Morocco
Morocco is a land steeped in Berber, Arab and European cultural influences. It is blessed with a diversity of locations ranging from ancient souks to modern luxury, from beautiful beaches to desert landscapes.
Morocco’s reputation as a safe and relatively liberal country makes it a popular location for filming North African and Middle Eastern looks.
Cost & Rebates
By world standards Morocco is a very cost competitive place to shoot.
Morocco offers a 20% cash rebate. To be eligible, visiting productions are required to spend at least USD 1 million and the project must run at least 18 working days.
When To Shoot
Morocco offers long, sunny shoot days all year round. Coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate. Inland areas are hot and dry. Winter runs from December to April with rain in the north and snow on the High Atlas Mountains in the south. Summer runs from June to September with temperatures reaching extreme highs in the southern desert regions. Spring (March through May) is the best time to film for weather and lush green landscapes. Fall (September to December) is also a good time to shoot for weather.
Visa Information
Crews travelling on Western passports can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Contact your local Moroccan embassy / representative for more information.
Cast, Crew & Equipment
Morocco has a small pool of local directors, videographers and stills photographers. There is a growing pool of experienced supporting crew although many productions still bring in their own key crew. It’s a good idea to have a local Arabic-speaking AD for projects with a large crew and talent size. Morocco’s close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those crews should you ever need to look further. Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis. Moroccans are of Berber or mixed Arab-Berber decent. Morocco’s relatively close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of talent should you ever need to look further. Talent agencies exist in Casablanca. Morocco has all of the standard camera, grip and lighting equipment based locally. Specialised gear needs to be brought in from abroad. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Morocco is an ATA carnet country.