Filming in Vietnam - Are you planning to film in Vietnam? If so, you are in for a treat. Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that offers many opportunities and challenges for filmmakers. Whether you want to capture the stunning scenery, the rich culture, or the dynamic society, Vietnam has something for everyone.
But before you pack your bags and camera, there are some things you need to know about filming in Vietnam. In this article, we will cover everything from getting a film permit, finding the best locations, hiring local crew and equipment, and more. We will also share some tips and tricks to make your filming experience in Vietnam smooth and successful.
Table of Contents
Getting a film permit in Vietnam
If you are filming for TV shows, commercials, documentaries, news, entertainment, music videos, corporate videos, etc., you will need to submit your application to MoFA. If you are filming for feature films or movies, you will need to submit your documents (script, shooting schedule, itinerary, locations, local contributors, etc.) to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST).
You will also need to get journalist visas for each member of your crew. MoFA will request the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Public Security to process journalist visas for you. After processing, the Department of Immigration will issue a letter of journalist visa approval.
The process of getting a film permit in Vietnam can take from 10 to 15 working days, depending on the type and scale of your project. You will need to provide the following information and documents:
Request Form For Journalistic Activities in Vietnam
Synopsis of the show/ program
Daily shooting plan with detailed filming locations
Copies of passport of the crew members
List of equipment that you bring in Vietnam
The process of getting a film permit in Vietnam can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the local regulations and procedures. That’s why we recommend hiring a professional film fixer in Vietnam to help you with this task.
A film fixer is someone who can assist you with finding local contributors, facilitating film permits and logistics, sourcing local crew and equipment, scouting locations, and more. A film fixer can save you time, money, and hassle by taking care of all the details for your filming project in Vietnam.
Famous filming locations in Vietnam
Some of the most popular locations for filming in Vietnam include:
Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Ha Long Bay is a stunning backdrop for any filming project, especially if you want to capture the beauty and mystery of nature.
Hoi An: An ancient town that preserves the charm and architecture of the 15th-19th centuries. Hoi An is famous for its colorful lanterns, wooden houses, tailor shops, and riverside cafes. Hoi An is a perfect location for filming if you want to showcase the culture and heritage of Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City: The largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam that offers a contrast between modern skyscrapers and colonial buildings. Ho Chi Minh City is also known for its nightlife, street food, markets, and museums. Ho Chi Minh City is a great location for filming if you want to portray the energy and diversity of Vietnam.
Son Doong Cave: The largest cave in the world that was discovered in 2009 by a British explorer. Son Doong Cave is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and has its own ecosystem, river, jungle, and fossils. Son Doong Cave is an incredible location for filming if you want to explore the hidden wonders of Vietnam.
These are just some examples of the many locations that you can film in Vietnam. You can also find more locations that match your requirements and expectations by doing some research online or by hiring a film fixer who can help you scout locations.
Hiring local crew and equipment in Vietnam
The third thing you need to know about filming in Vietnam is that you need to find local crew and equipment that can meet your standards and expectations. You may need to hire local directors, cinematographers, sound engineers, editors, actors, extras, and more. You may also need to rent cameras, lights, drones, cranes, and other equipment.
Finding local crew and equipment in Vietnam can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak the language or know the market. You may encounter issues such as language barriers, cultural differences, quality issues, availability issues, or price issues.
That’s why we suggest working with a reputable and professional video production company in Vietnam that can provide you with local crew and equipment. A video production company can save you time, money, and hassle by finding the best people and equipment for your filming project.
A video production company can also handle everything from pre-production to post-production, from concept to completion. A video production company can help you with scriptwriting, storyboarding, casting, directing, filming, editing, sound design, color grading, music composition, and more.
Conclusion | Filming in Vietnam
Filming in Vietnam is a rewarding and exciting experience that can help you create amazing videos and photos that showcase the beauty and diversity of Vietnam. However, filming in Vietnam also requires some preparation and planning to make sure everything goes smoothly and successfully.
If you are interested in filming in Vietnam and need some help or guidance, please feel free to contact us at info@2bigproduction.com. We are a video production and photography company based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. We have worked with clients from all over the world, including BBC, CNN, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Netflix, and more. We have also produced our own documentaries, commercials, music videos, and corporate videos.
We can help you with every aspect of your filming project in Vietnam, from getting a film permit to finding local crew and equipment. We can also help you find the best locations for filming in Vietnam, depending on your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Thank you for reading this article and we hope to hear from you soon!😊
> Learn more: 2BIG Production - Video Production House in Vietnam
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