Introduction
Ukraine, with its expansive landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage, is an increasingly popular destination for international film and TV productions. From the bustling streets of Kyiv to the serene beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and the picturesque Black Sea coast, Ukraine offers a wide range of stunning locations for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.
At Hoodlum, we provide expert film fixer services in Ukraine, offering comprehensive support for international crews. Our team handles all aspects 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.
Why Film in Ukraine?
- Diverse and Scenic Locations: Ukraine’s landscapes include everything from vibrant urban centers to vast countryside, rivers, and rugged mountains.
- Rich History and Culture: The country’s ancient castles, churches, and cultural landmarks provide exceptional storytelling opportunities.
- Cost-Effective Filming: Ukraine offers competitive production costs, making it an attractive location for budget-conscious filmmakers.
Planning a shoot in Ukraine? Hoodlum ensures a smooth and efficient production process, managing all logistics so you can focus on your creative vision. Contact us today for professional production support in Ukraine.
Country Overview
Main Cities:
Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mariupol
Bordering Countries:
Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Russia, Belarus
Local Languages:
Ukrainian (official), Russian (widely spoken)
Local Currency:
Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH)
Weather / Seasons:
- Annual mean temperature: 7-9°C
- Summer (May to August): 18°C to 22°C
- Winter (December to March): -4.8°C to 2°C
Visa Requirements
General Requirement
Travellers need a visa for business or tourism visits to Ukraine. This visa is typically a paper or embassy visa added as a stamp or sticker in the passport. It must be obtained from a local embassy, consulate, or visa center before travel.
Required Documentation for Application
- Valid passport
- Health insurance with coverage up to 30,000 euros
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay
- Arrival and Departure airline tickets
- Hotel accommodation details
- Itinerary
Timings
Processing time is typically up to 1 month.
Cost
The visa application fee is approximately $150.
Visa Application Links
International Crew Accreditation
General Accreditation Requirements
Journalists need to represent a media outlet and have an ID from the media they work for. Freelance journalists without an employer can seek accreditation through any Ukrainian media outlet that agrees to sponsor them.
For accreditation with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), the following are required:
- Letter of request from the media organization
- Journalist’s ID card
- Journalist’s passport
- Completed application form
- Passport photo
- Press card issued for up to 6 months, with varying access levels based on proximity to the military front (Green, Yellow, Red).
Required Documentation for Application
- Production company profile
- Filming synopsis
- Scanned passport for each crew member
- Passport photos of each crew member
- Visa scans for each crew member
- Equipment list with serial numbers
Issuing Organization
Accreditation is applied for through the Ministry of Defence.
Timings
Processing for the AFU press card takes around 15 days.
Cost
The cost for accreditation varies between $150 to $350, depending on the requirements.
General Film Permit
What organisation issues the permits?
Depends on shoot location & schedule. LP to advise (City Office, Military, etc.)
Timings
2 weeks (10 to 14 working days)
Required information/documentation for application
- Shoot synopsis
- Production company profile
- Passport scans
- 1 Passport photo of each crew member
- Visa scan for each crew member
- Detailed list of gear along with serial numbers
Cost
Depends on shoot location & schedule. From $500
Private Locations
General Process
Local fixer will negotiate the private location with the owner
Cost
Local fixer will negotiate the fee/cost with the private owner
Drone Permit
Drone regulations
- In addition to the usual permits, permission must be obtained from the military administration.
- A press officer from the military may need to be present during filming to ensure that filming aligns with the application.
- The military administration can adjust the shooting schedule or deny filming at certain locations (e.g., near strategic sites or military installations).
- The shooting time or location might change based on military conditions (e.g., time limits for drone use).
Drone importation regulations
- Regulations are constantly changing.
- Drones are dual-use items (military and civilian purposes), and drones may not be allowed through borders.
- It’s recommended to hire local drones rather than bringing your own.
What organisation issues the permits?
Ministry of Defence
Required information/documentation for application of Local Drone
- Strict process: shoot schedules, times, and locations; storyboard, etc. Fixer to advise.
- Exact details of what will be filmed and for which project, including broadcast information.
- Exact shooting location and time.
- Drone pilot certificate.
- Number of crew members.
- Registration number of the drone and its operating frequency (for local drones, this is provided by the local team).
Timings
15 Days
Cost
- Drones up to 2 kg: ₴1,500 – ₴3,000 (approximately $55-$110 USD)
- Drones 2-5 kg: ₴3,000 – ₴6,000 (approximately $110-$220 USD)
- Drones 5-10 kg: ₴6,000 – ₴12,000 (approximately $220-$440 USD)
- Drones over 10 kg: ₴12,000 – ₴24,000 (approximately $440-$880 USD)
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is it a Carnet country?
Yes, Ukraine is a Carnet country.
General process for Carnet country
Client applies for the carnet in their own country.
Required information/documentation for equipment customs clearance
Carnet applies in this case. A copy of the carnet should be sent to the fixer.
What organisation issues the clearance?
Customs clearance in Ukraine
Timings
1 to 2 working days
Cost
3.6% of filming equipment
Film Rebates and Tax Incentives
Not effective in Ukraine as of now.
Safety & Security
General in-country overview
Currently, only certain areas are considered safe. Safety depends on the state of the country at the given time.
Type of Security required
To be determined based on specific circumstances and locations.
