Written by Murray Ashton on Apr 9, 2012. Posted in Interviews

Filming on location in Fiji with Nic Leggett

Nic was born in New Zealand but has always considered Fiji his second home, moving there for the first time in the early 90s. He and his business partner at Film Fiji are production professionals and have years of experience in many international regions with both advertising agencies and production companies.

What can you tell me about Fiji?

Fiji has an amazing diversity of locations, wonderful people, a great climate and wicked beer (Vonu). It’s close to major markets with direct flights from the US, Australia, New Zealand and many Asian countries.

As Film Fiji we cover the 365-odd islands in the Fiji group, as well as other South Pacific countries. As we are only a four-hour flight from both Australia and New Zealand we can easily boost the local infrastructure with both crew and equipment through our many contacts and suppliers in both countries.

Like all new film locations Fiji has a basic infrastructure. We are working hard with the Fijian Government to change this with the introduction of increased cash rebates of 47% for international TVC production spending. This will make it easier to offset the costs of things like freight that need to be brought into the country. We have a great mixture of cast in Fiji with Fijians, Indians, Asian and European. Post-production facilities are limited as most post is completed outside Fiji. The number of local professionals and seasoned crew grow daily in the country.

What locations are most commonly used by film and TV crews?

Fiji boasts some of the most beautiful white sands, turquoise waters and resorts in the world. These locations are often requested but as we continue to scout Fiji we can now offer our clients a lot more. Fiji is so much more than a tropical paradise.

What are the rare and more unusual locations in your region that our readers would not necessarily associate with the region?

We have jungles, grassy hills, rivers, water falls, massive sand dunes, unbelievable rock formations, colonial buildings and mahogany rain forests,

What types of production do you work on most?

We specialise in commercial production and photo shoots, but we’re more than happy to discuss all nature of projects.

Are there any particular tips that you would like to share with our audience about filming in Fiji?

Fiji is a film-friendly, English-speaking warm tropical island group providing many countries with visa exemptions. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Which are the best airports to use to film in Fiji and who flies there? Any tips on customs clearance or film-friendly freight agents?

Nadi Internatinal Airport is on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu. We also have smaller regional airports, with both tarmac and grass runways. We have a great relationship with Williams and Gosling in Fiji for all film and customs clearances. Fiji does not have a carnet system, but all gear and equipment is cleared through customs with ease.

What are the most film-crew-friendly hotels in your region and where is your favourite wrap party venue?

Most of the resorts are film-friendly and offer great services to crew and clients. Any beach Bure (thatched hut) bar is my favourite.

There are usually set costs for Public Liability cover for film units and costs for insuring locations. Can you tell us about location insurance and possibly examples of costs in your region?

With our company insurance policy we cover all public liability costs for film production while shooting in Fiji.

Can you let us know roughly what location fees are like in Fiji?

We have many amazing homes on our books and can negotiate wicked rates either through the agents or owners. A five-bedroom villa with amazing views and a pool would cost approximately USD5,000 a week.

What do you do with your time off and what would you recommend crew and cast do to visit, have fun and relax in your region?

A trip to the Yasawa Islands for some diving, surfing the world-famous Cloud Break, the Nasouri Highlands, the capital Suva or the old capital Levuka are great places. But there is nothing better than a cold Vonu on a beach at sunset.

Thanks very much

To contact Nic click here