Naypyidaw
Yangon, Mandalay
Burmese, also known as Myanmar language.
Burmese kyat (MMK)
Tropical Climate
Visa Application Link
For further details and to apply, visit:
https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/
To film in Myanmar, production companies typically need accreditation from the Myanmar Ministry of Information. This involves submitting detailed production information, including the script, crew list, and filming locations.
Film permits are issued by the Ministry of Information, specifically the Motion Picture and Video Production Department, in coordination with the Myanmar Investment Commission.
To apply for a film permit, production companies generally need to submit a completed application form, along with the script and storyboard. Additionally, they must provide a filming schedule, a list of locations, and a crew list. An equipment list is also required, as well as proof of insurance and liability coverage.
A fixer in Myanmar is instrumental in securing private film locations. They handle negotiations with property owners, acquire the necessary permits, and manage all logistics to ensure a smooth and successful filming experience.
The cost of securing a private film location can only be determined after reviewing the Film Production Synopsis. The final price depends on various factors, including location specifics, filming requirements, and negotiations with the property owner.
Operating drones for film and photography requires prior approval from the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Drone flights must adhere to regulations concerning flight altitude, proximity to airports and sensitive areas, and pilot licensing.
Importing drones for film and photography purposes requires a permit from the Ministry of Commerce and the payment of customs duties. Drones must also be declared and registered with the relevant authorities.
To import drones, applicants need to provide a commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin, permit from the Ministry of Commerce, and technical specifications of the drone.
Drone permits for film and photography are issued by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), under the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The typical processing time for a drone permit is 7-14 working days. However, more complex applications or those requiring additional approvals may take 4-6 weeks or longer.
Ranges from $100 to $300 USD, with additional fees for more complex applications, extended filming periods, or special requirements.
In a Carnet country, the process involves obtaining an ATA Carnet from a national issuing association, listing the equipment to be temporarily imported. Upon arrival and departure, the Carnet is presented to customs. It must then be returned to the issuing association within a specified timeframe.
Film crews arriving in Myanmar must present several documents, including the Carnet, commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration forms, and a letter of introduction or authorization from the Myanmar Ministry of Information or the relevant government agency.
Customs clearance for film equipment is handled by the Myanmar Customs Department, under the Ministry of Planning and Finance.
Myanmar presents logistical challenges, infrastructure limitations, and bureaucratic complexities, making careful planning and local expertise essential for a smooth production.
Film crews are advised to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols. This includes hiring local guides and fixers, respecting cultural norms, avoiding sensitive military or government areas, and staying updated on local conditions, protests, and weather forecasts.
No formal incentive / rebate
Myanmar
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Myanmar: A Guide for International Film and TV Productions
Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Myanmar, delivering reliable, on-the-ground support for international production teams.
With extensive local knowledge and a hands-on approach, our experienced fixers manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visas to scouting stunning locations, coordinating local crew, arranging equipment rental, handling customs clearance, transport, accommodation, stills photography, and post-production logistics.
Myanmar’s diverse landscapes—ranging from ancient temples and bustling cities to serene lakes, dense jungles, and golden pagodas—provide a striking and cinematic backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.
Planning a shoot in Myanmar? Let Hoodlum and our trusted local fixers take care of the details—permits, visas, gear, flights, accommodation, transport, and post—so you can stay focused on what matters most: creating exceptional content.
Myanmar is a filmmaker’s frontier—unfolding with hypnotic contrasts, from timeworn stupas rising through morning mist to labyrinthine markets pulsing with color and sound. Cradled between ancient tradition and raw natural beauty, it offers a canvas few places can match.
This is a land of cinematic silence and sensory overload, where golden temples shimmer beside colonial facades, and forgotten villages lie tucked between river bends and jungle ridges. Myanmar’s layered history and visual richness provide a rare and compelling backdrop for filmmakers seeking something beyond the familiar.
For productions hungry for authenticity and untapped terrain, Myanmar isn’t just a location—it’s a story waiting to be told.
Natural Landscapes
• Hkakabo Razi – Towering Himalayan peaks and remote jungle, perfect for epic adventure scenes.
• Inle Lake – Dreamlike waters with floating gardens and iconic leg-rowing fishermen.
• Myeik Archipelago – Over 800 untouched islands, ideal for survival stories and island-set films.
• Nat Ma Taung – Mystical highland forests and rare species in Chin State.
Beaches & Coastlines
• Ngapali Beach – Palm-lined paradise with golden sands and fishing boats.
• Ngwe Saung – Serene, expansive beachscapes for romantic or introspective shoots.
• Dawei Peninsula – Rugged, cinematic coastlines rarely seen on screen.
Urban & Historic Settings
• Yangon – A rich mix of colonial charm, street life, and sacred pagodas.
• Bagan – Thousands of ancient temples scattered across a surreal plain.
• U Bein Bridge – Timeless sunsets over the world’s longest teak bridge.
Rivers & Waterfalls
• Ayeyarwady River – Sweeping river journeys through Myanmar’s heartland.
• Anisakan Falls – Jungle-shrouded waterfall with cinematic depth.
• Indawgyi Lake – Tranquil, vast, and rich in biodiversity.
Myanmar shares its borders with five nations—China to the north and northeast, Laos and Thailand to the east and southeast, and India and Bangladesh to the west—offering strategic access to diverse regional landscapes and cross-border filming opportunities.
Yangon – Myanmar’s largest city and former capital, Yangon is the country’s cultural and commercial heartbeat. With its blend of colonial architecture, golden pagodas, and bustling street life.
Mandalay – The country’s second-largest city, Mandalay is steeped in history and tradition. Royal palaces, ancient monasteries, and vibrant markets make it ideal for period pieces and cultural documentaries.
Naypyidaw – The modern capital, known for its wide boulevards and unusual urban layout, offers a contrasting setting—clean, expansive, and surreal.
Bagan – An iconic archaeological zone with over 2,000 ancient temples, Bagan’s mystical landscape.
Taunggyi – Perched in the Shan hills, Taunggyi is known for its cool climate, vibrant festivals, and proximity to Inle Lake.
Pathein – A major delta city with traditional umbrella workshops and riverside scenes, offering a softer, more intimate take on regional life.
Sittwe – Located on the Bay of Bengal.
Myitkyina – The gateway to Myanmar’s far north.
Burmese, also known as Myanmar language.
Burmese kyat (MMK)
The optimal time to film is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, providing perfect conditions for outdoor shoots.
From March to October, the climate becomes hot and humid, transitioning into the rainy season, which can pose challenges for filming outdoors due to heavy rains and high humidity.
General Requirements
Film crews planning to visit require a “Filming Permit” and a business visa. Both can be obtained through the Myanmar Ministry of Information and the Myanmar Embassy.
Required Documentation for Application
To apply for a visa, film crew members generally need to provide:
Processing Time
Visa applications for film crews generally take 2-4 weeks to process. It’s advisable to apply at least 6-8 weeks in advance to ensure timely approval.
Cost
Visa costs for film crews range from $20 to $500 per person, depending on the type of visa and length of stay. Additional fees may apply for the filming permit.
Visa Application Link
For further details and to apply, visit:
https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/
General Accreditation Requirements
To film in Myanmar, production companies typically need accreditation from the Myanmar Ministry of Information. This involves submitting detailed production information, including the script, crew list, and filming locations.
Required Documentation for Application
When applying for international crew accreditation, production companies generally need to provide:
Processing Time
2-4 weeks to process. It is recommended to apply at least 6-8 weeks in advance to allow for timely approval.
Cost
The cost of international crew accreditation ranges from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the type of accreditation and the duration of stay.
Issuing Authority
Film permits are issued by the Ministry of Information, specifically the Motion Picture and Video Production Department, in coordination with the Myanmar Investment Commission.
Processing Time
The typical processing time for a film permit is around 2-4 weeks. However, for larger or more complex productions, it may take 6-8 weeks or longer, especially if additional approvals are required.
Required Documentation
To apply for a film permit, production companies generally need to submit a completed application form, along with the script and storyboard. Additionally, they must provide a filming schedule, a list of locations, and a crew list. An equipment list is also required, as well as proof of insurance and liability coverage.
Cost
Ranges from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the nature of the production, the filming locations, and the duration. Additional fees may apply for equipment, crew, and other services.
General Process
A fixer in Myanmar is instrumental in securing private film locations. They handle negotiations with property owners, acquire the necessary permits, and manage all logistics to ensure a smooth and successful filming experience.
Cost
The cost of securing a private film location can only be determined after reviewing the Film Production Synopsis. The final price depends on various factors, including location specifics, filming requirements, and negotiations with the property owner.
Drone Regulations
Operating drones for film and photography requires prior approval from the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Drone flights must adhere to regulations concerning flight altitude, proximity to airports and sensitive areas, and pilot licensing.
Drone Importation Regulations
Importing drones for film and photography purposes requires a permit from the Ministry of Commerce and the payment of customs duties. Drones must also be declared and registered with the relevant authorities.
Issuing Authority
Drone permits for film and photography are issued by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), under the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Required Documentation for Local Drone Permit
To apply for a local drone permit, applicants must submit a completed application form, drone specifications, proof of insurance, pilot license, and a detailed flight plan. The flight plan should include location coordinates and flight altitude.
Required Documentation for Drone Importation
To import drones, applicants need to provide a commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin, permit from the Ministry of Commerce, and technical specifications of the drone.
Processing Time
The typical processing time for a drone permit is 7-14 working days. However, more complex applications or those requiring additional approvals may take 4-6 weeks or longer.
Cost
Ranges from $100 to $300 USD, with additional fees for more complex applications, extended filming periods, or special requirements.
Is it a Carnet Country?
Yes
General Process for Carnet Country
In a Carnet country, the process involves obtaining an ATA Carnet from a national issuing association, listing the equipment to be temporarily imported. Upon arrival and departure, the Carnet is presented to customs. It must then be returned to the issuing association within a specified timeframe.
Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Film crews arriving in Myanmar must present several documents, including the Carnet, commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration forms, and a letter of introduction or authorization from the Myanmar Ministry of Information or the relevant government agency.
Issuing Authority
Customs clearance for film equipment is handled by the Myanmar Customs Department, under the Ministry of Planning and Finance.
Processing Time
Customs clearance for film crews typically takes around 2-4 hours. However, if documentation is incomplete or if additional inspections are required, it can take 1-2 days or more.
Cost
Ranges from $50 to $200 USD, depending on the complexity of the shipment, type of equipment, and whether a local customs broker is used.
General Overview
Myanmar presents logistical challenges, infrastructure limitations, and bureaucratic complexities, making careful planning and local expertise essential for a smooth production.
Type of Security Required
Film crews are advised to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols. This includes hiring local guides and fixers, respecting cultural norms, avoiding sensitive military or government areas, and staying updated on local conditions, protests, and weather forecasts.