Production Services

Original films and television from the Horn of Africa. A trusted local production partner for international crews.

All Services

Film, TV and production services across East Africa

Riyo Films is a film production company and local production partner with an established presence across East Africa. Years of working in the region have given us the networks, local expertise and relationships to run complex international productions smoothly.

We work on projects of every budget: commercials, documentaries, and feature and short films. Whatever the scale, we find the right solution for the shoot.

Film Permits, Visas and Paperwork

We obtain the licences, permits and approvals you need to film in the region, working directly with government agencies, municipalities and local authorities. We also support international cast and crew with work permits, visas and customs clearance, and open doors to local communities, private properties and restricted locations through our local network.

Gear Rental Solutions

Through our network of regional rental houses, we source professional equipment to international standards: cinema cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, drones, sound, generators and specialist accessories. We coordinate delivery and pickup across East Africa and negotiate competitive rates for you.

Film Crew

We have built an extensive network of highly qualified local crew across production management, camera, sound, lighting, grip, art department, wardrobe, makeup, transport and security. We assemble dependable teams suited to the requirements of each production.

Location scouting

From coastal landscapes to deserts, mountains, savannahs and forests, East Africa offers an exceptional range of locations. Our scouts find and secure sites that meet your logistical and artistic needs, and provide location reports, photos, access details, permit requirements and logistical assessments. We also manage agreements with landowners, municipal officials and community leaders.

Customs Clearance & Temporary Importation

International productions often face complex customs processes. We manage the full clearance procedure for film equipment entering and leaving the region, including temporary import permits, customs declarations, freight coordination and liaison with customs authorities, so delays are kept to a minimum and your schedule holds.

Accommodation, Transportation and Logistics

We provide full logistics support for projects of any size: airport transfers, car hire, crew movements, production transport, accommodation, catering, security and travel arrangements. We move cast, crew and equipment safely and efficiently, from Nairobi to remote rural locations and national parks. Our deep knowledge of local languages, social context and cultural traditions also lets us advise international teams on local customs and community engagement, so productions run smoothly and respectfully. One of our key advantage is our deep knowledge of the local languages, social contexts and cultural traditions of East Africa. Our team provides regular advice to international filmmakers, producers, broadcasters and media companies on local customs, community engagement, cultural sensitivity . Our partners shoot in areas where they have local expertise which helps to prevent production related issues and allows our partners to work efficiently and responsibly.

Feature Films

Full-length narrative and documentary features developed, produced or supported by Riyo Films. We take stories from first draft through to delivery, working with local writers, directors and crew to give each film a distinct regional voice that speaks to audiences well beyond the Horn of Africa.

Co-productions

We partner with international producers, financiers and broadcasters to make films that neither side could make alone. As local co-producer, we handle [development / casting / locations / crew / permits / post-production], and we stay involved from first conversation to final cut.

Original Projects

These are the films we start ourselves: short films, festival titles and passion projects rooted in stories we want to see told. Our original work has been selected for the Berlinale [confirm titles and sections], and it remains the creative heart of the company.

Commercials

Branded films, campaigns and corporate content shot with the same cinematic approach as our drama and documentary work. We work with agencies and brands that want authentic East African stories, with permits, locations, crew and equipment arranged for you.

15+

Years of media production experience

Why Riyo

Your production partner on the ground in East Africa

From development to delivery, Riyo Films supports local and international productions across the region. Our directors, cinematographers and producers know the territory, speak its languages and understand how to get things done on the ground, so your story reaches the screen safely and on schedule.

Ready to Work With Us?

Seeking a co-producer, or pitching a project set in East Africa?