FILMING IN TANGIER
Maroc Film Services provides film production services designed to seamlessly streamline international shoots throughout Morocco, with full-scale operational capabilities based right here in Tangier.
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 Tangier’s unique blend of Bohemian charm, white-washed Mediterranean medinas, dramatic Atlantic and Mediterranean cliffs, historic colonial-era architecture, and the iconic, winding coastal roads.
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 Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport and the massive Tangier Med port hub, ensuring rapid, direct transit right 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 Tangier 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 North’s vibrant cultural talent pool, heavily accustomed to high-profile international productions.
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 setups, complemented by Tangier’s own versatile indoor filming environments, grand colonial properties, cliffside villas, and beautifully preserved traditional riads.
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 Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region. We also offer professional sound equipment setups alongside cutting-edge, heavy-lift drone hire services, customised for spectacular aerial footage of the sweeping Bay of Tangier, the mythical Caves of Hercules, Cape Spartel, and the dense, bustling labyrinth of the ancient Kasbah.
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 premium location catering to booking world-renowned luxury coastal hotels, five-star boutique riads, and private clifftop villa rentals. Operating specialised production vehicles directly out of Tangier, including coastal production motorhomes, heavy equipment support trucks, and dedicated fleet transport built for seamless navigation through both tight historic streets and winding mountain highways, 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 Tangier and beyond.
Tangier
Tangier, a captivating city on the northern coast of Morocco, holds a unique position as a literal crossroads where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea and where Africa almost touches Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar. This strategic location has shaped its long and fascinating history, making it a vibrant and diverse city with a distinctive charm.
Tangier’s history is incredibly rich, marked by centuries of influence from various civilizations. It was a Phoenician trading post in the 1st millennium BCE, later becoming Carthaginian, then Roman (known as Tingis, capital of the province of Mauretania Tingitana). It saw successive rule by Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs (who introduced Islam), Portuguese, Spanish, and even a brief period of English control in the 17th century. Perhaps its most famous historical period was the early to mid-20th century (1923-1956) when it was an International Zone, jointly administered by several European powers. This era attracted diplomats, spies, artists, writers (including the Beat Generation figures like Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, and Jack Kerouac), and a bohemian crowd, giving it a reputation for intrigue and artistic ferment.
Since its reintegration into independent Morocco in 1956, Tangier has continued to evolve, investing in modern infrastructure while preserving its historical core. It’s now a major port and trade center, a royal summer residence, and a growing tourist destination.
Tangier’s unique history has forged a deeply multicultural identity. You’ll find a fascinating blend of Arab, Berber, European (especially Spanish), and even Jewish influences in its architecture, cuisine, languages, and daily life. This cosmopolitan spirit is what gives Tangier its distinctive energy.
The Medina (Old City) is a labyrinthine network of narrow, winding alleyways, the medina is the beating heart of Tangier. The Souks (markets) sell everything from spices, leather goods, and textiles to local crafts and everyday necessities. The Petit Socco is a famous small square, once a hub for writers and artists, now a lively spot for people-watching from its surrounding cafes.
The Grand Socco (Place du 9 Avril 1947) is a larger, bustling square marking the boundary between the medina and the new city. It’s a central gathering place with cafes and the historic Cinema Rif. The Kasbah is perched on the highest point of the medina, this historic citadel offers panoramic views of the city, the port, and the Strait of Gibraltar.
Dar el-Makhzen (Sultan’s Palace) is a beautifully preserved 17th-century palace that now houses a museum. The Tangier American Legation Museum is the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the United States. It was the first American diplomatic property abroad, gifted to the US by Sultan Moulay Slimane in 1821, recognizing US independence.
Cap Spartel is located about 14 km west of the city, this cape marks the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea officially meet. The nearby Caves of Hercules (Grotte d’Hercule) sea caves are famous for a dramatic opening to the sea that is said to resemble the map of Morocco. Legend has it that Hercules rested here during his labors.
The Ville Nouvelle (New City) is a more modern European-style district with wide boulevards, cafes and modern shops. The Terrasse des Paresseux (Terrace of the Idle) offers spectacular views over the harbor and the faint outlines of Gibraltar and Spain across the Strait.
Tangier is often considered a “gateway to Africa, locations offer a fascinating blend of cultures, a rich diverse history and a vibrant atmosphere that continues to captivate.
