Any film project, no matter how small, needs a set of documents before the camera starts rolling — some are essential and non-negotiable, both legally and practically, while others only matter as the production grows in size. This guide ranks them by priority, and adds the legal requirements specific to filming in Bahrain.
Tier 1: Essential for Any Shoot
These documents are required to legally and practically execute any shoot, regardless of project size:
- Script / AV Script — two-column format for commercials (audio in one column, visuals in the other).
- Call Sheet — the daily shoot-day document, prepared by the 2nd AD and distributed the evening before.
- Production Schedule.
- Script Breakdown — a scene-by-scene inventory of every element needed (cast, props, locations...), prepared by the 1st AD.
- Shot List.
- Talent Release Forms — legally required due to Article 370 of Bahrain's Penal Code, which criminalizes filming or photographing anyone without their consent (penalties up to 5 years imprisonment or fines up to BD 5,000).
- Location Agreement.
- Crew Deal Memos.
- Certificate of Insurance.
- Filming Permit — issued by the Ministry of Information (Media Department), requires submitting the script or an outline for cultural and religious review, and processing can take several weeks depending on script complexity.
- Production Budget.
- Risk Assessment / Health & Safety Plan.
- Director's Treatment — a single document combining the director's vision, mood board, look book, and colour palette.
Tier 2: Conditional on Production Size
The value of these documents scales with crew size, budget, and production complexity — some are unnecessary for a one- or two-day shoot, others become essential the moment you're dealing with multiple vendors or actors:
- Stripboard — for longer or more complex multi-day schedules.
- Day Out of Days (DOOD) — for tracking multiple actors across a longer schedule.
- Storyboards.
- Purchase Orders (POs) — a standalone document once you're renting gear or ordering materials from vendors.
- Cost Report — tracks actual spend against budget as POs and invoices come in.
- Equipment List.
- Wardrobe List.
- Props List.
- Art Department Breakdown — separate from the script breakdown, prepared by the Production Designer, covering props, set dressing, paint, and construction per scene.
- Hair-Makeup Continuity Log.
- Cater/Craft Orders.
- Travel/Accommodation Plan.
- Post-Production Schedule.
- Final Deliverables List.
- Lighting/Floor Plans — prepared by the DP or Gaffer.
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) — for commercial work or plot-sensitive projects.
- Petty Cash Log.
Bahrain-Specific Legal & Logistical Requirements
Filming Permits and Locations
The Ministry of Information (Media Department) issues the general filming permit, and it requires submitting the script or an outline for review. Filming at heritage sites, museums, or archaeological sites needs a separate permit from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), with different application tracks depending on whether the shoot is commercial, educational, or media-related.
Drones
As of March 28, 2026, Bahrain has suspended all drone activity and permit processing nationwide, indefinitely. No legal drone filming is currently possible, regardless of the operator's identity or any prior permit status.
Filming People Without Consent
A criminal offense under Article 370 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or fines up to BD 5,000. Signed release forms are essential for anyone identifiable in the footage.
Commercial Registration
Required from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (via the Sijilat portal) for any production company taking on paid commercial work. Not required for university student projects, but becomes mandatory once you move to working with commercial clients.
Minors on Set
The minimum working age is 15. Minors (15–18) may work a maximum of 6 hours a day, cannot work between 7 PM and 7 AM, and cannot work Fridays or public holidays. Bahrain has no Coogan-style trust account system — a minor's earnings are protected under guardian custody, overseen by the Minors' Estate Directorate at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf.
Equipment Import
Bahrain is part of the ATA Carnet system (managed by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry), allowing temporary duty-free import of expensive camera, lighting, and grip equipment for up to a year.
Summer Outdoor Work Ban
Under Ministerial Decision No. 5 of 2026, all outdoor work under direct sunlight is banned from 12 PM to 4 PM daily, from June 15 to August 31. This is a legal restriction with fines and possible business license suspension for violations, not just a health guideline — any outdoor shoot scheduled in this window has to work around these hours.
Restricted Zones
Filming near royal palaces, military bases, or embassies requires special clearance from the Ministry of Interior, and unauthorized filming in these areas results in immediate intervention.
University Exemption
A formal, stamped letter from a university's film or media department head can often waive BACA's commercial permit fees and speed up the Ministry of Information's script approval for student productions.
Bottom Line
The list is long, but the practical idea is simple: always start with the Tier 1 documents (especially release forms and the filming permit), and add Tier 2 documents gradually as the production grows. As for the legal side, the only constant is that it changes — always confirm with the relevant official body before shoot day.