Filming in Azerbaijan
Hiring a fixer in Azerbaijan
Two things may be surprising for you when filming in Azerbaijan. First, you might be alarmed by seeing men in military clothes everywhere because Azerbaijan has mandatory military service for male citizens ages 18 to 35. Secondly, reckless driving is prevalent, and drivers often travel at high speeds without much attention to regulations.
Once you get the hang of traffic, let our fixer in Azerbaijan handle the rest. We can manage everything, from visa and finding the best locations to post-production.
Cultural facts
Where to take photographs and how to obtain your film permits in Azerbaijan are not the only rules to be mindful of. Social norms are just as important. One of them dictates you should never accept a gift immediately. Make sure to refuse one or two times before accepting it. Always insist it is too much, to appreciate the giver. When greeting, males should wait for a woman to extend the hand – if she does so, shake it lightly.
Weather when filming in Azerbaijan
In Baku, the summers are hot, humid, arid, and clear. The winters are long, very cold, dry, and partly cloudy. It is windy all year round.
The hot season, from June to September, has an average daily high temperature above 26°C/80°F. The cool season lasts from November to March. The average daily high temperature is below 11°C/53°F.
The best time of year to be filming in Azerbaijan, if you favor warm weather, is from mid-June to early September.
Tax rebate in Azerbaijan
At present, there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shot in Azerbaijan. When it comes to the cost of living, the news is not looking great, either. As with other oil-based economies, goods in Azerbaijan are generally on the more expensive side. On the bright side, however, film crew labor is comparatively inexpensive. In any case, our fixer in Azerbaijan will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
Conclusion on filming in Azerbaijan
When it comes to Azeri film permits, having a well-connected producer helps. For example, filming at the Heydar Aliyev Centre is possible, despite what other production companies tell you. Our reputation opens many doors for our customers.
Speaking about subtleties, our fixer in Azerbaijan wants us to remind you that entering Azerbaijan with a used Armenian visa or vice versa could likely cause problems (suspicion) with border guards, although it should not prohibit entry. Nevertheless, it is recommended to visit Azerbaijan first and then Armenia, to avoid potential problems and a refusal of entry to Azerbaijan. You will not be allowed entry to Azerbaijan with a Nagorno-Karabakh visa (you can ask to get the NKR visa on a separate piece of paper, though).
