Authored by: Jillian Gibbs, Founder & Global CEO; Pedro Roura, Brand Executive Producer APR LatAm
In light of recently restored diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba, and the lifting of travel restrictions, we could expect some U.S. originated productions to take place in Cuba. If you’re a U.S. advertiser and you’re considering shooting in Cuba, there are a few things you should know about the following:
TRAVEL
- Visas: Currently, it is legal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba. Travel Agencies working
this market are purchasing Cuban Visas in bulk, in advance and they can arrange US to Cuba trips almost overnight, if necessary. US crews need two visas (Tourist and Working visa) - Airlines: Air travel from the USA is managed under Charter Flights. Check in 3- 4 hours in advance as all these Charter services are not as fast and organized as regular airline services.
- Credit Cards: There are no U.S. credit card services in Cuba. Everything needs to be in cash.
- Communication: There is no cell service for U.S. cell phone users receiving inbound calls or making outbound calls. Internet in Cuba is limited and expensive. It’s recommended that producers bring their own materials (binders, docs etc.)
- Security: Cuba is one of the safest places for tourists in Latin America. The authorities are extremely strict when it comes to foreign security and Cubans understand that their future depends on the return of tourists and their reputation as a tourist destination.
INSURANCE
- Production Insurance: Make sure you check with whomever is providing insurance
(Holding Company, Wrap-up Policy, Production Company) to verify that their production insurance extends to production in Cuba. There is no Cuban production insurance. Any production insurance needs to be purchased outside of Cuba. - Equipment Insurance: Rental houses usually charge 8% for insurance that covers very little.
- Health Insurance: When traveling to Cuba there is a mandatory health insurance policy charged when purchasing airfare tickets. This insurance covers 100% of all medical expenses for the extent of the trip.
- Risk Reduction: In order to reduce risk, make sure that you are doing business with a production service company that is associated with the Cuban Film or Cuban TV Institute.
PRODUCTION ADVICE
- Payments: Any production related payment needs to be made under two types of
transactions: 3rd party or cash. - Transparency: Encourage the Production Company and ad agency to be fully transparent with local authorities. Request copy of documents submitted to get permits, etc., when needed.
- Prep Time: Allow as much prep time as possible. Everything takes a little longer to get done in Cuba during pre-production.
CONCLUSION
The good news is that there have recently been a lot of European, Canadian, Asian and other LATAM country productions in Cuba. Be prepared to navigate as needed to make the most of this wonderful location! Our colleague, Paul Papanek, captured some images from a recent trip to Cuba, which you can see here: https://paulpap.exposure.co/cuba
For more information on how best to plan and produce your next ad in Cuba, contact the Subject Matter Experts at APR: info@aprco.com
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