Albania
Location: Southeastern Europe
Broadcast Regulators
Autoriteti i Mediave Audiovizive (AMA) (Audiovisual Media Authority)
Broadcasters
RTSH (Radio Televizioni Shqiptar) (public service broadcaster)
TV Klan (Televizioni Klan)
Klan Kosova (Kosovo)
Regional Channels
IN TV (HD)
ABC News (Albania)
Antena TV
BBF TV
Channel One Albania
TV Koha
Sky TV Albania
Children's TV
Bang Bang
Çufo
Junior TV
Tip TV
Tring Kids
RTSH Fëmijë
Sofia
Orlando Kids
ALB Kids
Disney Channel
Disney XD
Nickelodeon HD
Nick Jr.
Cartoon Network
Boomerang
Baby TV
Duck TV
Sports Channels
SuperSport HD
Tring Sport
Tele Sport
Eurosport
Motors TV
Film Commissions
Albania Film Commission (at the time of writing, no website is available for this commission)
European Film Commissions Network (a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture)
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Albania is not a Schengen area member state.
Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Western passport holders may visit visa-free for a maximum period of 90 days. There is no formal work permit required for visiting crews.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
In Albania, film location permits are arranged with the relevant municipality. A general police permit may also be required. Most permits are free and require at least two weeks to process. Additional fees may apply for filming historic locations. Allow more lead time and costs for shoots that require exclusive use of public space.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Albania is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Albania has a transitional climate from Mediterranean to continental.
In the highlands, snow can fall from November until March. In the lowlands, the winters are mild, and the summers are very hot and dry. Beach and mountain areas are busy with holiday makers from June to August, although not nearly as busy as other southern European beach holiday nations. With that said, the fringe summer months are the best times for filming.
Although Albania is a majority Muslim country, many services remain open during Ramadan.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Albania.
Costs & VAT
Local costs are some of the lowest in Europe. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists in Albania, all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad.
The standard VAT rate in Albania, at the time of writing, is set at 20%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Albanian National Center of Cinematography (ANCC)
Europe-Wide Funding
European Commission's Interactive Funding Tool
Tax Incentives
At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up-to-date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.