Scarlet in China, is it safe?

[Joel Mielle]

Part of my film shoot at present requires me to film in China for two weeks (Shanghai). I'm just curious if anyone has traveled to China on a pro film shoot. I need to take my Scarlet as a bare minimum and rent the rest of the gear. I have heard stories that cameras can get confiscated which worries me, not to mention that China has quite strict rules on filming. Permits are also very hard to get and I've also heard that bribes get you through. I'm really not comfortable filming there hearing all these rumors and I'm hoping someone who's actually filmed there could share their experiences.

Thanks!

 

[Wayne Beck]

Joel, the Chinese Consulate should be able to help/advise you.

 

[Waikato]

Hi Joel,

I work in China's film industry and often works on TVC shoots. The ideal situation for you, to eliminate the fears and concerns for these things (which often makes me feel uncomfortable, well most of the time) is to get a LOCAL PRODUCER, or line producer to overwatch the flow of entire shoot, plan and foresee any possible restrictions on local properties and shooting permits. We shot a feature in Shanghai back in 2010 and local producer was still required even though the entire crew had 3 producers/production manager at the time. Local rules, regulations and connections is paramount to be sorted out before your shoot begins. sometimes they agree first and rise their numbers in the last minute. So yea, someone to cover this area will be ideal. at least get your producer to talk and negotiate with the location/premise owners should there be any problems, while the shoot carries on!

bringing in your scarlet x needs also to be clearly stated that it will be brought back to the states so you don't get charged for tax at the custom.

 

[Joel Mielle]

Hi Joel,

I work in China's film industry and often works on TVC shoots. The ideal situation for you, to eliminate the fears and concerns for these things (which often makes me feel uncomfortable, well most of the time) is to get a LOCAL PRODUCER, or line producer to overwatch the flow of entire shoot, plan and foresee any possible restrictions on local properties and shooting permits. We shot a feature in Shanghai back in 2010 and local producer was still required even though the entire crew had 3 producers/production manager at the time. Local rules, regulations and connections is paramount to be sorted out before your shoot begins. sometimes they agree first and rise their numbers in the last minute. So yea, someone to cover this area will be ideal. at least get your producer to talk and negotiate with the location/premise owners should there be any problems, while the shoot carries on!

bringing in your scarlet x needs also to be clearly stated that it will be brought back to the states so you don't get charged for tax at the custom.

Thanks for the info that's very helpful, we will now organise a first AD and a PM, I'm actually from Australia, did you have any issues getting your equipment into China? Any procedures?

Joel.

 

[Thomas Pohl]

Thanks for the info that's very helpful, we will now organise a first AD and a PM, I'm actually from Australia, did you have any issues getting your equipment into China? Any procedures?

Joel.

I just come from Shanghai and everything went so easy. Probably sometimes people don`t keep distance to you and your camera as I`m used to have in Europe. So an assistant who helps you in crowded situation could be helpful. Travel with a business visa - then you won`t get in trouble.

Cheers
Thomas.