Dubrovnik, Croatia has quickly become one of the top filming locations in Europe. The historic and natural beauty of Dubrovnik and nearby areas such as Lokrum and Lapad have an incredible charm that draws film producers from all over the world. As the popularity of filming in Dubrovnik increases, however, more and more people are trying to film there without obtaining the necessary permits beforehand. Here’s everything you need to know about filming in Dubrovnik, including how to go about applying for your permit if you want to film in Dubrovnik or in any other city in Croatia.
A Complete Guide on Filming in Croatia
Croatia is a country that has been a filming paradise for decades. You will find it featured in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. The variety of landscapes, friendly people and unique ambiance makes Croatia an attractive destination for those looking to make films. If you are interested in making films in Croatia, be it for business or pleasure, there are several things you need to consider first before heading out on your own adventure. Whether it is a short film, commercial or feature film; there are permits you must have to legally film production in Croatia. Here we take a complete look at getting these permits so that you can have an enjoyable time shooting your video projects.
Prerequisites
You must have a letter from your film production company (on company letterhead) requesting permission to film on location, as well as an overview of proposed filming dates and locations. The law requires that all directors and assistant directors of photography be licensed, so you will need a photocopy of each person’s passport or license. All cast members who are Croatian citizens will need their passports, plus copies of all pages containing personal information and pictures. For non-Croatian cast members, you will need original work visas along with a notarized translation into Croatian.
The entire permit process can take up to four weeks, but it usually takes around three weeks. As soon as you have everything together and approved by the city, submit it via fax or email and include copies of previous permits issued to other productions if possible.
Pre-Approval
First, you must pre-approve your project. This can be done by visiting one of Croatia’s 19 District Tourism Offices (DTI). For example, if you’re filming from Starigrad all the way up through Ston and into Tucepi, head over to Pakostane. Each DTI has a certain number of film days available each year – make sure that date is available on your film permit before you continue. The application process takes two weeks on average; if you haven’t heard back after 14 business days, call. I also recommend contacting your hotel(s) ahead of time so they are prepared upon arrival. If they don’t know what’s happening, they might keep an extra room or two just in case…which adds up quickly! Depending on where you are staying/filming, it may be possible to shoot several scenes at once – it never hurts to ask!
Mandatory Submit Requirements
Get filming permit from ADR Studio Dubrovnik : In order to film production in Croatia, you must apply for a permit from Croatia’s Audio-Visual Media Department (ADR) and submit your video/film. The application can be submitted via email (adr@uprava.hr), post, or fax.
The Police Report and/or Permit Application Filing Fee
All Croatia residents must pay a police report and/or permit application fee. Non-residents are required to submit a larger, non-refundable payment. Residents are required to pay 50 kuna (approximately $8 USD) when applying for filming permits, but non-residents must pay 150 kuna (approximately $24 USD). If you fail to provide payment at time of filing your application, your request will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by Film Zagreb.
If you’re looking to film a large project in Croatia (such as a television show, commercial, or movie), you’ll need permission from local authorities. In that case, submit your completed application at least 45 days before your intended shoot date. But if you’re only doing a smaller video shoot, like for social media or online content, your permit application can be submitted immediately upon booking with Croatia Film Services.
Getting Your Police Report/Permit Application Approved
After your company is approved by IZD, you will receive a Police Report/Permit from IZD that you must submit with your application to IMK (the entity that processes all filming permits in Dubrovnik). The process can take up to three weeks, but applicants are usually issued their permit within two weeks. The report/permit does not have an expiration date; it is valid until your project’s scheduled completion date.
Rules for Residents Living Along the Film Route
Lokrum and Lapad are off-limits. Residents must remove any items outside their homes along Rector Rikard Jozic Street during filming. Stradun, Gundulic Square, and Ljubiciceva Plaza will be closed off during shooting. Residents can only park on one side of their street beginning at 7 a.m. due to production needs until 4 p.m., when they will be able to access their entire street again (between 6 a.m.–7 a.m.
Rules for Residents Living Near the Location of the Film Shoot
Residents living near any location where filming is scheduled will be given at least 2 weeks’ notice prior to shooting. The application must be accompanied by a completed Noise Test Report.