If you are a filmmaker in Nigeria, then you know more than anything that Nigeria is indeed blessed with a rich and vibrant culture, the kind that keeps you constantly inspired and always geared up to create that next masterpiece.

The Nigerian film industry is experiencing tremendous growth and recognition now more than ever, giving room for you to express your creative mojo in more innovative ways, promoting the country’s culture and values.

But there’s one thing that can be a stumbling block to putting that magic you have created together with your team on the screens of millions of Nigerians and even the global stage.

We bet you already know: ‘securing a filming permit!’ That’s right!

Don’t get discouraged! Regardless of the intensity of your filming project, AGC Media Pulse is your trusted partner when it comes to securing filming permits that cover all kinds of project requirements. Whether you are trying to shoot short stories and documentaries or studio films, we’ve got you covered.

Now, let’s delve deeper into how you can get your filming permit faster than you imagined.

An Overview of Filming Permits in Nigeria

Securing a filming permit is one of the crucial factors in turning those beautiful ideas into ground-breaking movies.

A filming permit is simply a licence issued to you by governmental or local authorities to allow you to film moving pictures in a particular location. The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) usually issues filming permits nationally, also the Lagos State Films and Censors Board issues filming permits for the territory of Lagos.

An important piece of information you might like to know is that in Nigeria, the doors are open to foreigners who want to shoot their movies partly or wholly in Nigeria, but not without due permission from the regulatory bodies.

No doubt there is a lot to maneuver when trying to secure a filming permit, but it’s nothing that cannot be handled if you are certain about what to do.

The Significance of Film Permits in Nigeria

There has been a huge turnaround in the Nigerian Film Industry. It is no longer what it used to be in the early 90s when it started. The growth is unmatched, and it is fast becoming a global wonder as it has now been recognized as the second-largest film producer in the world.

Nevertheless, at its roots is the rich culture of Nigeria, and this has been the motivation for every beautiful creation you see in the film industry today. The focus now is to ensure they promote the cultural values of the country and address social issues to which an average Nigerian can relate. This is why a law that regulates the process of film production to ensure that there is full compliance has been laid down.

When production managers go the extra mile to ensure a permit is obtained before commencing a shoot, it only shows a high level of professionalism and respect for the system.

The failure to follow due process in securing a permit before proceeding to make use of any location for your movie production, most times, leads to interruptions and embarrassment from local authorities and property owners.

These disruptions can further lead to halting the entire project, which can be a frustrating experience, and you would not want your effort and that of your team to be wasted.

How to Secure a Film Permit in Nigeria

Securing a film permit can be pretty straightforward when the nature of your production is simple. The nature of your production determines the location that will be most suitable for use which then informs you of the permits you need.

For instance, if you are about to shoot a movie on a privately owned property, do you go ahead and set up your equipment without permission from the owner? We guess your answer is no.

It’s also the same when you know your movie production will most likely cause traffic, noise, delays, or any form of inconvenience to the people around. Then, you must ensure you communicate this to the right authorities to avoid restrictions during your shoot.

There are several steps to take when securing a filming permit in Nigeria.

1. Carry out thorough research on the permit required for your shoot. Here are some questions to guide you in your research: what is the nature of my production? What kind of locations suit this production? Who are the authorities in charge?Asking these questions guides you on how to start the process of seeking this permit. If your production is basic, for example, short videos and documentaries, then you might not require so much. Permission can be granted to you to shoot at any location after due process has been completed.But if your production requires the use of heavy equipment, drones, or blocking of roads, then you will need more permission from other local authorities, which will take more time to process. Different states in Nigeria have their censors board that is responsible for issuing filming permits. The Nigeria Film Corporation serves as the authority for the Federal Capital Territory.
2. Get a local fixer: The process of applying for a permit is something you can do by yourself, but to save you the stress and ensure a smooth process, you will likely need the expertise of a local fixer.  Fixers like AGC Media Pulse ensures that you are provided with all the assistance you need and take care of all the difficulties that you might encounter in this process.
3. Put your required documents together for submission: This includes an application form and all necessary documents as required by the Nigerian Film Corporation. After assembling the documents, you can either decide to submit them yourself or through your local fixer. For foreigners who would like to shoot in Nigeria, visas and work permits might be required, including a record of equipment for the shoot.
4. Stay updated: once you are done providing all requirements, what’s left is for you to keep your eyes and ears out for the status of your application so you are notified early enough in the event of any complications.

Apart from the aforementioned, there might be some other things to consider when preparing for a shoot, for example, weather and seasons. That is why you must keep an open mind, stay flexible, and seek professional advice all through.

Securing a filming permit in Nigeria can be challenging, but you’ve got nothing to be scared about when your expert fixers are just around the corner. AGC Media Pulse’s local fixing services assure you of a seamless process in securing your permit, and in no time, the cameras will be rolling. For more information visit us on www.agcmediapulse.com or email info@agcmediapulse.com