Filming in Marrakech: What It Really Takes
Marrakech is often used, not just for how it looks, but because it gives crews access to a wide range of settings within a short distance. Old streets, desert edges, private villas, and more modern spots, all are options. The light is workable most of the year, and overall production costs can be kept under control.
But getting a project done here isn’t automatic. Permits take time. Locations require access. Crews and gear need to be lined up early. If you don’t have someone local managing the process, it’s easy to lose time — or worse, fail to shoot what you came for.
This article walks you through what filming in Marrakech involves, so you can make clear decisions, avoid the usual blocks, and stay on schedule.
What Marrakech Offers for Film Crews
Marrakech is compact but visually diverse. You can move between very different settings without leaving the city.
-The Medina gives you narrow alleys, rooftops, and traditional interiors. It’s ideal for anything rooted in heritage or local culture.
-Palmeraie offers open land, palm trees, and space to work. Crews often use it for fashion shoots, commercials, or smaller scenes that need a quiet backdrop.
-The Agafay Desert is about 45 minutes away — a rocky, dry landscape often used as a stand-in for more remote deserts. It works well for cinematic shots without a long drive.
-Private riads and hotels are common choices when you need privacy, clean sound, or full control of the location.
–For a more modern look, the city’s newer districts, rooftop cafés, and street corners give you flexible, urban visuals.
All of this is accessible, but only if your schedule, permissions, and team are aligned.
It’s all here, but you’ll need access, schedules, and local contacts to make any of it usable for filming.
Permits Are Required — And You’ll Need a Local Partner
Filming in Marrakech means permits. There’s no way around it. Whether you’re shooting a film, documentary, commercial, or corporate content, you need official approval from the Moroccan Cinema Center (CCM).
But here’s the part most productions miss:
- You can’t apply directly.
- Only a Moroccan production company with the right license — autorisation d’exercice et agrément de production — can submit the request.
So before you even think about locations, crew, or logistics, you’ll need a local partner who’s legally allowed to represent your production.
How It Works
The CCM reviews every application and requires a detailed file. Your partner is responsible for preparing that file properly, submitting it, and following up.
The permit process covers:
- Fictional and documentary films
- TV shows and branded content
- Fashion shoots and music videos
- Any commercial audiovisual project
Without a valid permit, your production can be shut down. Importing gear, blocking streets, flying drones — all of that is off-limits without the proper paperwork.
What the Local Partner Actually Does
They don’t just apply for a permit. They manage every part of the legal process: contracts, insurance, taxes, crew payments, and vendor relations. They’re your legal and logistical base in Morocco.
It’s not optional. It’s what keeps your production on track, and protected.
Filming in Marrakech? Let’s Make It Work
We handle permits, crew, equipment, and logistics, so you don’t have to. If you’re planning a shoot and want to get moving, send us your brief. We’ll come back with what’s possible, what’s needed, and how to make it happen.
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