Filming the Abu Simbel Temples
The Abu Simbel temples are located in Abu Simbel a village in Aswan in the Upper Egypt near the border with Sudan on the western bank of Lake Nasser. Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock-cut temples which serve as a lasting monument to the king and his queen Nefertari, and commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh.
There is much history to document and architecture to shoot at the Abu Simbel Temples, contact us here to help you plan and book for you the shoot accordingly. Among the notable features to film include The Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, The statue of Ramses the Great and the View of the Nile from Abu Simbel among others.
Requirements and permissions to film the Abu Simbel Temples
Film Location Permits are required for filming the Abu Simbel Temples however this depends on the location and nature of your shoot in the location. A visiting crew will have to apply for location permits with their local Egyptian Embassy including the name of the local fixer company Film Fixer Ethiopia that will service your shoot in Egypt.
The embassy then sends this on to the Press Office in Cairo. Once the locations have been cleared with all relevant authorities, location permits are granted. A government minder may be required to accompany the production. Permits for shooting b-roll are free but take about 3 weeks to clear. Individual permits are required for each antiquities site. Prices and timing vary depending on several factors including the type of shoot, special dates, extent of location control required, and whether or not there are any current excavations or public access. The cost for filming is $1000 per day from 9am to 4pm for a documentary shoot. A commercial shoot featuring a product costs $3000 per day. Filming outside of these hours is possible at extra cost. Long form projects such as films and TV dramas require extra permitting which can take up to 3 to 4 months to permit. Contact us here to guide you processing the permits.
Drone filming is currently illegal in Egypt. Penalties for using a drone without a permit include arrest and confiscation of equipment. Although you will not be allowed to fly your own drone, one option to get aerial footage is to hire an Egyptian military drone operator (or helicopter and pilot). This costs around USD3000 for every 30mins of flight time. Contact us here to help you book an Egyptian military drone operator.
The often quoted paradox of permitting in Egypt is that nothing is legal, yet everything is possible once you contact us for an expert help. As such, a crafty approach from a well connected fixer and producer is essential to save on costs and carve the best path through the bureaucratic Egyptian permitting process. Please feel free to contact us for permitting questions on specific locations.
On top of the above you will need to cover accommodation, visa and work permits, transport and others for a successful shoot of the Abu Simbel Temples as below;
Egypt Work permits and Visa Advice
You will need to purchase the tourist visa or a business visa for entry in Egypt. Many film crews prefer obtaining their visas before they come to Egypt however Nationals from most western countries can get a visa on arrival which is valid for stays of up to 30 days. There is no special work permit required to film in Egypt. Proof of yellow fever vaccination and a COVID-19 free certificate may be asked if arriving from affected countries. Visa, work permit and other entry and exit conditions such as customs and quarantine regulations can change regularly. We advise you contact your local Egyptian Embassy or diplomatic mission or us here for the latest travel information to Egypt.
Vehicle Hire Services in Egypt
We will help you organize transport for film crews to film the Abu Simbel Temples depending on your interest, budget and the nature of roads in such selected locations to film in the park. We recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be travelled. Contact us here
Kit Customs and Equipment Clearing in Egypt
Egypt is not an ATA carnet member country. You will need to have a permit to bring film equipment into Egypt so allow at least a month for processing this permit. Our Egyptian service producer/fixer handles safe import and export of your gear. All the standard camera, grip and lighting equipment is available locally including Motion Control and Techno crane Contact us here if you are interested in hiring filming equipment in Egypt.
Fixers in Egypt to help you film the Abu Simbel Temples
All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to almost all parts of Egypt and are thus conversant with the local situations and are able to provide relevant information and fix any situation on ground. These work as intermediaries between you and our office while on location.
Where to stay during filming the Abu Simbel Temples
Lodge options to stay in during filming the Abu Simbel Temples range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Contact us here for reservation and booking details.
What is the best time to film the Abu Simbel Temples?
Filming the Abu Simbel Temples is done throughout the year and the best time is from February to April and September to November.
Why use Film Crew fixers?
Film Crew Fixers is a local fixer company in East Africa. We assist filming companies and Production agencies in countries located in the horn of Africa including Egypt. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies in Egypt to make sure that accreditation and filming permits for filming in Egypt are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming of the Abu Simbel Temples.
