Hi Andrew,
I write the following to give you a brief idea on what to expect from and in Cuba.
In order to work in Cuba on a photo or film shoot you need a work visa, a so called accreditation. We apply for and get it for you, therefore we need passport scans of the main working persons and later on lists of the stuff and equipment you will bring into the country. Similar to a carnet, but Cuba is no carnet country. Foreign models do not require a work visa. It is risky not to enter the country with a proper permission. The Cuban customs are very keen about high tech equipment or clothes in bigger quantities entering the Island. It worked with editorial shootings though, but again … rather do not do it.
The above mentioned permits, work visa, temporary admission of all your equipment and styling material is part of our services. And parts of the partnership we have with the Cuban TV Institute or let´s say with the official Cuban side. You cannot shoot or enter into Cuba without a permit.
Everybody in Cuba needs a legal Cuban partner. We are foreigners as all other production companies are foreigners. There are several reasons like language barriers, incompetence by the Cubans themselves to handle foreign crews and demands and a general lack of int´l experience (which isn´t necessarily their fault…), just to name a few. Nonetheless it is fun to work with Cubans, Cuban crews are motivated and very professional.
I need 2-3 weeks (rather 2 than 3 but you have to be quick with the passport scans) for the work visa, see the comments above. I´ll send over locations and –if needed- model references, Cuba is NOT model paradise, the good talents go away and stay their good years abroad, the new talents are often so-so, and many do not speak English. The rest isn´t terrible either, there is always a handful of good and motivated ones around.
Ask a lot of questions now, it is good to know everything in the beginning.
I can send you a selected forlder with havana´s 100 best, these are Cuba impressions that I just chose for the re-launch of our website. Send me your email address.
Kind regards
Chris
Kaspar Kaljas 
