Logistics for Film & TV Production
Equipment transport, props delivery, and ATA Carnet handling for productions filming in Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Cape Town’s Film Industry — and Its Logistics Challenge
Cape Town is one of Africa’s premier film and television production hubs. International and local productions choose this city for its scenery, infrastructure, and world-class facilities. But logistics is where most productions stumble.
Cape Town’s Film Economy
Estimated R5+ billion spent annually on film and TV production in the Western Cape
International Productions
Over 100+ international film and TV projects shoot in Cape Town annually
But bringing a production to life requires moving expensive camera equipment, lighting rigs, props, and set dressing across the city and to remote locations — all on tight schedules with no margin for failure.
This is not just an inconvenience. For a production with a crew of 50+ people and per-day costs of R50,000+, a single day of delay costs more than weeks of logistics investment. You need a logistics partner who understands productions and executes flawlessly.
JLog has managed equipment and props for dozens of productions — international and local. We understand the pressure. We know the timelines. We deliver.
What We Do for Film & TV Productions
Equipment Transport — Secure & Tracked
Camera equipment, lighting rigs, grip gear, and sound equipment require specialist handling. Every item is logged on collection, transported in climate-controlled vehicles with proper protection, and photographed on arrival. You have full chain-of-custody documentation and insurance coverage. No equipment disappears. No gear arrives damaged.
ATA Carnet Handling for International Productions
Bringing equipment into South Africa from overseas? An ATA Carnet allows temporary import without paying customs duties — but only if the carnet is correctly processed. We manage the entire ATA Carnet application, coordinate with Customs, and ensure your equipment clears without delay. On wrap, we manage the export documentation so you don’t get stuck with duty bills after production.
Props & Set Dressing Logistics
Everything from furniture to set decorations needs to arrive on time and in perfect condition. We handle collection from suppliers, transport, storage, and delivery to set. For large set dressing jobs, we coordinate across multiple locations and maintain accurate inventory so you always know what’s where.
Inter-City Equipment Movement
Equipment rental houses in Johannesburg service Cape Town productions. We arrange secure, insured transport from Johannesburg to Cape Town with proper documentation. Equipment arrives on schedule, intact, and ready for set.
Location Delivery — Including Remote Sites
Productions shoot across the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and beyond. We coordinate with location managers, confirm access roads and delivery windows, and ensure equipment arrives at remote sites on time. No excuses.
Same-Day & Urgent Delivery
Production emergencies happen. Gear needs to reach set urgently. We offer same-day and next-day delivery within Cape Town for urgent situations, with full tracking and documentation.
Insurance & Documentation
Every movement is documented with photos, condition checks, and chain-of-custody records. We provide insurance documentation and formal transport records for your production’s compliance and financial records.
The ATA Carnet — Explained
What Is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) is an international customs document that allows you to bring equipment into a country temporarily without paying import duties, as long as you export it again before the carnet expires (usually 12 months).
Why International Productions Use It
Importing camera equipment, lighting, and grip gear into South Africa normally triggers substantial import duties (often 10-25% of equipment value). A production importing R2 million in equipment could face R400,000+ in customs duties.
The ATA Carnet eliminates this cost — but only if it’s processed correctly.
How JLog Handles ATA Carnets
- Coordinate with your production’s customs broker to prepare carnet paperwork before equipment arrives
- Ensure all equipment is correctly listed, valued, and itemised
- Manage collection from the port and transport to your set
- Maintain proper documentation throughout your shoot
- Coordinate export documentation at the end of production so equipment clears South Africa without customs issues
The Result
Your equipment clears Customs quickly, you avoid duty payments, and you have full compliance documentation. This protects your production’s budget and ensures no surprises at wrap.
Why Production Companies Choose JLog
Production-Focused Expertise
We’ve worked on dozens of productions. We understand your deadlines, your budgets, and the cost of equipment failure. We move with production urgency.
Equipment Specialist Knowledge
Camera gear, lighting rigs, grip, and sound equipment require specialist handling. We know what needs climate control, what needs cushioning, and what needs insurance documentation.
ATA Carnet Mastery
International productions save tens of thousands of Rands using ATA Carnets correctly. We manage the process end-to-end so you never worry about customs surprises.
Remote Location Capability
Productions shoot across the Western Cape. We service the entire region including Winelands, coastal areas, and remote filming locations. We coordinate with location managers and confirm access before each delivery.
24/7 Production Support
Productions don’t stop at 5pm. We offer after-hours and weekend support for urgent equipment moves, location changes, and emergencies.
Full Transparency & Documentation
Every equipment move is photographed, logged, and documented. You have chain-of-custody records, insurance coverage, and compliance documentation for your production’s audit trail.
Equipment We Transport Regularly
- Camera packages (Arri, Red, Sony, Blackmagic)
- Lighting rigs and grip equipment
- Sound recording and monitoring equipment
- Drones and aerial photography equipment
- Set furniture and props
- Costumes and wardrobe (climate-controlled)
- Special effects equipment
- VFX and motion capture gear
- Post-production monitors and equipment
If it’s part of a production, we can move it safely and on schedule.
Get Started With Production Logistics
Tell us about your production:
- What type of production? (film, TV, commercial, documentary, web series)
- What equipment needs transport? (camera, lighting, props, set dressing, etc.)
- Is it an international production needing ATA Carnet handling?
- Where is equipment coming from and where does it need to go?
- What are your key dates? (arrival, start of production, wrap date)
- Do you have any special handling requirements? (climate control, security, insurance documentation)
Send these details to [email protected] or call 021 300 6099. We’ll provide a detailed quote within 24 hours and discuss how we can support your entire production schedule.
For ongoing productions, we offer programme rates and dedicated scheduling.
Questions Production Companies Ask
Ready to Gear Up Your Production?
Equipment logistics built for production timelines. Specialist handling. Full ATA Carnet support. On-time delivery every time.
Call: 021 300 6099
Email: [email protected]
Based at: 10 Railway Street, Woodstock, Cape Town
Ask about our production company rates and dedicated scheduling.