Location Spotlight: Dominican Republic's Best Kept Secrets

Pictures: Courtesy of Claudia Moncada

Claudia Moncada, a seasoned Dominican creative producer, who brings over a decade of professional experience to the table. She excels in making creative ideas a reality and in providing crucial support to clients and producers in achieving their project goals. With a focus on structuring comprehensive and efficient production plans, Claudia is dedicated to ensuring the success of every project she undertakes.

Throughout her dynamic career, Claudia's professionalism and collaborative spirit have propelled her into a diverse portfolio of work, spanning feature films, music videos, documentaries, reality shows, commercials, live broadcasts, and editorial work.

An intuitive problem solver by nature, Claudia draws inspiration from direct collaboration with directors and producers. Her unique ability to conceptualise and execute production plans for each project sets her apart, guaranteeing a seamless and impactful creative process.

LBB> How would you pitch the Dominican Republic to any production companies looking to shoot in your region?

Claudia> The Dominican Republic is the one of the best kept secrets of the film industry. Within its 48,000 km2 it contains one of the most diverse ranges of microclimates in the world with favourable tropical weather all year long. The country has a tremendous amount to offer in terms of topographic diversity, landscapes and natural resources. Short distances between lush forests, Caribbean blue waters, powdery white beaches and steep mountain ranges enable you to cover these diverse locations within a radius of just a few hours. Combine that with a fast growing industry, deepening crew base, equipment availability and infrastructure, including the soundstages and world-class water tank at Pinewood Studios. 

As a major tourist destination, the Dominican Republic is well connected with most major cities in Europe, North-, Central- and South America, so that collaborators and clients are always just one direct plane ride away from any coast of the island. 

Last but not least, your production will be highly cost efficient as the currency exchange is exceedingly favourable and Euros and US Dollars go a long way in our country. 

There is also a tax credit for feature films and TV series to further incentivise international productions to come to the Dominican Republic. 

LBB> What are the main qualities of the Dominican Republic? 

Claudia> This country is rich in nature and secret sites all around the island. We have all types of natural resources such as extensive golden sand beaches surrounded only by palm trees, cliffside beaches, natural springs, vast mountains with crystalline rivers, sand dunes and the list goes on depending on the side of the island you’re on. 

Our capital city Santo Domingo was the first city founded by European settlers in the New World in 1502. Now known as ‘The Colonial City’ the old town of Santo Domingo features beautiful colonial architecture build with brick and wood, with indoor patios and tile floors. Due to its architectural importance reflecting Spanish, French and diverse other cultural influences, the Colonial City was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1990.

A spectacular variety of beachfront villas and hotels are spread around the island, each with singular architecture, landscaping and aesthetic. In the DR you can find mansions, high end bungalows and luxury resorts like Amanera, and Casa de Campo, home of the best golf course in the Caribbean. Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village is only one location that enables you to get Mediterranean looks at much lower cost compared to Europe. 

Additionally, the sound stages and water-tank at Pinewood studios offer you the ability to supplement the locations offering on the island with very affordable set-construction capabilities. 

LBB> What would you say are the top locations in Dominican Republic What is available - from mountains, to beaches, to rocky shore, to architecture, etc.

Claudia> Dominican Republic offers a great variety of world-class beaches and tropical scenery,  as well as beach front villas, luxury resorts tropical forests and colonial architecture. In addition to the obvious Caribbean and Hispanic look an feel, we are also able to provide you with Mediterranean and cosmopolitan city type of locations.  

LBB> What location would you say is most popular?

Claudia> Our most sought after location right now is Samaná Bay. Its is located within a short 2.5 hours ride from Santo Domingo and you will be transported to a natural paradise. The peninsula is home to many treasures including the National Park Los Haitises with a magnificent series of rising rock formations and mangrove forests surrounding the bay. The peninsula also features colourful Samaná City and spectacular beaches such as Las Terrenas, El Valle, Playa las Galeras, Playa el Limón, Playa Morón, Playa Ermitaño and the Salto el Limón waterfall. Eco lodges here can serve as locations and accommodate crew, cast, agency and clients.

LBB> Which location would you describe as the biggest attribute to local production?

Claudia> Each region of the island has its perks depending on what your creative requires. Santo Domingo being the capital city has the crews, vendors, and beautiful beaches, as well as the Pinewood sound stages all within a ONE hour drive.

Then you have Samaná Bay on the other side of the island with multiple diverse landscapes within a 40 minute radius.  

There is also the northern coast of the country, with Puerto Plata and its Victorian architecture, Rio San Juan, Cabrera, with even more exclusive, luxurious and secluded villas with private beaches and less inhabited little towns that hold the most beautiful gems. 

The east coast around Punta Cana and Bavaro One is one of the most popular areas for visitors and is known for being the area with the most all inclusive hotels on the island perfect for summer content production all year round. 

LBB> Explain the climate and the best/worst times to shoot in Dominican Republic

Claudia> The climate of our country is tropical with year round warm and sunny conditions and with a consistent temperature of 25 to 35 degree Celsius throughout the year.  Some of the highest peaks of the central mountain region can come down to two to five degree Celsius during autumn/winter. 

The dry season is from January to June, which is also high tourist season for hotel bookings.

The high precipitation season from June to November/December offers 1.5 more daylight hours than during the winter and is low the tourist season offering the advantage of better rates for accommodations. 

LBB> What specific work permits/Visas are required to shoot in Dominican Republic?

Claudia> There are no work permits required, when you enter the Dominican Republic. You pay a 10 USD entry visa for tourism purposes for a 90 day maximum stay. After this date there is an additional fee charged depending on the additional length of stay to be paid at the airport when you leave the country. 

LBB> How is the infrastructure in Dominican Republic for supporting large productions? 

Claudia> Infrastructure for large productions has grown immensely, since the introduction of the law for film incentives in 2010. thanks to the influx of big productions due to the law for film incentives developed in 2010.  

Since then the DR has been home to massive very large studio productions like: 

• Old, by director M. Night Shyamalan for Universal.
  
• Shotgun Wedding, directed by Jason Moore with Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel for Lionsgate. 
• NYAD by director Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chi starring Annette Bening, Jodie Foster for Netflix.
• The Killer by David Fincher with Michael Fassbender for Netflix. 
  

This has allowed our technical crew to grow and develop their skills by working hand in hand with top notch professionals from around the world. As a result our sector has expanded into a sophisticated industry and continues to grow due to the increasing number of projects that come here to produce yearly.  We have high-end gear available from different vendors, studios, diverse casting and experienced crew. 

LBB> As an outsider, what would you say are the biggest Dos and Don’ts in the Dominican Republic?

Claudia> Embrace the culture, meet Dominican people, get lost along the way. Try to move around the country, visit small beach towns, there’s always a new paradise next door and each region is completely different from the other. I would recommend to hire a driver or use alternative transportation services like uber or private taxi companies to get around in Santo Domingo. Traffic can get a little intense. Pack accordingly for the weather: hot, sunny and humid with a chance of rain…!

LBB> What would be your number one tip to any coming to Dominican Republic to shoot a campaign/film?

Claudia> The one tip I would give to anyone coming to the Dominican Republic is to have an experienced production partner on the ground. This is instrumental in the development and success of a production on our island.  Working with a local production expert will give you key insights into processes, permits and overall local knowledge that will benefit your production in its entirety and allows for a smooth and enjoyable journey as well. 

Come film with us…we’ll streamline your production in paradise!

LBB> Where would you suggest a foreign production stay while they are in Dominican Republic? 

Claudia> Dominican Republic is a tourist destination with an array of hotel options that will vary depending on the creative and budget of the project.  We tend to accommodate our crew to favour our needs as a production and also considering elements like distance, season, city activities, etc. 

In Santo Domingo you can accommodate your crew in the Colonial zone. Here you have restaurants in walking distance, supermarkets, pharmacies, coffee shops and shopping. Some good options are: Hotel Nicolás de Ovando and Hotel Billini or for a bigger occupancy also Hotel Jaragua near the colonial zone. For top tier members of the production, Casas Siglo XVI. 

In Central Santo Domingo we recommend Homewood suites by Hilton, Intercontinental.

LBB> Where are the best bars/restaurants? Any hidden gems you could suggest?

Claudia> The Colonial Zone at night transforms into a bar hopping scene with salsa and merengue dancing venues like El Sartén to classic rock n’ roll bars like Proud Mary. On each turn you can find yourself inside a spectacular Spanish patio having a cocktail, watching a play, in an art exhibition or a book store. 

Every Sunday there is Bonyé open air concert hosted by the Ministry of Culture in the Ruinas de San Francisco. If you want to witness and be part of the local vibe, come and enjoy the concert. 

In Central Santo Domingo you have exquisite cuisine in restaurants like La Scarpetta, La Cassina, Trattoria Angiolino, O’livia, all with top of the line chefs.

In Colonial Zone we recommend Pata e’Palo, TIME Vegetarian. 

LBB> Any other tourist recommendations?   

Claudia> In whatever area of the island you are staying, you stand to find waterfalls, hidden rivers and small secluded beaches that you can drive to in less then two hours.