Introduction
Hoodlum offers top-tier film fixer services in Trinidad & Tobago, providing essential support to international production teams. With deep local expertise and hands-on experience, we specialize in securing permits, scouting diverse locations, and assembling skilled local crews, ensuring a seamless production process from start to finish. Our services extend beyond film production to stills photography, offering full support for both motion and still visual projects.
From vibrant cityscapes to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and culturally rich heritage sites, Trinidad & Tobago provides the perfect backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography shoots.
Planning to film or capture stills in Trinidad & Tobago? Hoodlum takes care of all the logistical details—securing permits, sourcing ideal locations, and managing local crew—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today to learn how we can make your Trinidad & Tobago production smooth, successful, and visually stunning.
Country Overview
Main Cities:
Port of Spain (Capital), San Fernando, Chaguanas, Arima, Tunapuna
Bordering Countries:
Island nation in the southern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela, northwest of Guyana. Shares maritime borders but has no land borders.
Local Languages:
English, Trinidadian Creole (Patois), Tobagonian Creole, Hindi, French Creole (Patois), Spanish
Local Currency:
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
Weather / Seasons:
Best filming period:
Dry season (January–May)
Features:
Plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor shoots
Visa Requirements
General Requirements
Visit the Trinidad and Tobago Immigration Division
Required Documentation
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed online application form
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Invitation letter or confirmation from a local production company/festival organizer
- Proof of film project concept and itinerary
- List of equipment and crew members
Processing Time:
3–5 working days
Cost:
$84.39 USD
International Crew Accreditation
General Requirements
- Visit the TTFC website
- Complete the Film Crew Accreditation Form
- Upload necessary documents
- Required Documentation
- Passport / ID (Driver’s License or National ID)
- Proof of film project concept and itinerary
- Crew and cast list
- Equipment list
- Insurance certificate
Processing Time:
1–4 weeks
Cost:
USD $150–$375
General Film Permit
Issuing Organization:
Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC)
Processing Time:
5–10 working days
Required Documentation
- Completed Film Crew Accreditation Form
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ID (Driver’s License or National ID)
- Proof of film project concept and itinerary
- Crew and cast list
- Equipment list
- Insurance certificate (public liability and equipment)
- Payment receipt for accreditation fee
Cost:
$75–$225
Private Locations
General Process
Hoodlum Film Fixers (location manager/production coordinator) facilitates access
Key responsibilities:
- Location scouting and management
- Negotiating fees with property owners
- Cost Factors
- Location owner’s discretion
- Production budget and reputation
- Popularity and demand for the location
- Time constraints and scheduling
Drone Permit
Regulations
- Permit required from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA)
- Operator must have a Remote Pilot License issued by TTCAA
- Drone Importation Regulations
- TTCAA approval required for importation
- Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) approval needed for drones with wireless communication equipment
- Issuing Authorities
- TTCAA (General drone regulations)
- TTFC (Film-related drone operations)
Required Documentation
For local drone operations:
- Completed Drone Permit Application Form (TTCAA)
- Drone specifications
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement
- Remote Pilot License (for commercial operations)
- Liability insurance certificate (min. TT$1 million coverage)
- Film Permit Application Form (TTFC)
- Script and storyboard
- Location permit (from relevant authorities)
- Proof of payment (permit fees)
For drone importation:
- Commercial invoice detailing drone specifications and value
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Customs Declaration Form (C82)
Processing Time:
10–21 working days
Cost:
USD $75–$150
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is Trinidad & Tobago a Carnet Country? Yes
Process for Carnet Country
- Obtain a Carnet document from the issuing authority
- List goods (e.g., film equipment) with values
- Pay security deposit and fees
- Present Carnet to customs upon arrival
- Use goods for intended purpose (filming)
- Re-export goods within Carnet validity (typically 12 months)
- Obtain discharge certificate from customs upon re-export
Required Documentation
- Detailed inventory
- Proof of ownership or rental
- Insurance certificate
- ID and business registration
- Security deposit
Issuing Organization:
Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division
Processing Time:
2–5 working days
Cost Factors
- Type and value of equipment
- Complexity of clearance
- Customs broker fees
- Duties and taxes
Film Rebates and Tax Incentives
Current Status:
Trinidad and Tobago offer a Film Production Rebate Program, including reality TV productions. More information coming soon on the accurate rebate information.
Safety & Security
General Overview:
Trinidad and Tobago is generally a safe and welcoming destination for international film crews.
Security Requirements:
Local Fixer/Coordinator: Experienced professional to facilitate logistics and security
Private Security Guards: For equipment and location security
