Thanks to Nepal’s great versatility in terms of geography and culture, the Himalayan country has evolved to become one of Asia’s hottest destination for filming. The high affordability means hundreds of filmmakers flock into the country every year to shoot a portion or the entire length of their film in Nepal. The Nepal Government’s proactive approach to promoting tourism in the country has made it very easy to acquire filming permits. However, just acquiring a permit and wishing to film in Nepal is not enough. Since a lot of film footages are shot in sites of attraction and reflect the Nepalese lifestyle, the Nepal Government keeps a watchful eye.
How Film Crew Nepal will come into play?
First of all, all foreign filmmakers have to hire a local and licensed coordinator. The coordinator will then represent the filmmaker for acquiring any necessary permit. They will also be responsible for representing the film company in any circumstance arising both during and after the end of filming in Nepal. Working with a film production company representing a coordinator is necessary. For both parties’ advantage, an agreement letter must be signed on mutual understanding.
FCN will play the part of your coordinator and manage the tedious and time-consuming paperwork for you. We will not just help you with obtaining your film permits, but also give you advice on customs clearance and tax payment.
Based on the nature of the film, you will require different types of filming permits. In addition to that, different filming locations demand different types of permits.
Following are the types of film permits necessary for filming in Nepal:
Nepal Filming Permit (Mandatory): The Ministry of Information and Communication provides the permit to the local coordinator and foreign film maker for filming in Nepal except for heritage areas and other sensitive areas. This permit is required in order to get the custom clearance done and other necessary documentation for filming. A Liasion officer is provided by the ministry in order to aid the filming in any region of Nepal related to all legal and diplomatic procedures. This provision not only helps to monitor sensitive issues while filming but also to support against any kind of diplomatic barriers while filming in Nepal.
Heritage Areas Filming Permit:The Department of Infrastructure provides this permit for filming in any heritage sites in Nepal. Such as, all three Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath (Monkey) Temple, etc. This permit issues a limited time permission to film in any heritage sites in the country for foreign filmmakers.
Private Property Filming Permit: Private owners for film locations provides a permit for filming in film locations provided. This is a letter of agreement normally provided by the owner to the film crew for film production. For example, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, etc.
Public Area Filming Permit: Some properties own by the government requires additional permitting for filming due to sensitive issues. This permit provides access to some of the public areas for filming, such as streets, town, Highways, etc.
National Parks Filming Permit: Nepal has 29 National parks from east to the west. National Parks in Nepal holds some of the rare wildlife which are endangered. Filming in some of the national parks are prohibited while some are easily accessible to the filmmakers. Some of the permits are Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, etc.
Drone Permit: Drones are prohibited in most of the parts of Nepal. Areal Imaging in heritage areas is not permitted and considered illegal. Although drone permit is issued to filmmakers to film in other locations. Local licensed drone operators are available for foreign filmmakers for hire to avoid all the procedures saving time. Latest update for Drones available have already restricted areas not allowed to film. Drone permit is provided with the National filming permit with the time duration as mentioned in the same.
Filmmakers are flocking in several thousands to translate the ethereal beauty of film locations in Nepal into their movies. Let’s start this off by saying Nepal is very safe. But again, there are a thousand different versions of safety. The country is famous for its ancient monasteries, fabulous trekking routes, and friendly locals. But lately, it has been building a reputation amongst film companies as a budding and affordable destination for filming.
As a foreign filmmaker filming in Nepal, the safest bet is to collaborate with a film company in Nepal itself .
Given the country’s third-world status, filmmakers often have questions regarding the country’s safety status. Politically, Nepal is more stable than it has even been in decades, and crime is not a significant risk for travelers. Moreover, the government’s hands-on approach to promote Nepal as a popular tourist and film destination has made it easier for film production companies. The government aims to promote film locations in Nepal via local international filmmakers. However, you can come across some minor inconveniences that can be easily avoided if you follow some simple safety measures.
Nepal is synonymous with trek and adventure. The Himalayans and high hills are the most sought-after film locations in Nepal, but getting there along with your crew and filming equipment, in addition to spending weeks on end in such challenging terrain is not an easy feat. There are looming risks of altitude sickness, frostbite, and natural calamities. Thus, it is desirable to travel through a licensed tour operator or film company in Nepal, who are familiar with the destination. Also, make sure to do some background check on your guide and your travel insurance. In case of an unwarranted situation, there are several organizations like the Nepal Mountaineering Association and Himalayan Rescue Association that will help you with your difficulties.
Taking portable LED lights and solar powered cells while traveling for filming in Nepal, is the best option as Film Crew Nepal provides pelican boxes, solar panels, portable lights, etc.
As an international film company filming in Nepal, the safest bet is to collaborate with a film company in Nepal itself. This will help you reduce your travel expenses significantly, as you don’t have to go through the troubles of shipping large filming equipment in Nepal. It won’t only help you curb custom fees but also the hefty extra baggage charges at check-ins. The other advantage of partnering with a local film company in Nepal is that you will be working with people who know the local language, customs, and terrain. It will help to significantly reduce country-specific risks.
Since many of Nepal’s roads are damaged or unfinished, traveling long distances can be troublesome. Traffic is not properly regulated, so the streets can be chaotic as well. Since the film crew will be traveling in a group with filming equipment to multiple film locations in Nepal, a reserved tourist bus is your safe bet. For places where the road isn’t suitable for buses, jeeps and pickups can easily be hired.
While Shooting and operating as a foreign film production company in Nepal, it is best to avoid making political gestures through the film or real-life actions, as they can prove to be very unpredictable and volatile. Make sure you or your crew members don’t make any political or religious statement to offend the local sentiment and monitor the local news in case of any circumstances arise. In case of a curfew or strike, avoid traveling by road in rented vehicles.