Filming In Belarus: What You Need To Know

Belarus is a country known for its lush plains, swamps, lakes, and woodlands, and its temperate climate is favourable for filming all year round. It is possible to film in Belarus with the right local help, and there are some stunning locations, including the capital city of Minsk, which is known for its Soviet-era buildings, including metro stations. However, there are some restrictions on filming in Belarus, and most locations require a filming permit, which can take 2-4 weeks to obtain. There are also restrictions on filming on national holidays, such as President's Day. In addition, Belarus has strict censorship laws, and freedom of the press is extremely restricted.

Permits and regulations for filming in Belarus

Filming in Belarus can be done with relative ease with the right local help. Most filming locations in Belarus require you to obtain a permit for a fee. It is possible to obtain permits given enough time (2-4 weeks) and the right approach. This is why you need a local production fixer in Belarus to handle the process for you.

With a filming permit, you are allowed to film in major locations within the capital city of Minsk, such as the Soviet-era metro stations. However, there are restrictions on filming on national holidays like Presidents' Day. It is not possible to film in public spaces on Presidents' Day.

Entry for journalists and foreign crews is subject to the regulations of their country of origin. Journalists entering Belarus through Minsk National Airport with a Western passport can stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days without a visa. Registration is always compulsory when staying more than 5 days. You may require extra documentation if you are bringing in filming equipment.

The cost of filming in Belarus is relatively affordable. Major filming costs will cover locations, hiring crew or local talent, as well as equipment rental. To help keep production costs at a minimum, a local Belarusian fixer can help you negotiate deals. The government offers no incentives for foreign production companies or journalists filming in Belarus.

Local Belarusian costs such as locations, talent, crew, and equipment are relatively inexpensive. Imported goods and hotel accommodation can be expensive. Belarusian fixers can negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Belarus has a very small pool of local directors, directors of photography, and stills photographers. Some English-speaking key crew are available locally. More specialized crews should be brought in. Belarus's close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of creative and technical crew should you need to look further.

Talent day rates and buyouts are reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis. Belarusian and Russian are the official languages. The majority of locals are ethnically Belarusian. There are also small minorities of Russian, Polish, and Ukrainian people. All other looks are best cast abroad.

Belarus has some standard lighting, grip, and camera equipment, including cranes, Fisher dolly, Alexa, and RED cameras. More specialized equipment is best brought in from abroad. For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Belarus is an ATA carnet country.

Crews travelling with film equipment may be required to have additional documentation.

Recommended filming locations in Belarus

Belarus is known for its bucolic landscapes, plains, swamps, deep forests, and thousands of beautiful rivers and lakes. The country has not hosted many international film productions, so many locations remain undiscovered.

Agricultural and Industrial Locations

Belarus has many agricultural and industrial sites that can serve as unique filming locations. These include fields of wheat, barley, potatoes, apples, rye, oats, flax, and rapeseed, as well as dairy cow farms and factories producing textiles and machinery such as tractors.

Minsk, the Capital City

Minsk, the capital and main production centre of Belarus, is known for its Soviet-era buildings and metro stations. Notable locations within the city include:

• Cultural institutions: National Library, Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum, National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre, Janka Kupala National Theatre, Belarusian State Musical Theatre, Maxim Gorky National Drama Theatre, National Arts Museum, and Belarusian State Circus.
• Soviet-era landmarks: Minsk Government House with its Lenin statue, Minsk Tractor Works (a large tractor factory), and Soviet-era metro stations.
• Religious sites: Holy Spirit Cathedral and Church of All Saints.
• Parks: Victory Park, Park Horkaha, Chelyuskinites Park, and Victory Square.
• Transport hubs: Minsk-Pasažyrski railway station and Minsk National Airport.
• Sporting venues: Dinamo National Olympic Stadium and Minsk Arena.
• Abandoned sites: An abandoned children's hospital, which could be ideal for horror film productions.

Outside Minsk

• Minsk Oblast: Nesvizh Radziwiłł Castle and Narachanski National Park.
• Brest: The Terespol Gate and Brest Hero-Fortress.
• Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: A primeval forest home to bison, wolves, and bears, located on the border with Poland.
• Other notable locations: Pripyatsky National Park, Mir Castle Complex, Tower of Kamyenyets, Mound of Glory WWII Memorial, Lida Castle, Kalozha Church, and Astravets nuclear power plant.

With its diverse landscapes, architecture, and cultural attractions, Belarus offers a range of filming locations to suit various production needs.

The climate and best time of year to film in Belarus

Belarus has a moderately temperate climate, which is characteristic of Central Europe, and is favourable for filming all year round. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers, long cold winters, and rainfall throughout the year.

The summer, lasting about 150 days, is usually sunny and dry, with temperatures varying from 25°C to 30°C. Thunderstorms are common in the late afternoon and can be heavy. This is the best time of year to film outdoors, as the weather is warm and there is little rain.

Spring and autumn are damp and rainy, with low-pressure systems from the Atlantic bringing more moisture. The first snow of the year can fall as early as mid-October, and spring is the driest season.

Winters are cold and snowy, lasting between 100 and 120 days. The weather can be harsh, with strong northeasterly winds and snowstorms, but some years are milder with westerly winds and temperatures above zero. Temperatures can drop to −5°C to −8°C, and snowfall can occur from December to early March.

Overall, the best time of year to film in Belarus is during the summer months, particularly June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. However, the country's temperate climate means that filming can take place year-round with careful planning.

The cost of filming in Belarus

Local Costs

Local costs such as locations, talent, crew and equipment are all relatively inexpensive in Belarus. The country is known for its bucolic landscapes, deep forests, and thousands of beautiful rivers and lakes, which can be used as filming locations.

Imported Goods and Accommodation

Imported goods and hotel accommodation can be expensive. A local fixer or service producer can help negotiate local deals and provide production support to match your budget.

Permits and Visas

Most filming locations in Belarus require a permit for a fee. It is possible to obtain permits with enough time (2-4 weeks) and the right approach. A local fixer can handle this process.

Western passport holders entering Belarus via Minsk National Airport can stay visa-free for up to 5 days. Visitors to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park can enter visa-free by land for up to 3 days. Crews travelling with film equipment may need additional documentation.

Tax Incentives

There are no tax incentives for foreign feature films or commercials in Belarus.

Visas and work permits for filming in Belarus

When it comes to visas and work permits for filming in Belarus, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, entry requirements for journalists and foreign crews are subject to the regulations of their country of origin. However, journalists entering Belarus through Minsk National Airport with a Western passport can usually stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa. It's important to note that registration is compulsory for stays longer than 5 days. Additional documentation may also be required if you're bringing filming equipment.

For longer stays or assistance with permits for equipment, it's recommended to work with a local fixer or a specialised company to process the necessary visas and permits. This includes obtaining a filming permit, which is typically required for most locations in Belarus and can be obtained with enough time (2-4 weeks) and the right approach.

In terms of work permits for foreign employees, Belarus offers different types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of the visit. Relevant visas include:

• Type B visa for transit, with a validity of up to one year and a maximum stay of 2 days per entry.
• Type C visa for short-term visits, valid for up to 90 days.
• Type D visa for long-term stays, valid for a period exceeding 90 days but not more than 5 years.

To obtain a work visa, international employees will need to submit several documents, including a completed visa application form, a passport photo, a valid passport, proof of medical insurance, a certified copy of their work permit, and proof of payment for the visa fee. The processing time for a work permit is approximately 15 days, and it is typically issued for one year.

Frequently asked questions