Visiting crews coming to Kenya often ask whether they need a fixer or a local production company. The answer depends on how much of the production you want to handle yourself.

What a fixer does

• Arranges access to people and places.
• Handles permits and paperwork.
• Organises transport, accommodation and schedules.
• Translates and smooths the way on location.

A fixer suits a crew that brings its own director, camera team and post-production.

What a local production company adds

• Local crew, so you can fly in fewer people.
• Filming and editing capacity for extra material, pick-ups and local versions.
• Responsibility for delivery, not just access.
• Consent processes and paperwork that meet Kenya’s data protection guidance.

The legal point

Foreign productions in Kenya must be facilitated by a locally registered film agent, according to the Kenya Film Classification Board’s filming requirements, and every production needs a KFCB filming licence. See our filming permits guide.

How to choose

• Bringing a full crew and only need access? A fixer.
• Want to keep costs down by using local crew? A production company.
• Need Kiswahili interviews, local versions or follow-up filming? A production company.
• Working with NGOs or vulnerable people? Someone who can show you their consent and safeguarding process, whichever you choose.

Afrovo Studios offers production services for visiting crews from Nairobi.

Afrovo Studios is a Nairobi-based production company making films for NGOs, conservation groups and purpose-led organisations across East Africa. If you are planning a project, get in touch.