Month: July 2022

Nepal Film Production has a full logistical team that specializes in acquiring film permits in Nepal, but we strongly recommend you to read the step-by-step guide to acquire film permits in Nepal.

In order to acquire “Filming Permits in Nepal” or any type of similar permits which are listed below, according to your location or production requirements. It is your production partner’s responsibility from Nepal to make sure you as a client are well briefed regarding the “Rules & Regulations” and also in the loop regarding government based procedures to acquire the film permits as well.

Film Permits in Nepal can generally be categorized into two broad categories.

Firstly, a one-time filming permit which is a legal document that gives you authority to film in Nepal, which again has its limitations and solely depends on the location and the purpose of filming. This is issued by the Ministry of information and costs you around NRS 15,000 which is equivalent to (USD 150) according to the exchange rate.

Secondly, there are additional special filming permits in Nepal that come under different government authorities such as (Home Ministry, Defense Ministry, Aviation Body, Heritage Body, Ministry of Tourism, Nepalese Tourism Board, National Park Authority & Nepal Mountaineering Association).

The filming permits and the costs of different locations are based according to your film production requirements, also such factors as locations, higher altitudes, and many additional factors will determine the cost of your production.

The Special Film Permits in Nepal

1. National Parks Filming Permit:

If you wish for your production to film in any national park and conservation areas of Nepal to capture the essence of wildlife then you will require a national park film permit of Nepal approved by the Ministry of Information & communication along with National Park Authority which has certain and additional criteria. Such as a ranger will be appointed to you for filming in “National Parks” and also an additional “Liaison Officer” on behalf of both ministries as a government bases protocol. 

The cost of acquiring the National Park permit would be (USD 1500) on a government level and has a standard fee according to your production requirement, but additional fees such as paying the “Liaison Officer” on a daily basis is an additional cost which again can be negotiated.

2. Heritage Areas Filming Permit:

While filming in sensitive heritage areas like Pashupatinath, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath etc. you can acquire heritage areas filming permissions of Nepal under the close supervision of the municipality district office and “Ministry of Heritage and Maintenance” but often such locations have their own “Board Members” and would require additional permissions from their approval as well. Generally in such locations filming permissions often last anywhere from 5 hours – 10 hours according to the location, and can be acquired in a short span of time if your production partner is connected or has previous working experience in such locations. While filming in such locations, make sure your production partner has knowledge regarding the “Do’s & Don’ts, as these types of locations have strong unions. It is very important to make sure no union is provoked in terms of respecting cultures and union members while imitating filming projects at such locations. The cost of acquiring ($US 1000) per day and a deposit of ($US 1200) in the ministry will be given back before your departure.

3. Public Area Filming Permit:

Filming in public areas which are in the jurisdiction of the “Ministry of Information & Communication” will give you rights and access to run filming activities without public interference, but this would have to be approved in National Filming Permit of Nepal in advance before any filming activities are to be started.

In case of needing to block roads for filming with a large crew, then this would need consolidation with the “Local Administration” and the “Police” in advance.

It is very important to know all the locations where you plan to film in advance as following the “Rules & Regulations” is necessary which needs coordination with relevant ministries. 

The cost of acquiring a public area permit would be (USD 1500) for filming purposes but coordination is very important for public area filming permits in Nepal.

4. Private Property Filming Permit:

If you wish to film on private properties such as hotels, cafes, villas, or other similar types of properties then a local fixer or production house in Nepal can coordinate with the owner of the property and inform the “Ministry of Information & Communication” in advance while acquiring general permits. Rates may differ according to the property owner’s quotation, which Nepal Film Production would be glad to handle for our clientele. The location has to also respect all government bodies and any actions of filming government buildings can result in many government-based issues.

5. Drone and Air Filming Permits:

Nepal Film Production specializes in acquiring aerial filming permits of Nepal considering all aspects from relevant ministries, government protocol, and rules and regulations. In order to acquire aerial permits which is a very sensitive matter in Nepal, four major ministries need to provide approval considering locations which are the Ministry of Information & Communication, Home Ministry, Defense Ministry, and Aviation Body.

Aerial permits, in general, were not that hard to acquire in the past but the reason why it is so difficult at current times is that there was a lot of illegal filming at the time of the earthquake which took place in April 2015. Since then the Nepalese government has been very strict in terms of aerial permits in Nepal. 

It would take an average of 10-14 working days in order to acquire aerial permits with all approvals from the four ministries listed above.

In terms of costing of acquiring aerial permits it would be (USD 600) but can vary according to location; for example aerial filming in Kathmandu would be way cheaper in comparison to aerial filming in Everest or Mustang.

According to government rules & regulations, each ministry appoints a liaison officer from each ministry, and each liaison officer has a daily wage ranging from (USD 80-USD 200) per day, which with the help of Nepal Film Production good network, it can help to negotiate with on your productions behalf.

Different Authorities and Approval for Different Types of Film Permits in Nepal

1. Consent Letter of Department of Archaeology- if filming in archaeological places like Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Changunarayan, Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, Lumbini, Swayambhunath, etc. For filming in these areas, the Department of Archaeology will appoint one liaison officer who should be paid every day as allowance.
2. Consent Letter of Pashupati Development Fund Office, Gaushala, Kathmandu- if filming in the Pashupatinath temple area. 
3. Consent letter of Sanctuary Fund- if filming in Annapurna Conservation Areas.
4.  Consent letter of Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation- if filming is to be done in upper Mustang and upper Dolpo. The fees are the US $5000.00 per each place. 
5. Consent letter of Department of Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu- if filming in conservation areas.
6. Consent letter of Lumbini Development Fund- if filming in Kapilvastu (Lumbini), the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. 

There are various locations in Nepal that will increase your production value in terms of your filming project in Nepal. Nepal Film Production will also take full responsibility and assistance for location scouting in Nepal as for your requirements and Nepal Film Production will take full responsibility for coordination with all matters and full briefing at the beginning of the production.

How NFP Helps in Acquiring Filming Permits in Nepal

Nepal Film Production has a team of the experienced production crew that specifically specialize in getting all film permits in Nepal as well as clearing customs at the airport if you wish to bring in any filming equipment from your starting destination.

Having worked directly with 131 international film productions, we know our way through the tedious paper works and complexities in the filming and production process for Nepal.

Similarly, working for a film in Nepal has its own complications, considering the topography, culture, and many more similar issues and Nepal Film Production is the one-stop solution for all filming/production-related matters in Nepal.

Crew individuals of Nepal Film Production are adept at coping with all production topics, which allows us to rehearse in advance and prepare for all production matters for your filming project in Nepal. 

Our skilled team members will fulfill all your filming permits requirements at the phase of being in the pre-production stage. Most significantly our team will always prioritize delivering to the highest quality of service possible in Nepal. Nepal Film Production’s team solely believes in customer service and especially skilled work and punctuality which we always honor as a filming company in Nepal.

Nepal Film Production and its crew participants consider in advance preparations, and that means the entirety of planning and groundwork will be completed and prioritized in advance.

As a passionate fixing and production company in Nepal, any project we undertake is something we want to excel at. We ensure that we will live up to the expectation of your filming project in Nepal.

Consult With Us Now

FAQ – Film Permits in Nepal Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I acquire Filming permits for my filming project in Nepal?
  In order to acquire “National Filming Permits” in Nepal, you have to collaborate with a registered filming company in Nepal. Then your assigned fixing/filming company will coordinate with the relevant ministries according to your production requirements. According to the government (Rules & Regulations) your filming company will have to be liable for all actions for your international production in Nepal, so therefore according to the government you must have a fixing/filming company on board. 
  
• How much does a “National Filming Permit” cost from the “Ministry of Information & Communication”?
  While acquiring a basic filming permit in Nepal for filming in non-special locations in general, a “National Filming Permit” from the “Ministry of Information & Communication” should suffice. This would cost roughly (USD 150) and also a “Liaison Officer” will be appointed to your production who will have a daily wage which varies from (USD 80-USD 200) per day, which Nepal Film Production would be able to negotiate on your behalf.
  
• What documentations do I have to provide in order to acquire a “National Filming Permit” in coordination with the “Ministry of Information & Communication”?
  In order to acquire a “National Filming Permit” in Nepal you would have to provide a couple of documentations which are passport details, synopsis, production script, letter of authorization, filming itinerary, companies documentation filming locations and a list of your filming equipment with serial numbers. It would take 5 working days for Nepal Film Production but it would take 15 working days for most production companies in Nepal.
  
• How do I acquire Aerial Permits in Nepal? 
  In order to acquire aerial permits in Nepal, coordination with the (Ministry of Information & Communication, Home Ministry, Defense Ministry and Aviation Authority of Nepal. All documentation from a basic application should suffice and additional letters requesting permission will suffice in order to acquire aerial permits for your filming project in Nepal. Acquiring aerial permits would take on average 12 working days for Nepal Film Production including coordination and additional documentation which will be necessary.
  
• How do I acquire National Park Permits in Nepal? 
  In order to acquire National Park filming permits in Nepal, your production partner based in Nepal would have to acquire a “National Filming Permit” from the “Ministry of Information & Communication” but coordination with the National Park Authority & Department of Wildlife Conservation in Nepal. The National Park Authority will appoint a “Liaison Officer” that will supervise your film production in Nepal and also the “Liaison Officer” will also have a daily wage which varies from (USD 80-USD 200) per day. Nepal Film Production can negotiate on your productions behalf. National Park permits can be acquired within 3 working days by Nepal Film Production.
  
• How do I acquire Heritage Locations permits in Nepal? 
  Nepal Film Production can acquire filming permits for your chosen (National Park) by coordinating with (Department of Archeology) which won’t allocate a liaison officer but has basic fees which averages (USD 1000) depending on which national park you wish to film at. It would take an average of (15 working days) depending on your chosen national park and Nepal Film Production can assist with all matters.
  
• How can Nepal Film Production help you acquire all the film permits in Nepal? 
  Nepal Film Production is the one stop solution for acquiring all relevant filming permits for your international production in Nepal. Nepal Film Productions has been acquiring filming permits for more than a decade. Our experienced team can fulfill any requirement according to your production requirements and all you have to do is to tell us which locations and share your production’s plan and Nepal Film Production will do everything for you.

Nepal has many places that make up for good visual capture for your film and we can help you with location scouting in Nepal. 

Considering different requirements of location for different types of films we initiate location scouting in a systematic order right from the research to the production of scenes to be used in the movies. 

At Nepal Film Production, we help you find locations to film in Nepal and help in production through the following processes :

• Understanding Your Requirement : 

First, we understand your requirements by assessing your script or layout. Once we know what is it that you want we search accordingly. Are you looking for specific places to film in Nepal? Or do you want film-specific cultures or communities of Nepal? Or are you not sure where you want to film but have an idea about how you want to film it? Well, whatever your requirement is we find ways to match them with our years of experience working in film production in Nepal.

• Location Research: 

Once we know what you require then we actually go and find the places appropriate for you to film. This is done on different levels.

Do the story and the location coincide? 

How is transportation?

Will the locals allow to film? 

Is there legal permission to film in the area? 

We can provide the best locations for the filming/fixing project while also suggest the right kind of cultural background for it

• Permits and Processes: 

Once you finalize the location for shooting in Nepal, we can further help you by acquiring all required permits, dealing with the local authorities as well as integrating your production team with the local community. We are well versed in the procedures and processes required to acquire film permits in Nepal as well as film licensing.

• Filming and Fixing 

Once you have decided on the filming location in Nepal, you will have to travel with a team for filming. We can help you navigate the entire production and filming in Nepal as you fixer or local coordinator. 

Be it finding the right filming crews or talents or managing the operations and logistics, all will have to be dealt with within the context of Nepal and our prior experience and the diverse team make us your choice as the best fixer in Nepal.

Conclusion :

Location Scouting in Nepal is challenging considering the difficult topography, diverse languages, unique culture, and unclear policies.

But we are adept at what we do and have been doing this for years, with enthusiasm to continue it on a consistent basis. Nepal Film Production is your choice to be up and ready for the challenge. 

Not only production services but we can initiate surveys to see whether the locations are suitable or not for your filming/fixing project, we also get permission to shoot where required, and make sure of smooth movement of the crew to and from the locations in consideration on logistics to prevent and solve any problems that might arise, and even coordinate the parking areas for the crew during the shoot.

Consult With Experts

FAQ – Location Scouting in Nepal

What are the challenges of Location Scouting in Nepal?

Difficult topography, diverse languages, unique culture, and unclear policies are the challenges of Location Scouting in Nepal.

Who will help me with Location Scouting while filming in Nepal?

Nepal Film Production is doing this business for more than 13 years and carrying out all the location research right after understanding your requirements.

Do I need a permit to shoot in a particular location for filming in Nepal?

Yes, you need to have a permit from the Ministry of Information and Communication. If the location falls under National Parks, Conservation Area, and Heritage Sites, you need to ask for a special permit as well.

Does my fixer in Nepal help me to search for a suitable location for my projects?

It depends upon the film production houses and their services. But Nepal Film Production surveys to see whether the locations are suitable or not for your filming/fixing project, we also get permission to shoot where required.

What are the best locations to film in Nepal?

First tell your requirements and the concept of your project to Nepal Film Production. Then they will research the best location that matches the demands of your projects. Locations like Annapurna Region, Mustang, Everest Region, Durbar Square and so on are the popular ones.

The cost of film permits in Nepal includes the Nominal Government charges plus the charges of liaison officers appointed from different authorities. 

There are different film permits you to require while filming in Nepal. Each of these permits comes with their own cost which has to be paid beforehand at different authorities. 

It is always wise to prepare beforehand and know your requirements for different filming permits in Nepal. At Nepal Film Production we assess your requirements and prepare all required documents and processes for film permits in Nepal.

Cost of General Film Permits in Nepal: 

A minimum fee of Nepali Rupees 50.00 as a permit fee (Nepali postal stamp) and Nepali Rupees 15,000.00 is charged for censorship of visuals which have been filmed during the filming period.

The filmmaker is required to pay the daily allowances, insurance, travel, and accommodation expenses to the Liaison officer (Monitoring Officer). Likewise, payment for the services of the local coordinator is based on an agreement between the coordinator and the filmmaker. 

Neither the Ministry of Information and Communications nor the Film Development Board, Nepal have any involvement in this agreement, including the setting of rates for any of the services provided. 

Cost of Special Film Permits in Nepal: 

1. National Park Filming Permit: You can film the natural vegetation and wildlife in different national parks and conservation areas with approval from the respective National Park or Conservation authority.
   
2. Heritage Area Filming Permit: The cost for heritage area filming permits in Nepal has to be submitted to the district office and Ministry of Culture and Heritage.
   
3. Public Area Filming Permit: Public Area Filming Permit can be obtained from the district office where a charge is levied.
   
4. Private Property Filming Permit: The cost of filming in private property is variant with the prices negotiated with the owner themselves.
   
5. Drone and Aerial Permits: Aerial Filming in Nepal requires a separate permit which has to be authorized by the district administration office

Visa Processing and Costs in Nepal 

All foreign nationals, except Indians, require visas to visit or work in Nepal. 

Multiple entry visas for 15 days (US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency), 30 days (US$ 40) or ninety days (US$ 100) can be acquired from any Nepalese embassy or consulate.

 You also can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu or at the Immigration Office at the entry points of Nepal.

Tourist visas may be extended for a length of a hundred and twenty days on the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

However, nationals of the subsequent international locations will no longer get visas on arrival on the immigration entry points of Nepal: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. 

They need to get visas from Nepalese embassies or diplomatic missions in their respective international locations prior to their arrival in Nepal.

Gratis (Free) Visa for 30 days is available most effective for nationals of South Asian nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the primary go-to in one visa year (January to December). However, a visa charge is required for its extension past the 30 days.

Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter into Nepal.

The airport tax is already covered for your price tag. But on domestic routes, a separate airport tax of Rs.200 is charged earlier than boarding.

How NFP Helps in Acquiring Filming Permits of Nepal

• We process all of your documents and permits where necessary
• We act as your local fixer and coordinator in Nepal 
• We are your contact point to the concerned authorities
• We help you find appropriate locations to film in Nepal and get the specialized permits required 
• We clear your customs and handle the incoming of the filming crew 
• We prepare in advance to deliver you on time. 

Nepal Film Production is an internationally recognized film production company in Nepal. Our film services in Nepal include everything from being your local fixer in Nepal to helping you find appropriate locations in Nepal for filming. We are adept at handling film permits and can acquire any kind of film permits in Nepal including those required for Aerial Filming.

Fixer in Nepal are experienced in providing any services you require while filming in Nepal. This includes the process before you arrive like Visa, Permits to the logistics and management during your filming process. 

You would require a fixer in Nepal to smoothly operate while filming in Nepal.

Some of the constraints a filmmaker or producer filming in Nepal may face are: 

• Difficult topography of Nepal with selective settlements
• Transportation and Accommodation are limited and needs to be planned early
• Different languages, cultures and diverse ethnic groups spread across Nepal
• Mandatory requirement of a local coordinator for acquiring filming permits 
• Complicated and tedious official paper works

The General Services By Top Fixer in Nepal to Foreign Film Producers Are:

1. Acquiring Filming License and Permits in Nepal

Acquiring Filming License and Permits in Nepal for every requirement in coordination with the government authorities in a legal way. 

2. Location Scouting:

Right from surveys to the actual filming through varied terrains and diverse cultures throughout Nepal.

3. Casting

The casting of talents with a dedicated database and previous collaboration experience.

4. Crew:

Full-fledged experience filming crew to completely handle your project or fill parts in it. 

5. Equipment :

From Filming and Camera Equipment to Cameras itself.

6. Travel & Accommodation:

Travel & Accommodation in the filming process and for the filming purpose. 

7. Insurance Management:

Insurance Management for the entire film crew as well as the equipment.

Identity of NFP as a Top Fixer in Nepal

Nepal film Production is a film production company in Nepal that provides services as a fixer and filming company in Nepal. We also collaborate with foreign film production companies for filming in Nepal. 

But more to that, we are a team of people that loves creating, documenting, and publishing untold stories and perspectives in a way that speaks to the audience. 

1. Understanding Your Requirements:

First, we assess what you want, how you want, and model it into the context of Nepal.

2. Preparing Your Documents:

We handle Visa required for your team crew as well as documents for the permits and your requirements and progress throughout the project. 

3. Clearing the Customs :

When entering Nepal we make sure to clear custom charges from. The airport in a legal and safe way. Explore in-depth about custom clearance and insurance management.

4. Finding the places to shoot in Nepal:

Before you come to Nepal, we find places appropriate for you to film according to your requirement. We carry out surveys and handle the process to make sure you can film there. 

5. Acquiring Permits:

Any permits required for filming in Nepal from general filming permit to specialized ones, we can acquire any kind of filming permits of Nepal for you. 

6. Finding the crew and talents:

If you require anyone to cast in your project from lead actors to stunt doubles, extras, we can link them for you. At Nepal Film Production, We have a complete database of over 12500 artists from our previous work experience. 

7. Accommodation and Transportation :

We make sure you and your production team will have the best rooms, food and travel while you stay in Nepal for the filming project. 

8. Filming at Locations :

From location scouting to actual filming at the location adapting to the context, our team is adept at it. 

9. Production and Post Production:

After the filming process, if you require help with any production process, just ask for it., we are a complete production house based in Nepal.

We love our work and any project we undertake we make sure to deliver it with dedication and quality. 

Our experience in the film production industry in Nepal as well as working as a fixer in Nepal over the course of 13 years and 150 productions, we have had to adapt to a wide variety of working scenarios according to changing requirements of the project. 

The shooting permit for the types of film productions like feature films, docu-dramas, TV dramas and mini-series should be submitted at the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Explore complete information about film permits in Nepal.

Basic Documents Required for Acquiring Filming Permits and License in Nepal 

• Application for Shooting to Audio-Visual Section, Ministry of Information and Communications of the purpose of applying for the shooting permit. It is to be done by the local coordinator or fixer in Nepal 
• An assignment letter appointing the local coordinator. It is to be done by  the foreign filmmaker 
• An application form.
• Supporting documents needed for permit consideration
• The concept in the form of a storyboard, treatment, presentations, etc. 
• Theme (concept) and Lyrics for music videos
• Details of content and objectives of the program
• Time and Space details in form of a schedule of filming in Nepal including dates and locations
• Name-list, passport numbers, positions and arrival dates of all foreign film crews.
• Equipment Details Letters

Authorities Concerned While Obtaining Filming Permits in Nepal: 

• Ministry of Information and Communications 
• Customs Office Airport 
• National Park Authorities 
• District Administration Office 
• Ministry of Culture and Heritage 
• Local Police Authority 
• General public at shooting locations 

How Nepal Film Production Helps in getting Permits in Nepal

Nepal film Production  has a experienced film crew specializing in acquiring permits and clearing customs at the airport. Having worked in 131 productions already, we have navigated our manner through the tedious device and paper works.

Our frequent projects have helped us make contacts with the concerned authorities. We relieve you of the technical worries. 

Many times you’ll have to deal with the area people and concerned bodies, whose agreement is likewise essential. We help you deal with them smoothly. Our crew members are adept and coping with all filming and production topics, to be able to be rehearsed and prepared for at the pre-manufacturing degree.

We are skilled in terms of acquiring permits and most importantly prioritize delivering to the best excellent. We make certain to punctually honor our mutual settlement between us and our customers. 

We leave no room for error and in our past experience; we have constantly had satisfied clients and feature continually completed our production initiatives smoothly.

Nepal Film Production and its crew individuals believe earlier arrangements, and which means the entirety can be achieved in advance. Before you go please discover our complete offerings.

We help you in whole production process as well as acquiring film permits in Nepal.

Please feel free to talk with us about the filming and filming process in Nepal. We make sure you get the best services at an affordable rate.

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