Norway

Introduction

Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in Norway, offering full production support for international film and television crews. With deep local expertise and hands-on experience, we manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.

Norway is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes—majestic fjords, snow-capped mountains, northern lights, vibrant cities, and picturesque villages—providing a dramatic and diverse backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in Norway? Hoodlum ensures a smooth production process, handling all logistics, including permits, visas, equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in Norway.

Geography and Climate

• Situated in Northern Europe, sharing borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia
• Dominated by fjords, mountains, and waterfalls, creating a diverse landscape
• Climate ranges from temperate to arctic, characterized by cold winters and mild summers

Culture and History

• Rich Viking heritage and history, with a strong emphasis on folklore, music, and art
• Home to the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize ceremony
• A nation proud of its cultural identity and historical significance

Language

• Official language: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)
• Widely spoken languages: English, Swedish, and Danish
• Many Norwegians speak English fluently, making it easy for tourists to communicate

Currency

• Official currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
• Commonly used denominations: 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 NOK
• Credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted

Film locations

Norway’s unique and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes provide an unparalleled backdrop for film and television productions. From majestic fjords and snow-capped mountains to picturesque villages and vibrant cities, Norway’s diverse landscapes and natural wonders offer endless opportunities for storytelling.

With its stunning scenery, Norway has become a popular location for international film and television productions, including Hollywood blockbusters, Nordic noir series, and documentaries showcasing the country’s unique culture and environment.

Norway’s diverse landscapes and unique natural wonders have made it a popular destination for film and television productions. Here are some of the most iconic and sought-after film locations in Norway:

Fjords and Mountains

• Nærøyfjord: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fjord is known for its dramatic and narrow passages.
• Geirangerfjord: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fjord is famous for its steep cliffs and stunning waterfalls.
• Trolltunga: A challenging hike rewarded with a unique rock formation resembling a troll’s tongue.
• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): A natural rock formation with a flat top, offering breathtaking views of the Lysefjord.

Cities and Towns

• Oslo: Norway’s capital city, featuring a mix of modern and historic architecture.
• Bergen: The second-largest city, known for its colorful wooden houses and picturesque harbor.
• Ålesund: A coastal town famous for its art nouveau architecture and stunning fjord views.
• Tromsø: A city in the Arctic Circle, offering a unique blend of urban life and wilderness.

Coastal Locations

• Lofoten Islands: A scenic archipelago with picturesque villages, dramatic mountains, and stunning beaches.
• Senja Island: Norway’s second-largest island, featuring rugged landscapes, scenic coastlines, and picturesque villages.
• Haugesund: A coastal town known for its scenic harbor, historic architecture, and nearby beaches.

Winter Wonderland

• Vatnahalsen: A mountain resort offering stunning views of the fjords and surrounding mountains.
• Flåm: A small village in the fjords, famous for its scenic railway and winter sports.
• Tromsø Wilderness Centre: A unique location offering dog sledding, snowshoeing, and Northern Lights experiences.

Roads and Landscapes

• Atlantic Ocean Road: A scenic road that winds its way along the coast, offering stunning ocean views.
• Trollstigen Mountain Plateau: A unique landscape featuring a serpentine road, waterfalls, and stunning mountain views.
• Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau: A vast, barren landscape offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

These are just a few examples of Norway’s diverse and unique film locations. Whether you’re looking for dramatic fjords, picturesque villages, or stunning mountain landscapes, Norway has something to offer.

Visa Requirements

General requirement in country:

Film crews may not need a visa for stays up to 90 days but must meet certain requirements.

Required information/documentation for application:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Recent passport photos
• Proof of payment for the application fee
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Health insurance
• Detailed itinerary or invitation letter

Timings:

Processing time typically takes around 15-30 days.

Cost:

Approximately NOK 5,300 (EUR 530 or USD 600).

Visa application link:

https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visit-and-holiday/visitors-visa-to-norway/?c=xxx

International Crew Accreditation

General accreditation requirements:

Film crew members need to provide documentation to obtain accreditation.

Required information/documentation for application:

• Valid passport
• ID
• Proof of employment or contract
• Relevant certifications or licenses
• Completed accreditation application form

Timings:

Processing time typically takes around 2-5 working days.

Cost:

Typically, free of charge or minimal (around NOK 50-200, EUR 5-20 or USD 6-24).

General Film Permit

What organisation issues the permits?

In general, Norway offers a flexible and film-friendly environment. For most productions, especially smaller crews with minimal rigging, formal permits are not required—provided that filming does not involve significant disruption to public areas, traffic, or natural surroundings.

However, permits may be necessary if the production involves activities such as street closures, extensive use of public spaces, or any action that could impact public safety or the environment. In such cases, coordination with the Norwegian Film Commission, the National Police Directorate, or the relevant local municipality is advised to ensure compliance with regulations.

As a rule of thumb: Filming is allowed in most public areas as long as it does not interfere significantly with everyday life or the preservation of nature.

Timings:

Processing time typically takes around 2-6 weeks.

Required information/documentation for application:

• Detailed shooting schedule
• Location plans
• Script excerpts
• Proof of liability insurance
• Completed permit application form

Cost:

Typically ranges from NOK 500 to NOK 50,000 (EUR 50 to EUR 5,000 or USD 60 to USD 6,000).

Private Locations

General Process:

A fixer is typically involved in scouting and securing locations, obtaining permits, coordinating logistics, and facilitating communication.

Cost:

Determined on a case-by-case basis.

Drone Permit

Drone regulations:

Operators must obtain permission from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority and comply with rules.

Drone importation regulations:

Requires customs clearance and compliance with regulations.

What organisation issues the permits?

 Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartstilsynet).

Required information/documentation for application:

• Detailed flight plan
• Proof of drone registration
• Proof of liability insurance
• Completed permit application form

Timings:

Processing time typically takes around 1-3 weeks.

Cost:

Typically ranges from NOK 2,500 to NOK 10,000 (EUR 250 to EUR 1,000 or USD 300 to USD 1,200).

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is it a Carnet country?

Yes, Norway is a Carnet country.

General process for Carnet country:

Obtain a Carnet document, list goods, and present to customs officials.

Required information/documentation for equipment customs clearance:

• Carnet
• Commercial invoices
• Packing lists
• Certificates of origin
• Detailed equipment list
• Proof of insurance
• Customs declaration form

What organisation issues the clearance?

Norwegian Customs Authority (Tollvesenet).

Timings:

Typically takes around 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Cost:

Typically ranges from NOK 500 to NOK 2,000 (EUR 50 to EUR 200 or USD 60 to USD 250).

Film Rebates and Tax Incentives

Norway offers a film rebate program, providing a rebate of up to 25% of eligible expenses for film and television productions that shoot on location in Norway.

Safety & Security

Safety and Security

Norway is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on community policing. However, as with any country, it’s always important to take common-sense precautions to ensure your personal safety and security.

General Safety Tips

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots.
• Keep an eye on your belongings, and consider using a money belt or secure bag.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night.
• Follow local advice and instructions from authorities, especially during emergencies or natural disasters.

Specific Safety Concerns

• Pickpocketing and petty theft: As with any tourist destination, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or public transportation.
• Violent crime: Rare, but can occur. Avoid confrontations and seek help from authorities if needed.
• Natural hazards: Norway’s natural beauty can also pose risks, such as avalanches, rockfalls, and strong winds. Follow local advice and guidelines when exploring the outdoors.
• Road safety: Norway’s roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. Drive defensively and follow local traffic laws.