Frequently asked questions

Production guide

Norway has garnered a reputation of delivering high production value on modest budgets, powered by world-class talents and crews, and a cost-effective approach.

Browse our FAQ covering how to get started, crews, production, and other aspects.

Getting Started

  • Yes. We provide free location scouting services for high-impact feature films and drama series. We can assist you with desktop research, a virtual scout, or help you set up a recce and provide the logistical services of a domestic location coordinator. Get in touch to find out more.

    On occasion, we also host familiarization recces for high-impact projects, inviting production executives, producers, directors, cinematographers, production designers, UPMs and/or location managers / scouts.

  • Yes, contact us and we will point you in the right direction. There are several experienced fixers based in Western Norway, with a solid track record servicing international clients and broadcasters from all major markets. There are fixers based in Bergen, Ålesund, Molde, Sogndal and beyond.

  • Western Norway has 9 commercial airports. Bergen Airport has connections to all the major hubs in Europe, and is less than 2 hours from London and Amsterdam. Oslo is a 45 minute flight, with departures every hour. Also Ålesund Vigra Airport has international connections.

    The airports in Molde, Kristiansund, Ørsta-Volda, Sandane, Sogndal, Florø and Førde service domestic routes, mainly to Oslo Gardermoen and Bergen.

  • Norway is a member of Schengen and the European Economic Area. Norway has VISA exemption agreements with all EU/EEA countries as well as 65 countries outside of the EU, including United States. You do not need a visa to come to Norway for shoots under 90 days, if you are being paid by a non-Norwegian company and from a VISA free country.

    Visit the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration for further information, and for a complete list of VISA exempt countries

  • The official language in Norway is Norwegian, and Sami – used by the indigenous Sami people.

    Norway consistently ranks at the top of the English proficiency index, so you can expect to manoeuvre through society and business without any difficulties.

    Many Norwegians also speak a second foreign language, such as German, French and Spanish, and can also understand Swedes and Danes.

  • Some key features of the Norwegian business culture are:

    Flat structures, little hierarchy: First-name basis
    Empowered employees
    Informal communication
    Punctuality and direct approach
    Focus on cooperation
    Trust among people
    Gender equality
    Risk willingness
    Balance of work and private life

    Norwegians can have a direct approach and move ahead quickly - many Norwegians do not need long-standing personal relationships in order to conduct business. However, they prefer to do business with those they trust, and punctuality is highly appreciated in this regard.

    Norwegians in general do not expect a lot of bargaining, neither in their private affairs or in business life, and aggressive bargaining can challenge trust relationships.

Crews

  • The Norwegian industry can service several international projects in addition to local production. The Norwegian Film Workers Union have north of 1400 members, and there are also crews outside of the union.

  • In Western Norway, there are crews based in Bergen, including some HoDs, and also some crews in Ålesund and the Møre og Romsdal area. The vast majority of Norwegian crew and rental houses are based in and around Oslo, but are used to servicing projects shooting in the regions.

    There are also experienced fixers, location scouts, drone operators and photographers based in smaller towns across Western Norway. Depending on the requirements of your project, you may find everything you need local to the area you are filming in. Get in touch , and we will find out.

  • Norwegian crews are renowned for high on-set efficiency, have a well-established reputation, and are accustomed to working on international sets. Norwegian crews speak fluent English, as do Norwegians in general.

    The majority of crews are engaged as employees, while some are independent contractors. Union rules do not apply to contractors, but in practice they are treated on par with employees.

    Norwegian crews are committed, flexible, well organised and highly qualified - also on assistant level. Budget-conscious productions can plan for a smaller crew compared to international standards.

    For feature films, Norwegian crews are used to a general assembly for all crew (and cast) before principal photography, where a crew representative is elected. A mid and wrap party is expected, and crew members who are engaged on the entire shoot also expect to be invited to the opening / premiere screening in Norway.

  • Norwegian Film Workers Union covers all departments and has about 1400 members.

    In addition you have:
    Norwegian Actors Association
    Writer's Guild Norway
    Directors Guild of Norway

  • The regular Norwegian working day is 7.5 hours, excluding 0.5 hours for lunch. Working hours for a feature film shooting day is often extended to 10 hours: 7,5 normal hours, 0,5 hours for lunch and 2 hours at 50% overtime.

    The normal work period goes from 6AM to 9PM when working on location. Working night hours, the time between 9PM and midnight is compensated with 50%, and nighttime between midnight and 6AM is compensated with 100%.

    Overtime should be compensated as follows:

    3 first hours: + 50%
    3 next hours: + 100%
    For more than 6 hours of overtime: + 200%

    Saturdays the first 10 hours is 50%, and the next hours 200%

    Sundays the first 10 hours 100%, and the next hours 200%

    The turnaround is 10 hours of rest, but less when compensated 200% overtime.

  • Rates are daily and vary depending on the experience of the crew (depending on 0, 3, 6 and 10 years experience). Fringes are set at 26% if the crew member is employed, and at 20% if the crew member has her/his own company. Crew members that are members of the Norwegian Film Union will receive an additional 2% pension plan on their fringes.

    The Norwegian Film Workers Union sets the recommended minimum wage, which varies from approx NOK 1800 / day to NOK 4200 / day depending on role and experience. Contact us to receive the current rate sheet. We also recommend that you discuss the current rates with your Norwegian co-producer / service producer.

    A 2020-comparison by a major production showed that Norwegian crew rates, including fringes and incentives, are significantly lower than for instance UK. But note that this will, of course, fluctuate with currency movements.

Production

  • Western Norway Film Commission does not issue film permits, but we can provide advice and introductions to the relevant bodies, and we assist with government and community relations for high-impact filming involving major closures. Western Norway is a film friendly region, and you are met with willingness and a can-do attitude from local authorities.

    Permits are not required for minimal-impact shoots in public areas and on uncultivated land. Norway does not have a film ordinance, meaning you do not have to register with or provide information to any government entity. However, other permitting processes might be required depending on the impact of the shoot, such as closing off public areas, road closures, traffic management and motorized transport on uncultivated land.

    We recommend you engage a locally-based production or location professional to assist with permit applications to relevant authorities, such as the municipality, port authorities, police, road administration, national parks and so forth.

  • Western Norway Film Commission can introduce you to potential co-producers and service producers with a track record across all budget ranges. Get in touch to discuss your project.

  • Western Norway boasts with world class pilots and aerial filming specialists with the latest gyro-stabilized camera systems. Contact us for an overview of professional drone operators and aerial filming services.

    Norway has implemented the EU / EASA regulations for drones. Please visit the Civil Aviation Authority Norway for further information. CAA Norway has also published a useful Guide for flying drones in Norway.

    Safe to Fly can be a useful tool for drone operators - a map service which provides relevant data, such as restricted areas, that may affect your use of drones. Please note that national parks require a special permit for drone operations.

  • You can use an ATA carnet for goods that are only to remain temporarily in Norway. For more information, visit Norwegian Customs.

  • There are multiple rental houses offering state-of-the-art equipment and a wide selection of cameras, lights and cranes - a complete technical pipeline. Rates are typically on par with the rest of Europe.

    The main rental houses - Dagslys, Empire Media, Storyline, Krypton and Moviebird - are based in Oslo, and some also have a division in Bergen. There are also several smaller rental providers in Bergen and across Western Norway, offering RED camera packages, sound, light as well as state-of-the-art aerial equipment.

  • Norway's line producers are at all times updated on the best crew and rental houses for equipment. HODs are typically sourced out in cooperation with director and DOP.

  • Just outside Bergen a new 1600 m2 film studio opened its doors in 2021, with 700 m2 workshop space and a gated backlot area of 19000 m2. Please contact us for more information.

    Western Norway has several warehouses which on a project-to-project basis have been converted into well-functioning studios for feature films and drama series.

    In Oslo there are two purpose-built soundstages, with several smaller stages on their lots. There are also several smaller TV sound stages.

  • Rebel Unit is a creative studio in Bergen, offering VFX, grading, and look development services. Rebel Unit is approved by MPAA, and has a credit list including Warner Bros. and Walt Disney titles.

    In the Western Norway region there are also some production companies offering in-house post-production services.

    The region has co-produced several international titles based on sound and picture post-production, accessing co-production funds from Western Norway Film Centre and the Zefyr Media Fund.

Other

  • Yes. Norwegian Film Commission is the national office. Also make sure to visit Oslo Film Commission - covering the capital region, Midgard Film Commission - covering the eastern and central part of Norway, and Northern Norway Film Commission – covering the counties of Nordland and Finnmark og Troms.

  • No, Norway does not levy withholding tax on royalties.

  • VAT (in Norwegian, MVA) is a tax on goods and services. Film Production Companies are not VAT exempt, but goods and services rendered to a non-Norwegian production can be invoiced without VAT.

    If your company has incurred VAT in Norway for a non-Norwegian production, and your company is not registered in the Norwegian VAT register, a refund claim can be filed. The Norwegian Tax Authority has an overview of the process here.