Permits to film in Morocco and Jordan?

FatDaddy

FatDaddy

Veteran
Looking to do some filmmaking in Morocco and Jordan and was wondering about permits and experiences from others. I will be shooting a pilot for a documentary religion series called "Faith Mosaics" (Islam first to be covered). I am in the area on another project and was interested in spending 4 days in each country. The project will be a slice of life approach to people and their faith, almost like a comparative religion course shown through the people and culture of each religion. Shooting would involve places of interest, cultural happenings and interviews with a variety of people. None of this is large scale or high budget. Basically, I am in the area (France & Spain) and will try to build enough from this trip to get further funding.

My question is about going into the coutries without permits (which doesn't seem like a good idea, especially when it is about religion) and any experiences in general. I found two places on the web that are from Morocco that can help with permits and haven't starting looking at Jordan yet (Jordan will be good for biblical sites and more tourist centered on my end).

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks much,
john
 
If you are shooting a documentary for TV then you do not need to go through a CCM Official Moroccan Production Company but you do need to get a CCM shooting permit. It is essential as without it you will be stopped and gear could be confiscated. It is not expensive and relatively easy to get. You can apply online using their website

www.ccm.ma

Best of luck.
 
Thanks so much Indiana James. I would not have found that info searching on the web (I was looking under "Film" and "Morocco").

I have a few more questions and didn't want to presume you want to answer. You up for some questions? Also, wouldn't mind keeping it on the boards in case someone else was looking for the same info at some time later.

Gotta run now, but will check back later.

Thanks,
john
 
Last edited:
No problem John. I live in Morocco and have done a number of films and documentaries here so am fairly up to with the laws and bureaucracy of the CCM and the country.

I will be glad to answer as many questions as I can and of course keep them on the boards if it helps others.

Regards,

James
 
Thanks so much for your willingness to help. I did print out the form called "Applications for Shooting Authorization" under Reporting/TV Prog and I assume this is the form to fill out and send in for documentaries (looks like the only form they use for shoting authorization). Does this sound right?

The other question would be how do I explain that this is a pilot and it is just me coming into the country to shoot some footage and try to secure some interviews (man on the street style and maybe some sit down interviews with people I meet). The plan is to find someone who will travel with me who is from Morocco to act as a guide and interpreter.

My first thought was to come in the country as a tourist and try to shoot some footage traveling, but I hear as soon as you put a tripod on the ground in popular areas they start asking questions. Do you think this is the best way to go?

That's it for now.
Thanks,
john
 
Yes that's the form and I would tick the box that says other. Along with the form you should write a polite letter asking permission to shoot a TV Pilot for a future documentary, in Morocco. The last thing is for you to send them a brief synopsis about the project and what you hope to get on film in the country.

You are right about the tripod. A small hand held shot you could, and I emphasis could, get away with but a soon as they see a tripod and camera, you will be approached. It will be either by a Police officer or an official representing the Wallayee (mayor) of the area. If you do not have the relevant paperwork then you will be asked to stop shooting and could have equipment confiscated until you pay a 'fine'.

Finally, a good idea would be to hire a car with a driver, he can also double up as interpreter. A small car with driver would cost around 60 dollars a day.

Hope this helps.

James
 
This is a lot of help. A couple of questions regrading the form. How much do I need to explain "pilot" and will they be okay that I only have a total budget of $1000 while in country? Also the topic is about religion and faith (along with culture), should I tread lightly on this with the write up or lay it out in a positive light?

Question about locations. I wanted to travel within the country, but am not sure how I would get around. Would it be better to pick multiple locations and fly, or just one location, say Marrakech and shoot around the area (50 -100 mile radius) for 5 to 6 days.

As always, thanks for your help. i am sure more questions will come.

Thanks,
john
 
ps. I have people telling me I should skip the permits and go as a tourist. Will the permits get me a government official as a tag along? And with the permit, do I get to pull out the big tripod, lcd monitor, rails and 35mm adapter in any location I want along with some man on the street interviews?
 
John~

Don't play with fire.

For Jordan and Morocco do it right or don't do it.

Both are parts of the world and cultures where respect and saving face are most important.

It's a bit more work to get the permits but it will protect you and go far to ensure you have a "pleasant" experience.

This will also have the added benefit of giving your production just a bit of weight with the locals. Remember, you are a guest and it is you who need to conform to them and not the other way around.

Also, be sure to check with the U.S. State department when arriving and give them an idea of what's going on.

Hope to see your work soon!

Sound very promising and most interesting!
 
Thanks ESTEBEVERDE for the wisdom and encouraging words. I want to go as a "learner" and enjoy very much new people and cultures. It is good to hear about the importance of others and their identity.

Will check in with the Sate Department. When I went to Myanmar a few years ago, when entering the country we went to the embassy and let them know our plans and a big marine behind a desk (with gun nearby) said "You have any trouble let us know and we will come get you." We were like "Cool" and then walked away going "trouble, what does he mean, trouble."

Thanks again!
john

ps. Will post footage and experiences after the trip.
 
Do you mean more than traveling with one person as driver/language helper and myself or stuff like hard cases, locks, watch the equipment at all times, etc?

Thanks.
 
Just an update. Morocco is a go and it is now Turkey instead of Jordan. Any body with shooting experience in Turkey?
 
Just another update (hopefully James will be back soon...).

Looks like I might need to find someone to be a guide during my time in Morocco. If you know someone James let me know, I can also look at production companies and tour companies. I can get someone if I go in as a tourist, but would rather fill out the film permit this week and send it in. This would be for the third week of February.

Thanks!
 
FatDaddy said:
Do you mean more than traveling with one person as driver/language helper and myself or stuff like hard cases, locks, watch the equipment at all times, etc?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I mean security for yourself and your crew. Allot of tourists have been getting beat up lately and you will be getting allot of attention when shooting a movie.
 
Okay, will do my best. Maybe a driver and a guide/translator and the big white guy. Thanks for the heads up.
 
lairhair said:
I mean security for yourself and your crew. Allot of tourists have been getting beat up lately and you will be getting allot of attention when shooting a movie.
Click to expand...
Hey, getting beat up is a lot better than getting your head hacked off with a dull rusty knife any day!
 
Hah agreed. just one tip for Morocco. If you get a coke bottle do not give the cap to any kids because thats like gold for them down there and they'll jump the kid for it. Pretty ridiculous hah.
 
lairhair said:
Hah agreed. just one tip for Morocco. If you get a coke bottle do not give the cap to any kids because thats like gold for them down there and they'll jump the kid for it. Pretty ridiculous hah.
Click to expand...
And if you do give him the cap, give him the bottle too, so he can fight them off Barroom style!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top