Production, Fixer & Logistics · Permits · Locations · Crew · Budgets
Filming in China offers cinematic locations, world-class crews, and modern infrastructure — but success depends on permits, planning, and the right local partner. This guide explains how to shoot in China efficiently and compliantly, with practical steps, example timelines, and budgeting tips.
- English–Chinese bilingual producers
- Nationwide fixer & location network
- Permit guidance & compliance
- Commercials, docs, corporate, social
- ARRI, RED, Sony, DJI ecosystem
- On-site & remote client monitoring
Our expertise spans from full-service video production in Shanghai to specialized fixer services across China. We have delivered everything from high-impact commercials for global brands to award-winning documentaries that capture authentic local stories.
Why Choose China for Filming
- Diverse locations: hyper-modern skylines (Shanghai, Shenzhen), imperial heritage (Beijing & nearby), mountains and karst (Guilin), deserts and grasslands (northwest), coastlines and ports (east & south).
- Professional crews: bilingual teams experienced with international workflows, union-aware scheduling, and remote client review.
- Modern infrastructure: high-speed rail, major international airports, large studio complexes, and mature rental market.
- Scale & value: competitive rates at scale with strong technical capabilities.
Permits, Visas & Compliance
To shoot in China legally and smoothly, align early on permits, visas, and any content approvals that may apply to your subject matter, locations, and format.
Core considerations
- Location permits: city, district, or site-specific permissions for public spaces, heritage sites, and high-traffic areas.
- Company paperwork: local production partner, letters of invitation, or co-production documentation when required.
- Visas: ensure the correct visa category for foreign cast/crew and confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
- Equipment import: consider renting locally; if hand-carrying, prepare detailed gear lists. (Carnets are not universally accepted — consult before travel.)
- Drones: drone registration, pilot licensing, and airspace permissions vary by city; apply in advance.
- Insurance: production liability, equipment, health/accident, and vehicle coverage as applicable.
We handle the process from start to finish — see our China production fixer services for details on how we manage permits, liaisons, and compliance.
Top Locations & Regions
Shanghai
Contemporary skyline, riverside boulevards, colonial lanes, financial districts, and versatile interiors.
Beijing
Imperial architecture, museums, avenues, and government districts. Access protocols vary by site.
Guangzhou/Shenzhen
South China’s tech and manufacturing hubs with modern urban vistas and industrial access.
Hangzhou/Suzhou
Classical gardens, lakes, canals, and tasteful boutique architecture.
Guilin/Yangshuo
Karst mountains and rivers — dramatic natural backdrops for commercials and travel pieces.
Northwest & Inland
Deserts, grasslands, and expansive roads for automotive and outdoor narratives.
Our location scouting is part of our Shanghai and nationwide production services, ensuring every location meets creative and logistical requirements.
Bilingual Crews & Roles
We assemble lean, effective crews tailored to your project. Common roles include:
- Producer / Line Producer: budget, schedule, vendors, permits.
- Fixer / Production Manager: on-ground logistics, translation, local coordination.
- Director / DP / Camera Team: narrative leadership and image acquisition.
- Sound: location sound recordist + assistant as needed.
- Gaffer / Grip: lighting design and rigging; pre-light on heavy days.
- Art / Wardrobe / HMU: brand alignment, continuity, practical problem solving.
- Specialty: FPV/drone, Steadicam, underwater, VFX supervision, safety advisors.
See our commercial production portfolio and documentary filmmaking portfolio for examples of our work in action.
Equipment Rental, Studios & Tech
- Cameras & lenses: ARRI Alexa family, RED DSMC2/V-RAPTOR, Sony FX/A7 line; cine lens sets from contemporary to vintage.
- Lighting: LED (Aputure, ARRI Orbiter/Skypanel), HMIs, tubes; power distribution and rigging.
- Grip: dollies, sliders, gimbals, cranes; vehicle rigs as permitted.
- Studios: sound stages, green/volume options, product tabletop, kitchen sets.
- Remote workflow: live preview, cloud dailies, secure transfer for remote stakeholders.
Our China fixer team coordinates local rentals to reduce customs risk, control costs, and match your preferred technical specifications.
