Find your best crew
Its location, size and variety of landscapes make filming in Albania relatively easy and affordable.
Albania is an emerging economy where costs are significantly lower than in Central European countries. It means that not only the cost of filming but the cost of your whole crew staying in Albania and travelling around the country will, in the end, be lower than what you would spend in many other countries.
Access for foreign journalists can be tricky in some communities and having an Albanian fixer is always advised. Talking to institutions may be slow without local production help.
Crew Sourcing in Albania
A lesser known fact to foreign filmmakers is the Albania does have some tradition in hosting international film productions.
Our film fixers in Albania can help source qualified English-speaking crew members throughout the country. From cameramen and sound engineers to creatives, we can facilitate access to the best available people.
We are also able to facilitate equipment rental in Tirana and throughout Albania through partners. While we do not own the kit, our Albanian fixers can obtain the most convenient value for money.
Document requirements for journalists and filmmakers in Albania
All citizens of the European Economic Area may spend three months in Albania from the date they enter this country without having to complete any additional formalities if they are in possession of a valid travel document or identity card. Citizens of EEA countries can stay longer than three months when employed or working on their own, have sufficient financial means to maintain and maintain their family members and have medical insurance.
Openness to Foreign Journalists and Filmmakers
Albania ranks 84th in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index done in 2020 by Reporters Without Borders. In 2019, the government stepped up attempts to take control over the media with the excuse of fighting fake news.
Albania has still a lot to do in terms of openness to journalists and guaranteeing freedom of speech.
That being said, while institutions and contributors are generally open to talking to foreign media, a local Albanian fixer would be needed when covering or Filming in Albania as a journalist. State bodies tend to be slow in replying or need additional clarification for access, while average people in different communities may prefer interacting with a local first.
Access & Filming Permits in Albania
Permits for filming in Albania can be acquired with relative ease, but the process can sometimes take up to 30 days.
Some places are accessible for free while others have a tax, but filming in Albania is generally cheap by international standards.
Our film and production fixers have a good experience in getting filming permits in Albania, so please feel free to contact us if there is any way we can help.
Visas
Albania has been a part of the Schengen area since 2011. Non-EU citizens need to check the websites of the Albanian embassies in their territories to figure out visa restrictions.
In general, authorities are quite permissive with getting visas for filmmakers and journalists. Since the bureaucracy bit may be tricky, our Albanian production fixers are ready to help.