A high-angle, wide shot of the historic Chouara Tannery in Fes, Morocco. The open-air courtyard is packed with numerous round, stone dye vats filled with various colored liquids like red, brown, and white. Several tanners are working among the pits, processing and treating bundles of animal hides. The tannery is entirely enclosed by multi-story, sand-colored traditional buildings with balconies where dyed hides hang to dry.

FILMING IN FES

Maroc Film Services provides film production services designed to seamlessly streamline international shoots throughout Morocco, with full-scale operational capabilities based right here in Fes.

Pre-Production & Logistics

From the earliest stages of development, we handle everything from script translation to extensive location scouting across the region, utilising our deep local knowledge of Fes’s UNESCO-listed, labyrinthine ancient medina (Fes el-Bali), bustling historic tanneries, breathtaking madrasas featuring intricate zellij tilework, and the sweeping panoramic backdrops of the surrounding Saïss hills.

Our production team and fixers navigate the complexities of local bureaucracy, securing crucial film permits and specialised drone permits from local authorities, coordinating directly with regional municipal bodies. We also manage smooth customs clearance, seamlessly handling carnets and shipping (including ATA Carnets) for gear arriving through Fes–Saïss Airport directly into the metropolitan area. To maximise your budget, we provide specialised financial guidance to help international productions efficiently access Morocco’s 30% cash rebate and secure complete local VAT exemptions.

Talent & On-Set Crew

On set, our Fes network supplies world-class casting and talent alongside elite technical expertise. We provide professional actors, skilled background talent, and a full array of specialised, multilingual crew members sourced directly from the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted artistic talent pool of Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual capital.

Our comprehensive art department brings visions to life with expert scenic design, set construction, prop sourcing, wardrobe, costume design, makeup, and hair styling. For indoor or controlled environments, we offer exclusive access to premium film studios and sound stages, complemented by Fes’s own versatile indoor filming environments and magnificently preserved palatial riads, traditional courtyards, and grand imperial spaces.

Equipment & Drone Services

To ensure every frame is visually stunning, we provide state-of-the-art camera equipment, lighting equipment, and grip equipment packages available for immediate deployment anywhere in the Greater Fes and Meknes region. We also offer professional sound equipment setups alongside cutting-edge, heavy-lift drone hire services, customised for spectacular aerial footage of the sprawling medina rooftops, the iconic Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate), the historic University of al-Qarawiyyin, and the ancient Marinid Tombs.

Accommodation, Location Catering & Transport

Our logistical support guarantees the utmost comfort and efficiency for your entire team. We take care of all your crew’s needs on the ground, ranging from location catering to booking luxury palatial hotels, authentic boutique riads, and premium accommodations. Operating specialised production vehicles perfectly suited for the region, including compact equipment support transport optimized for the edge of the historic pedestrian-only zones, nimble crew shuttles, and robust logistics trucks, we manage all on-the-ground transport logistics.

From pre-production to the final wrap, Maroc Film Services is your trusted, single-source partner for premium film production services in Fes and beyond.

Fes

Fes was the capital of modern Morocco until 1925, and is now the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. The city has two old medinas, the larger of which is Fes el Bali. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to be one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in AD 859, is the oldest continuously functioning madrasa in the world. The city has been called the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa”.

The word ‘Fez’ means ‘Pickaxe’ in arabic, which Idriss I used when he created the lines of the city. One noticable thing was that the pickaxe was made from silver and gold. After Fez got its official name, areas around Fez got their names based on this famous city. The Middle Atlas Mountains near the city is called the Fazaz, and a small town west from Meknes is called Ait Fazzaz.

During the Idrissid rule, Fez consisted of two cities or medinas: Fas Elbali, founded by Idris I, and Al-‘Aliya, founded by his son, Idris II. During Idrisid rule the capital city was known as Al-‘Aliya, with the name Fas being reserved for the separate site on the other side of the river; no Idrisid coins have been found with the name Fez, only al-‘Aliya and al-‘Aliya Madinat Idris. It is not known whether the name al-‘Aliya was ever referred to both medinas. It wasn’t until 1070 that the two agglomerations were united and the name Fas was used for the sites.