WHAT OUR LOCAL FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING ON LOCATION IN IRAQ

Iraq was the birthplace of empires such as the Babylonians and Assyrians. Located in the Middle East, the landscape is mostly desert with the fertile Euphrates and Tigris rivers running north to south, and a green mountainous area in the northeast.

Iraq has hosted productions including Fair Game (2010), and The Exorcist (1973).

Iraq is divided into the following governorates: Al Anbar, Babil, Baghdad, Basra, Dhi Qar, Al-Qādisiyyah, Diyala, Duhok, Erbil, Halabja, Karbala, Kirkuk, Maysan, Muthanna, Najaf, Nineveh, Saladin, Sulaymaniyah, and Wasit.

Locations of interest to filmmakers include:

• Baghdad
• Shia Dominated South
• Sunni Dominated West
• Iraqi Kurdistan

SAFETY & TRAVEL

Iraq is a big country, effectively “split” in three parts. Basra and the south, Baghdad and main Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan where we will be operating and has been stable and peaceful for a very long time. *Note: Internationals should not travel into Erbil.

COSTS AND TAX INCENTIVES

Locations, local crew and talent are inexpensive. The major cost of shooting in Iraq is for extra security and bringing in all key crew and equipment.

At present there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in Iraq.

IRAQ FILM LOCATION PERMITS

Most permits are arranged on the local level but permission from multiple authorities and community leaders may be required. Allow plenty of lead time and be prepared to be flexible, as arrangements are often last minute and subject to change.

WHAT OUR LOCAL FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM CREW; TALANT & EQUIPMENT

Crew and talent

Iraq has a small pool of local crew.

Talent

Iraq offers mainly Arab looks with some other regional looks also available such as Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians.

Equipment

Iraq has available some basic equipment, visiting crews generally bring in their own equipment. Iraq is not an ATA carnet country. Permissions from the Commission of Media & Communications is required for bring in equipment from abroad.

VISA AND WORK PERMITS

Western film crews travelling to Iraq Kurdistan by air may enter visa-free for up to 15 days. These visas are not valid for the rest of Iraq.

DRONE LAW IN IRAQ

Prohibited