Filming Locations in Réunion Island
: Volcanic Paradise of the Indian Ocean
Réunion Island, an overseas department of France, is one of the most extraordinary filming destinations in the world. With active volcanoes, lush rainforests, black sand beaches, dramatic calderas, and coral reefs, the island offers filmmakers breathtaking natural diversity alongside strong European infrastructure. Identical Media provides film service production in Réunion, handling permits, crews, and logistics so international productions can focus on creativity.
Why Film in Réunion?
Réunion Island is a natural film set where tropical paradise meets raw volcanic power. Productions can move from black sand beaches to dense rainforests, towering waterfalls, and the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano all in one day. Three spectacular calderas, Cirque de Salazie, Cirque de Cilaos, and Cirque de Mafate (accessible only on foot or by helicopter), provide epic backdrops exceptional anywhere else in the world. Meanwhile, modern infrastructure, strong road networks, and French-standard hospitality ensure productions run smoothly.
Full Production Support
Identical Media facilitates every aspect of film production in Réunion Island, including:
- Film permits, visas, and legal clearances
- Budgeting, scheduling, and location scouting
- Casting, crew hire, and fixer services
- Camera, grip, and lighting rentals through MEDIAVISION
- Aerial filming with drones, helicopters, and light aircraft
- Marine filming along coral reefs and rugged coastlines
Our relationships with local authorities allow us to fast-track approvals and deliver production support that meets both international and European standards.
Réunion Island Film Locations
- Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, over 2,600m high
- Cirque de Mafate, accessible only by foot or helicopter, ideal for epic aerials
- Salazie & Cilaos Calderas, lush, dramatic mountain landscapes
- Black sand beaches, volcanic shores unique to Réunion
- Coral reefs, marine biodiversity for underwater shoots
- Saint-Denis, the historic and vibrant capital city
About Réunion Island
Réunion, formerly Île Bourbon, is located in the Indian Ocean 175 km southwest of Mauritius and east of Madagascar. As an overseas region of France, it is part of the Eurozone, with French as the official language (Réunion Creole widely spoken). The island covers 2,512 km² and has a population of around 860,000. Its history blends French, Malagasy, African, and Indian influences, creating a culturally rich environment that enhances storytelling for international productions.
Film Rebate & Tax Incentives in Réunion
Unlike other Indian Ocean islands, Réunion offers film rebate programs that significantly reduce production costs:
- TRIP (Tax Rebate for International Productions) — a 30% rebate on eligible French expenditure, rising to 40% where French VFX spend exceeds €2 million, capped at €30 million per project. Open to foreign-initiated film, TV and animation projects spending at least €250,000 (or 50% of the budget) in France, passing the cultural test, with a minimum of five shooting days — extended through 2028.
- Réunion Island Rebate, for French-produced films with budgets over €200,000, provided they are shot on Réunion.
Eligible expenses include cast and crew salaries, equipment rental, location fees, accommodation, transportation, and catering. The choice between TRIP and the Réunion Rebate depends on budget, origin of production, and whether filming extends beyond the island. Identical Media advises producers on which incentive best applies to their project.
Climate in Réunion
Réunion enjoys a hot sub-tropical climate, with sea temperatures rarely dropping below 23°C. The dry season runs from May to October, averaging 20-25°C. The wet season is from November to March, bringing rain and occasional cyclones (particularly in January and February). Productions benefit from the island’s multiple microclimates, which allow filmmakers to capture tropical beaches, misty mountain peaks, and volcanic plains in a single day.
Why Choose Identical Media for Réunion Filming
As a company experienced across the Indian Ocean, Identical Media combines global production standards with local expertise. From fixer services and equipment rental to post-production, we make filming in Réunion simple, cost-effective, and creatively rewarding.
Related services: Film Production Services · Film Fixer Services · Drone Filming Services · Marine Filming Services
