Filming in Vietnam - Vietnam is a paradise for filmmakers who want to capture its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and dynamic society. However, filming in Vietnam also requires some preparation and adaptation, as you may encounter some challenges and differences that are unique to this country. In this article, we will share with you five tips for filming in Vietnam that will help you avoid any trouble and make the most of your filming project. > Learn more: Best locations for filming in Vietnam
Here are 5 useful tips to note before coming to Vietnam for your filming project:
1. Get a drone permit
If you want to film the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam from the sky, you will need a drone. However, you should know that flying a drone in Vietnam is not as easy as it used to be. Due to some accidents and incidents involving drones in the past, the Vietnamese government has issued strict regulations on drone usage. You will need to apply for a drone permit from the Ministry of Defense and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, and follow their rules and guidelines. For example, you will need to:
Register your drone online and get a QR code sticker for it.
Avoid flying over restricted or sensitive areas, such as military zones, airports, government buildings, or historical sites.
Fly only during daylight hours and within your line of sight.
Keep your drone below 120 meters and away from people and vehicles.
Respect the privacy and property of others.
If you fly without a permit or violate any of these rules, you may face fines, confiscation, or even legal action. Therefore, it is better to plan ahead and get your drone permit well in advance before filming in Vietnam.
If you need help with getting a drone permit or finding the best drone shots for your film, you can contact us at 2BIG Production, a professional video production and commercial photo service based in Vietnam. We have years of experience and expertise in filming with drones in Vietnam, and we can handle all the paperwork and logistics for you. Visit our website at 2bigproduction.com to learn more about our services and portfolio.
2. Communicate clearly with your client
Vietnamese clients, and people in general, tend not to go straight to the point during a discussion, so if you are a practical person who doesn’t like to talk around a specific subject, be prepared to adjust your attitude when working in Vietnam.
During your meetings with potential clients or working partners, expect to start the conversation in a chilled and relaxed way, sharing the traditional tea and not talking directly about work, but more getting to know each other better before closing the deal.
Also, especially during the round of feedback on post-production, it’s better to ask the client to be as clear as possible with the feedback, maybe giving them already some form or guideline to do so. That will help both to save time and make the process smoother.
3. Connections are important!
A third tip for filming in Vietnam is to find a local partner who can help you with the logistics and coordination of your filming project. A local partner can be a local production company, agency, or freelancer who can provide you with various services, such as:
Finding locations, crew, equipment, transportation, accommodation, etc.
Acting as your sponsor and liaison with the authorities and the local communities.
Translating and interpreting for you.
Solving any problems or issues that may arise during your filming.
Moreover, having a local connection who can speak the language and already knows how the local industry works, it’s a big advantage when you arrive in Vietnam for the first time.
If you need help with finding a local partner or managing your filming project in Vietnam, you can contact us at 2BIG Production, a professional video production and commercial photo service based in Vietnam. We have years of experience and expertise in working with local partners from various regions and backgrounds in Vietnam, and we can handle all the aspects of your filming project from start to finish.
4. Find a reliable renting house
Sometimes renting quality standards can be lower than expected compared to the westerner world, that means more affordable prices, but also, in some cases, an equipment with no state of art condition.
This is why it’s important to know in advance a reliable renting house to avoid any surprises on your next project.
5. Adjust to the local timetable
No, we are not talking about the different time zones; Albert Einstein made famous the notion that time is relative. This is true especially when talking about different cultures, and different ways of viewing and treating time.
While for Americans time is money, Vietnamese people tend to have a more flexible and relaxed attitude when it comes to time management.
So, if you set an appointment at a certain time, be prepared to wait an additional 20-30 minutes and, overall, to a slower-paced schedule.
Developing strong relationships between people over time, here is considered more important than reaching a business decision or agreement quickly, even in video production industry.
Out of the list, but still a very important one, is to always keep a proactive and respectful attitude: Vietnamese people will love the fact that you are coming from a westerner work industry, bringing expertise and westerner mindset, and they are ready to put you on a pedestal: in some case someone would want to take advantage of that, keeping a haughty attitude, which of course would lead to misunderstanding and issues during the project.
Keeping a humble attitude and learning to embrace each other’s differences is the key to a successful collaboration!
Conclusion | Filming in Vietnam
Filming in Vietnam can be an amazing experience that will allow you to create a unique and memorable film that will showcase the beauty and diversity of this country. However, filming in Vietnam also requires some preparation and adaptation, as you may encounter some challenges and differences that are unique to this country. By following these five tips for filming in Vietnam, you will be able to avoid any trouble and make the most of your filming project.
If you need any help with filming in Vietnam, whether it’s getting a drone permit, communicating with your client, finding a local partner, choosing a rental house, or adapting to the local pace, you can contact us at 2BIG Production, a professional video production and commercial photo service based in Vietnam. We have years of experience and expertise in filming in Vietnam for various clients from different industries and sectors. We can provide you with high-quality services at affordable prices.
> Learn more: 2BIG Production - Video Production House in Vietnam
> A case study: Legacy Yen Tu - A luxury resort in Vietnam
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