Locations for Africa

Image by Ashim D Silva via Unsplash

Exceptional beaches and mountains collide in Cape Town © Kyle Cut Media (via Unsplash)

Katie Reynolds-Da Silva explores the plethora of beautiful African locations that will be available to filmmakers the world over once the global pandemic begins to dissipate.

The global lockdown has had one distinct advantage: drone shots have shown us just how spectacular the world’s natural spaces are when devoid of humans. Thankfully, we know that with the right permit, just about any film location can be ‘locked down’ and shot in its people-free splendor. In fact, a small army of location professionals are on hand to make sure the perfect building, park, or street is ready to turn your vision into reality, to the collective sigh of relief from producers everywhere.

MORE THAN A MOUNTAIN

When booking a trip to South Africa, one might conjure an image of Table Mountain, or vast plains filled with creatures great and small. But locals know that we are more than a mountain. Where else can you find a purple city? Try Tshwane, with its explosion of Jacaranda-lined streets. While you’re there, take a look at the majestic Union Buildings, ideal for official/ governmental scenes. Seeing as you’re in Gauteng, the richest square mile in Africa is well worth a visit. Situated in Sandton, the futuristic skyscrapers can double for any economic powerhouse on the planet. When you’ve had your fill of luxury and you’ve got relaxation on your mind, it’s time to head for a game reserve. The Pilanesburg a notable example, filled with a diverse ecological array. The accommodation is equally diverse, and you can find a budget-friendly rondavel or a five-star uber-luxe resort within kilometres of each other. A film-friendly destination with an illustrious film CV, Sun City Resort and Casino is a noteworthy spot. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore called it home in their Blended collaboration. As did Clive Owen in his casino thriller Croupier. Sun City is also frequently used for music videos, live events and celebrity weddings.

Further north, the arid, sweeping dust pans of the North West are ideal for the cars-moving-very-swiftly type of shot. Why go slow when the land-speed record is begging to be broken?

The Kruger National Park is an obvious choice for footage of wild animals; and with the absence of visitors recently, the animal populations are sure to

SAFETY FIRST

Location experts such as Amazing Spaces has been so proactive that they have partnered with a specialist cleaning company to ensure that every space is sanitised and free from any potential viruses. In this way, they are doing their bit to halt the spread of the pandemic.

be thriving, and are ready for their close up. As with most national parks, accommodation with a variety of architecture can be found. Colonial style mansions, rustic bush retreats, and everything in between are yours to be discovered.

A DIVE OFF THE DEEP END

We cannot talk about locations without mentioning South Africa’s magnificent beaches. It would be remiss to do so, therefore, the Callsheet presents a superlative-laden account of the bits where the land meets the sea.

Journey up the West Coast, starting from Cape Town, and marvel as each beach seems prettier than the last. Charming small towns, where fishing is the main economic driver, are abundant in this area. On a windy day, watersports abound and the area is abuzz with activity. If a more sedate look is required on shoot day, any one of these beaches (large and small) will suffice. West Coast beaches are characterized by pounding waves, soft sands and rolling dunes.

Readers of the previous edition may recall that I waxed lyrical about Chapman’s Peak – the most beautiful road on Planet Earth, so I’ll leave it at that. Or perhaps just add that to drive Chappies

Johannesburg views © Clodagh Da Paixao

on a glorious summer’s day is something close to experiencing the divine. Some people are foolish enough to attempt it on a bicycle, but I recommend the passenger seat of an air-conditioned luxury van. The views of the beaches can’t be over-hyped.

Onwards, along the eastern coast, towards the towns situated along the famed Garden Route (there’s even a film studio or two in this region). Stop in Oudtschoorn for some old-school cool and a stop off at the Cango Caves. The acoustics will give you chills. Stop in George for the exquisite golf courses and resorts - home to the who’s who of industry and sports. Hang ten in Jeffrey’s Bay, grab a custom board, and attempt to surf the

world-famous break.

Then there’s Durban’s Golden Mile, too, that deserves praise. Sunkissed skies, perfect bathing suit weather, and an accommodating permit system are the order of the day in South Africa’s surfing paradise. The KZN South Coast is also worth a mention. This is where filmmakers from across the world congregate annually to witness the frenzied sardine run along its shorelines.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape – which more than lives up to its luscious, bountiful name. Along this stretch of coast from East London to the border of KZN, are iconic blue flag beaches, secret hideaways and urban surf hotspots.

THE LOWDOWN ON PERMITS

South Africa has a film friendly and streamlined permitting process, with a number of privately owned locations as well as those that run through the film office. Citywide permits are available for filming b-roll at public locations. For more complicated shoots that require large setups or shutting down city streets, allow at least two weeks for permitting.

You will need a permit if your shoot: • Interrupts traffic on municipal roads or pedestrians on sidewalks; • Requires wires or cables running across or over sidewalks or municipal roads; • Requires the use of generators, tripods or dollies on sidewalks or municipal roads; • Impacts on public use of, or access to, public parking areas, community facilities, beaches, public open spaces, and nature reserves under

City management; or • Generates noise and air pollution.

Many areas do not require any specific permissions, but in some of the more popular areas – like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Tshwane as well as National Parks, permits are either recommended or essential. In some cases these are at no cost, while some do carry a fee. Visit the websites of the Cape Town Film Permits Office, the Gauteng Film Commission, and the Durban Film Office for detailed instructions.