The Solomon Islands

OVERVIEW

The Solomon Islands consists of 6 major islands, and 900 smaller ones, with a rich range of different landscapes. From a tropical point of view, the opportunities are endless.

The Solomon Islands also boasts a rich history with regards to World War II, and there are a number of war relics both above and below sea level.

From a documentary point of view, the country is extremely ethnically diverse and includes a number of tribes still living traditional lifestyles. In many ways, the Solomon Islands can be seen as a much safer, and stable option to neighboring Papua New Guinea.

FILM LOCATIONS

It may surprise you to learn that our favorite and featured location on the Solomon Islands is the Honiara Hotel. Have you ever seen the popular Instagram account @accidentallywesanderson? Straight out of The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, Honiara Hotel sits on a cliffside with views of Iron Bottom Sound. This rustic hotel opened its doors in 1969 and the sprawling facility features several bars, restaurants, and swimming pools, all decked out with vibrant fiberglass fish, mermaids, seashells and other cheeky beaches art accented by fixtures made of dark wood. Honiara Hotel is film-friendly, inexpensive and not just one of our favorites in the Pacific, but one of our favorite locations in our entire database!

Additionally, Solomon Islands offers wonderful views of island life as well as WWII shipwrecks and the Guadalcanal battlefield.

FILM PERMITS & PERMISSIONS:

Pioneer Media enjoys excellent relations in the Solomon Islands and permissions to film here can be (relatively) easily obtained by us.

FILM TALENT, CREWS & EQUIPMENT:

There are local TV stations where limited equipment can be rented. The country is also linked to Australia by flight, and it is possible to bring equipment into the country with relative ease.

FILM COST, TAX INCENTIVES & CO-PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES:

The Marshall Islands, whilst an independent nation, is freely-associated with the United States, and thus citizens of the United States can freely do business here (with some exceptions).

As of now, there are no tax incentives offered to film in the Marshall Islands.

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORTATION FOR FILMMAKERS

The Solomon Islands has accommodation to fit all budgets from high-end resorts (with casinos) to hostels. We personally have relations with the Honiara Hotel,) which has previously hosted British royalty), and can arrange bulk discounts for long stays, or for a large, or small crew.

Can and van rental is extremely easy to arrange and can be done via us, or at the aforementioned Hotel Honiara.

VISAS & TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR FILMMAKERS:

The Solomon Islands is visa-free for most western countries, as well as for fellow Pacific Island nations. Due to our contacts, in the Solomon Islands, we are able to help arrange film-specific visas when and if required.

For a full list of the visa requirements for the Solomon Islands, please follow this link.