Mauritius For Exotic Beach Film Locations With Infrastructure

Great beach locations aren't hard to find, but if you also want efficient infrastructure for your ideal film location, that narrows down your selection immediately. Mauritius has scored highly as a top destination for international commercial shoots in recent years. Not only does it offer an idyllic selection of pristine beaches to choose from, but it also has a well-established film production infrastructure built up over the many years it has been catering to the Indian movie industry. Strong links with South African film production companies also make it easy to access any special requirements not available locally.

Equipment hire
Major South African equipment suppliers now have permanent branches in Mauritius which saves the cost of freighting in the heavy equipment and lighting needed for stills and film shoots. Cameras still tend to be shipped in from South Africa where they are serviced and maintained, according to the requirements of each shoot.

Crew
While key crew personnel are generally brought in from South Africa for each shoot, there is a growing pool of local crew available in Mauritius too, so costs can be balanced out and the benefits of local knowledge and contacts added into the equation.

Actors and Extras
Professional actors and models are flown in for each shoot, but there is a wide range of local talent available as extras and characters, from a cosmopolitan range of backgrounds, including European, Indian, Africa and Chinese. The official language of Mauritius is English and most locals speak both English and French as well as the local Creole language.

Accommodation
Mauritius has long been a luxury holiday destination, so there is a good selection of top quality hotels, very often with their own beaches, and renowned for their smiling and friendly hospitality.

Other considerations
Mauritius is only two hours ahead of mainland Europe and South Africa, GMT+4, and has direct flights from Europe, Dubai, Bangkok, Perth and South Africa.

International companies that return to Mauritius for their commercials and catalogues again and again are Nivea and Ambre Solaire, as well as many beachwear and cosmetics companies. Kellogg's filmed a Special K spot there in 2011, choosing Mauritius over many other possibilities such as the Maldives and the Bahamas, for its perfect locations, reasonable costs and established infrastructure.

All in all Mauritius should be put at the top of any short list of beach film locations that demand a paradise island feel with palm fringed beaches, shimmering white sands and balmy weather.

Prinz Productions offers premier stills and film production services based in Cape Town, South Africa and Portugal. Browse through their locations in Mauritius gallery for more inspiration.

Original article

Film Locations in Mauritius - More Than Just Spectacular Beaches

Mauritius has been renowned as a destination with spectacular beach film locations for years. Its pristine palm fringed beaches have attracted big names such as Ambre Solaire and Nivea to return here year after year. Many Bollywood movies have been filmed on location on its sparkling sands and blue lagoons. But less known is the sheer variety of different locations on offer in Mauritius. Here are just a few of the other landscapes to be found on this beautiful island.

Mountains
The mountains in the interior of Mauritius are varied and dramatic. Rainforest clad mountains have their own wild appeal, densely lush and green with cascading waterfalls, while the orderly plantations of pineapple and sugar-cane cover lower slopes. In certain areas the mountains are reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, in others they offer forest locations more like the Swiss Alps, all with their own majestic allure.

Urban
Mauritius has a prosperous economy with an educated bi-lingual population and modern urban facilities. Ultra modern tower blocks and futuristic buildings make up Ebene Cyber City just outside the capital of Port Louis, where the country's information and communications technologies are based. So if you need edgy modern, sleek urban or contemporary architecture amongst your locations selections your film production company can find it for you here. Bustling markets, shabby chic shacks, industrial scenes and even the cosmopolitan airport itself provide even more variety.

Period
Not everything is shiny and new - if you're looking for historical references the period colonial houses belonging to the plantation owners of past eras offer old-world grand elegance and sweeping vistas.

Luxury
Luxury hotels and villas cater for wealthy travellers and tourists in search of beach paradise. Lavish interiors and gorgeous swimming pools of all shapes and sizes provide a wealth of backdrops for location filming.

Water
There would be little point however coming to Mauritius without making use of its stunning beaches and lagoons. Whether you're after palm fringed sands with jetties and picturesque small boats, or a wilderness lagoon with no civilisation in sight, you'll find it here. Underwater photography is also a joy in the clear turquoise waters behind the coral reefs.

Another advantage on Mauritius is the small size of the island makes travel between locations quick and easy. The island measures 61km or 38 miles north to south and a good highway runs its length, so even wilderness areas are accessible.

Prinz Productions offers premier stills and film production services based in Cape Town, South Africa and Portugal. Browse through their locations in Mauritius gallery for more inspiration.

Original article