China

Introduction

Hoodlum offers expert local film fixer services in China, providing seamless support for international production teams. With deep local knowledge and extensive hands-on experience, our dedicated fixers handle every detail of your shoot—from securing film permits and visas to location scouting, crew coordination, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, still photography, and post-production services.

China’s diverse and visually captivating locations, from bustling cities and serene countryside to historical landmarks and iconic landscapes, provide the perfect backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.

Planning a shoot in China? Let Hoodlum and our professional local fixers manage all the logistics—securing permits, managing visas, arranging equipment rentals, booking flights and accommodation, coordinating local transport, and overseeing post-production—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life.

Country Overview

Shanghai is China’s financial powerhouse and the primary hub for advertising, attracting many multinational companies and international advertising agencies. As the centre of China’s commercial landscape, Shanghai is home to the headquarters of most global corporations, making it a key destination for large-scale advertising productions. Beijing, on the other hand, serves as the cultural heart, focusing heavily on TV and film production, with a concentration on domestic brands. While Beijing budgets tend to be smaller, the volume of work is significantly higher.

The advertising industry in Shanghai was initially shaped by industry professionals from Taipei and Hong Kong, while Beijing’s advertising scene is more locally driven. As such, approaching the advertising industry in either city requires distinct strategies to navigate their unique dynamics.

Among China’s main advertising hubs—Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, and Hong Kong—Beijing stands out as the fastest-growing and least established.

Another key production centre is Guangzhou, known for its impressive set construction capabilities, both in terms of quality and cost. Located just an hour from Hong Kong, Guangzhou offers easy and affordable access to Hong Kong’s production resources, making it an ideal choice for international shoots.

Chinas Diverse Filming Locations:

The largest country in East Asia and the second most populous in the world, offers a vast array of diverse and visually captivating film locations. From the bustling megacities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing, to stunning traditional villages, temples, palaces, pagodas, and gardens, China provides a rich tapestry of settings. 

The country’s dramatic landscapes include mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, beaches, deserts, and unique architectural landmarks such as bridges, tunnels, stadiums, ports, and train stations.

China is home to the world’s most extensive high-speed rail network, making travel between locations fast and efficient. The country also ranks first globally in agricultural production, offering film locations such as vast plantations of tea, wheat, corn, barley, cotton, and rice paddies. With its dominance in livestock production and the world’s largest fishing fleet, China provides opportunities to film agricultural and industrial settings, including commercial fishing vessels.

China’s industrial might is on full display, with factories producing everything from textiles and electronics to automobiles, ships, and aircraft. Filming opportunities extend to energy locations such as hydroelectric dams, nuclear power plants, and coal-fired plants.

Numerous internationally recognized films have been hosted in China, including The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021), Ghost in the Shell (2017), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), Her (2013), Skyfall (2012), Looper (2012), The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008), The Kite Runner (2007), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Armageddon (1998), The Last Emperor(1987), and Empire of the Sun (1987).

Bordering Countries:

China shares its borders with 14 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and the disputed territory of Taiwan. 

Main Cities:

The main cities in China are Shanghai, Beijing (the capital), Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Wuhan.

Local Languages:

The official language is Mandarin Chinese, though the country is also home to several other recognized languages, such as Cantonese, Wu, Min, Xiang, Gan, and Hakka. In addition, numerous ethnic minority languages are spoken across the diverse regions.

Local Currency:

The local currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB), also commonly referred to as the Chinese yuan (CNY).

Best time to film:

The ideal times to film in China are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild, pleasant, and characterized by comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Summer (June to August) is typically not recommended due to the hot and humid conditions, while winter (December to February) may pose challenges due to cold temperatures and the possibility of snowfall.

Visa Requirements

General Requirements
Foreign film crew members must obtain a Film Visa (F Visa) or a Special Film Permit. This process requires submitting essential documents, including a detailed filming itinerary, script, equipment list, and obtaining approval from China’s film authorities.

Required Information/Documentation for Application
Crew members applying for a Chinese visa must provide the following:

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Invitation letter from a Chinese film organization
• Detailed filming itinerary, script, and equipment list
• Proof of financial support

Processing Time
The visa application process typically takes around 4–6 weeks.

Visa Application Link
For more information or to apply online, please visit:
Chinese Visa Application

International crew accreditation 

General Accreditation Requirements
Film crew members are required to obtain accreditation from the China Film Administration or the local film bureau. This process involves submitting both personal and project-related documents and may include a police background check.

Required Information/Documentation for Application
To apply for accreditation, film crew members must provide the following:

• Valid passport
• ID card
• Proof of employment or contract
• Film script and equipment list
• Completed accreditation application form

Processing Time
The accreditation process typically takes 2–4 weeks.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization
The China Film Administration (CFA) is responsible for issuing film permits.

Processing Time
The permit application process typically takes 6–12 weeks.

Required Information/Documentation for Application
To apply for a film permit in China, producers must submit the following documents:

• Detailed script
• Storyboard
• Filming schedule
• Location list
• Equipment list
• Cast and crew information
• Proof of financing and insurance

Cost
The cost for a film permit typically ranges from RMB 5,000 to RMB 50,000 (approximately USD 725 to USD 7,250).

Private Locations

General Process
A fixer is essential for securing private film locations. We negotiate with property owners, obtain the required permits, and handle logistics.

Drone Permitting

Drone Regulations
Drone operators must obtain a permit from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and adhere to regulations, including flying below 120 meters, avoiding restricted areas, and obtaining approval from local authorities.

Drone Importation Regulations
Importers must secure a permit from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC). This involves declaring the drone’s technical specifications, obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce, and paying applicable duties and taxes.

Issuing Organization
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issues drone operation permits.

Required Information/Documentation for Local Drone Permit Application
To apply for a drone permit in China, operators must submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Drone technical specifications
• Proof of liability insurance
• Pilot certification
• Detailed flight plan

Required Information/Documentation for Drone Importation Application
To apply for drone importation in China, importers must provide:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of lading
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Detailed technical specification of the drone

Processing Time
The permit application process typically takes 20–30 working days.

Cost
The cost for drone permits in China generally ranges from RMB 500 to RMB 5,000 (approximately USD 73 to USD 730).

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is China a Carnet Country?
Yes

General Process for Carnet Countries
Film crews can use an ATA Carnet to temporarily import equipment without paying duties or taxes. The process involves:

• Obtaining an ATA Carnet from the relevant issuing authority.
• Presenting the Carnet to customs upon arrival.
• Using the listed equipment strictly for the intended purpose.
• Re-exporting the equipment before the Carnet expires to avoid penalties.

Required Information/Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Film crews arriving in China must present the following to customs officials:

• Valid passport
• Visa (if required)
• ATA Carnet
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Detailed equipment list
• Letter of introduction or permit from the China Film Bureau

Issuing Organization
Customs clearance is handled by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).

Processing Time
Typically takes 2–5 working days.

Film Rebates and TAX Incentives

China does not offer a national film rebate, but some provinces and cities, such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Qingdao, provide incentives and subsidies for film and television productions.

Safety and Security

General In-Country Overview
China provides a dynamic and diverse filming environment, featuring a rich cultural heritage, varied landscapes, and modern infrastructure. However, productions must navigate strict regulations, bureaucratic processes, and censorship requirements.

Type of Security Required
It is recommended that film crews hire local, government-licensed security personnel or collaborate with a reputable fixer or production service company. Hoodlum China ensure compliance with local regulations and provide security expertise tailored to the region.