Country Overview

Production support in Panama is the secret weapon for filmmakers looking to unlock a country of remarkable contrasts. From lush rainforests and colonial ruins to shimmering city skylines and turquoise Caribbean beaches, Panama offers a rich tapestry of visuals — all accessible within a few hours of each other. With its diverse landscapes, historical charm, and bustling urban centers, Panama presents a wide array of filming opportunities for any genre, from adventure and romance to political thrillers and historical dramas.

However, filming in Panama comes with its own set of logistical, cultural, and regulatory nuances. Atlas Film Fixers provides full-service production support in Panama, expertly handling location permits, local crew coordination, and ensuring smooth logistics whether you’re filming in remote jungles or vibrant cityscapes. Our team helps you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring that your production runs smoothly and efficiently.

Most Beautiful Destination for Filmmakers

Panama’s unique geography — a narrow land bridge connecting two oceans — makes it one of the most diverse visual locations in Central America. From the dense rainforests of Darién to the stunning beaches of Bocas del Toro, the country’s natural beauty provides unparalleled backdrops for filmmakers. Panama has also served as a stand-in for a variety of global locations, doubling for places like the Amazon, Havana, Southeast Asia, and even Miami in international productions.

Production support in Panama ensures that your vision is executed with precision. Whether you are filming in the historic Casco Viejo district, capturing stunning aerial shots over the Panama Canal, or filming on indigenous lands, we provide all the necessary resources to make your shoot a success. Panama’s variety of settings allows you to recreate almost any environment, making it an ideal location for filmmakers looking for versatility.

What Does Production Support in Panama Include?

Panama’s multilingual population, tropical climate, and blend of modern and traditional settings make it an exciting but complex place to film. Our production support in Panama streamlines the process, ensuring that you can focus on storytelling while we take care of the behind-the-scenes details.

Our support includes:

• Location scouting in Panama City, Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Guna Yala, and the Darién Gap.
• Permit procurement through the Panama Film Commission and local authorities for a range of filming locations.
• Customs facilitation for gear via ATA Carnet or temporary importation.
• Casting and bilingual crew sourcing to ensure smooth communication (Spanish-English).
• Transportation logistics across both coasts, as well as interior jungles, ensuring easy access to even the most remote filming locations.
• Accommodation planning and catering support for all types of productions.
• Drone flight permissions and airspace coordination to capture aerial shots.
• Liaison with indigenous communities to ensure culturally respectful filming practices.
• Medical safety, emergency planning, and preparation for Panama’s tropical climate, which can be challenging for some productions.

Panama Filming Permits and Requirements

Filming in Panama requires multi-tiered approvals, particularly when working in protected areas or near government infrastructure like the Panama Canal. Atlas Film Fixers handles all the necessary paperwork, ensuring your project stays on track and compliant with local laws. We know the ins and outs of Panama’s film regulations, saving you time and effort.

We assist with:

• Film permits from the Panama Film Commission to secure the necessary approvals for filming in various locations.
• Special permits for filming in national parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, or indigenous lands.
• Drone authorizations via the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama for aerial cinematography.
• Temporary work visas and migration requirements for foreign crew members.
• Carnet importation or temporary gear import licensing to ensure smooth customs clearance for your filming equipment.
• Health and safety compliance for tropical conditions, especially when filming in remote or jungle locations.

Why Atlas Film Fixers?

Atlas Film Fixers offers unparalleled production support in Panama through a trusted network of local fixers, location managers, and logistics experts. Our team has years of experience in the country and knows how to navigate the challenges of filming in this diverse and sometimes unpredictable environment. We are here to move quickly, solve problems, and protect your creative vision.

Why productions choose us:

• Bilingual fixers who understand both regional culture and international expectations.
• Deep relationships with local government officials and indigenous leaders to facilitate smooth shoots.
• Knowledge of weather windows and local production calendars to help avoid delays.
• Experience with jungle shoots, aerial cinematography, and sensitive locations requiring careful handling.
• Proven results with global commercials, TV shows, and feature films filmed in Panama.

Why Film in Panama?

Panama offers more than just tropical appeal. It is an increasingly recognized film-friendly destination with access to both natural and urban locations that are often not found in other regions of Central America. The country offers a modern infrastructure, cost-effective filming options, and a growing reputation for being film-friendly.

Panama offers:

• Diverse scenery — jungle, coast, islands, and cities — all within hours of each other.
• Modern production infrastructure with increasing incentives for international filmmakers.
• Experienced local crew base with multilingual talent, ensuring smooth communication.
• A safe political climate and a stable economy based on the U.S. dollar.
• Easy international access from North and South America, making it a convenient location for international productions.

Let’s Roll in Panama

Panama may be small in size, but it’s massive in cinematic potential. With Atlas Film Fixers providing production support in Panama, your crew gains the local insight, logistical power, and cultural fluency needed to bring your production to life. Whether you are shooting a commercial, TV series, or feature film, we ensure that every detail is taken care of.

Contact us today to explore filming opportunities in the heart of the Americas. With our help, Panama can become the perfect backdrop for your next production.