Customs and Immigration, and Bermuda laws and regulations. The Bermuda Tourism Authority is ready to assist in this process. Please note that in order to secure a work permit and customs clearance for any equipment, the following steps should be completed at least 25 business* days prior to arrival on the island.
Applications should be compiled and submitted through our online platform here. The following information will be required to complete the application:
- Bermuda law requires non-Bermudian production companies to engage a local Bermudian agent or production company.
- Submission of detailed information to the Bermuda Department of Immigration for the processing of Work Permits. The information required includes:
- Names of each person travelling to Bermuda as written in passport
- Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Job Title
- Job Function
- Arrival and departure information (dates, flight #s, times)
- Local accommodations
- Colour copy of each traveller's passport
- Passport expiration
- Completed immigration details spreadsheet
- Submission of a detailed list of equipment and materials being shipped to Bermuda for the project to Bermuda Customs. The information required includes:
- Type of equipment
- Brand
- Model #
- Serial #
- Purpose / use
- Value
- Guarantee of export
- Completed spreadsheet - Custom Details - submitted to contact
*Please note that Immigration needs at least 14 business days to process the application once it has been received.
Assistance is available from the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Please contact:
Destination Services
Bermuda Tourism Authority
22 Church Street
Hamilton HM11
Phone: +1 (441) 296-9200
Email: [email protected]
Transportation for Film and Production Crews
In Bermuda, the primary means of transportation for visitors is taxi and bus. Auto rentals are not available. Most production companies make arrangements prior to arrival with a taxi company or minibus to provide all of the transport that will be required while on the island. Most taxis are small vans capable of carrying a few people and baggage or equipment. If a cargo van or truck is needed, arrangements can be made in advance.
Local Film Production Companies
The following companies in Bermuda offer services that may be of assistance to you in the planning and execution of your film, video or photography project.
Bermuda Aerial Media
Connor Burns – +1 (441) 704-0687
John Manderson – +1 (441) 500-0009
Bermuda Aerialography
Andrew Stevenson
+1 (441) 296-7788 (office)
+1 (441) 777-7688 (mobile)
+1 (441) 295-7190 (fax)
Blue Shark Digital Marketing Studio, LTD.
Weldon Wade
[email protected]
+1 (441) 338-8058
Instagram: @bluesharkdigitalstudio & @weldonwade
Burnt House Productions
Andrew Kirkpatrick
Hot Fiyah Sounds Entertainment
Alexander Marshall
Professional Photographers Association of Bermuda
Melanie Fiander
Visual Appeal Bermuda
Jamie McDowell
We Are Bermuda
Keeon Minors – [email protected]
Korie Minors – [email protected]
+1 (441) 591-8541
Aerial Photography Drone Regulations
Before you operate a drone in Bermuda, review the Bermuda Government’s guidelines for operating drones on the island. If you’d like to hire an in-island drone operator to capture aerial footage, check out our list of approved providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filming in Bermuda
A temporary work permit allows a person to be employed in a specific job for any period up to three months. Such a person is considered to be a visitor to Bermuda. Persons working on a film, video or photography production project must obtain a work permit.
Anyone who is employed in a specific job that is travelling to Bermuda to work. Work lasting not greater than seven (7) days for: a journalist, model or photographer on an assignment for an international publication or for international electronic media provided that they are employed abroad, directly by the same company (or group of companies) to which the Bermuda client belongs but that (i) the services of such business visitors do not extend to clients of the Bermuda business and (ii) the training is for a specific, one-off purpose.
Upon request, the BTA will send the necessary forms to an overseas company to be filled out. Once returned, the BTA will submit an application to the Department of Immigration and await approval. Once approved, the letter of permission will be sent to the overseas company to disperse to all travelling. These documents will need to be presented to the Immigration Officer at the airport when travelers land.
Any time an overseas production company applies to come to Bermuda to film.
If an overseas production company has an international photographer for still photography on their staff for the shoot in Bermuda, a local photographer must be hired as part of the local production coordinator crew. The local photographer and the local production coordinator can be one in the same.
Bermuda Photographers Association
The BTA recommends submission of all completed information at least 15 working days before the first arrival.
No more than three months in advance.
No more than three months.
Yes, but there are important restrictions and regulations to follow. Learn more.
Destination Services
Bermuda Tourism Authority
22 Church Street
Hamilton HM11
Phone: +1 (441) 296-9200
Email: [email protected]