FAQ
FAQ
What does a Film Office do?
A film office is a specialized office under the authority of a government entitiy, or administrative office, with the purpose of promoting the region through the development of film, video and multimedia productions. The commission is also the official liaison between the creative media industries and the community, serving as a 'translator'. They are also a resource, assisting in identifying suitable venues and locations in Curacao as well as providing information about crew, equipment, housing, and a wide variety of service providers. It also acts as an advocate for growth and exposure of the local industry.
Do I need to register with the Curacao Film Office?
Yes, Filming in Curaçao does require you to register your production at the Curaçao Film Office. We ask you to fill in a registration form. This rigistration is free of cost.
How long does it take to receive a film permit?
After completing the registration form the permit wil be received within 48 hours.
Do you need a permit to shoot on a sidewalk?
Filming on the sidewalk does not require a permit if the sidewalk is not 'closed' or 'blocked' as ingress/egress must be given to daily foot traffic, to surrounding residents and to area businesses at all times. Should your film shoot require that the sidewalk be closed or if dolly tracks will be utilized, then a permit IS required.
How do I request Police assistance?
After receiving the permit for filming on a public road and police assistance is required, contact the police office of the jurisdiction the location is in. In Co-operation with the district police office the requirements for the film shoot can be discussed and the type of assistance required can be decided on accordingly.
Am I obliged to notify businesses and houses in the neigborhood about filming activities?
Yes. It is highly recommended to send an announcement on official paper to all companies and local residents 3 days before the recordings take place, with the necessary details about the recordings. An example of this announcement can be found here.
What work does a production assistant do?
For all job descriptions please refer to our production glossary.
Are you allowed to use a drone anytime and anywhere in Curacao?
On Curacao, you can not just film anywhere with a drone. The drone must be registered with the Curacao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and a frequency must be purchased at the Bureau of Telecommunications (costs Naf 15, -). ATTENTION Drones that have not been registered in advance will be confiscated at the Airport Customs . If you take a Drone with you for recordings, make sure you register them in advance. You can also use one of the many professional Drone Operators working on Curacao. Registration documents and more information about Drones on Curacao can be found here.
What languages are spoken in Curacao?
In Curacao we have 3 official languages. Dutch English and Papiamentu. Papiamentu is the laguage that is spoken the most by the locals. Next to these official languages, most people in Curaçao also speak a 4th or a 5th language, Spanish is the most common.
Can you drink water from the tap?
The water in Curaçao is one of the purest and best tasting waters in de world. Seawater is desalinated through reverse osmosis and can be consumed safely.
How do I sign up my house or property as a filming location?
You can send an e-mail to the Curacao Film Office at eloise.vanwickeren@gobiernu.cw to offer your property as a filming location. The Film Office wil contact you to discuss the details.