Shooting in Cuba

avp

avp

Well-known member
I have a client who wants to shoot a cooking show in Cuba. It will likely be a minimal crew (ie: myself and maybe one other). I am looking for direction with regard to shooting in a foreign country. Flat daily fee? Gear stipend? Hourly rate for travel/shooting? Travel expenses will be covered by the client.

I will likely be taking an HPX 250 and a couple GH4s or something along those lines as well as an audio kit, sticks, and a few compact led units. I still haven't dialed in what will be needed as we are in the initial planning stages. Any input from those with relative experience would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jeff
 
Cuba is NOT a carnet company.

I shot there fifteen years ago. We partnered with a local company. Not sure much of my advice would be relevant now.
 
I've never been but to my understanding, you can travel as part of a group "People to people", as a journalist, or as an academic engaged in research. At any rate, it appears most of the restriction come from within our own government and not that of Cuba. Of course, I'm sure they have their own restrictions as well.
 
If you go to La Habana and need models, locations or connections, feel free to contact a good friend of mine who runs one of the few model agencies there.
I worked in La Habana several times in the last few years with him.

His name is Javier. You can contact him at javierguilarte at gmail.com (but he can't check email often due to internet limitations in Cuba). Better to call him to his mobile (+53) 052760744 or at home (+53) 2081801.
I usually pay him 160CUC per week + model fees (average of 50CUC daily, but prices are negociable).
Honestly, he is a very good guy but don't expect the same "organization" and "professionality" you'd find in your Country. You need to adapt :))
Oh...he doesn't speak English, as few people do there. I hope you know Spanish.
 
You can fly straight from Miami nowadays, but you need an OFAC license. The license for journalists is much harder to get than the research or artist license. Also, it helps if you can be invited by a Cuban organization that's acredited with the government.

Last time I went, I took loads of equipment tax-free, straight from Miami to Camaguey, with only a little bit of hassle. ;)

look into the licenses and see if you can fit yourself within those requirements.
 
Hey folks, thanks a bunch for your replies. You've been quite helpful and certainly, any additional insight would be welcomed.

Jeff
 
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