fixer bhutan

Filming in Bhutan

Hiring a fixer in Bhutan

Hiring the right fixer in Bhutan is going to make it easier for you and your crew to operate while filming in our country. Fixer Bhutan can help you with sourcing those local professionals who will turn the development of your production into an easier task. Filming in Bhutan requires taking care of permits, visas, equipment rental, as well as other services and products. With us by your side, you get efficient service throughout the production.

Visa for Bhutan

Obtaining a visa for working in Bhutan is the first step toward coming here to film. Visas for entering Bhutan are required for all citizens except a few, such as those travelling from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives. You can apply for a visa on arrival through a tour operator, otherwise, you will not be able to enter the country. Filming in Bhutan is possible after you and your crew have dealt with obtaining the visas for entering the country.

Film Permits in Bhutan

When it comes to film permits, ask your fixer in Bhutan about which situation applies to your particular production. All filming crews travelling to Bhutan for commercial work are required to apply for a permit. The permits are issued by the government through the “Bhutan Film & Travel” bureau. You will sort the permits with your fixer either before or on arrival to Bhutan, as there are several documents you will have to provide to cover the legal requirements for the permit.

 Special equipment renting info

Bhutan is an impressive country to film, yet the distance from anywhere in the world to the country is considerable. Because of this, you might not be able to ship your entire gear to the country. If this is the case, your film fixer will help you with finding the appropriate equipment rental shops so that you can overcome any shortages when it comes to gear. Our fixers keep in contact with all major gear stores in Bhutan. Drones are prohibited from flying over the territory of Bhutan.

Cultural facts

Speaking of rules and regulations that apply in our country, such as getting film permits in Bhutan, it is worthy to note some of the cultural aspects of the Bhutanese people. Bhutan is rather an exotic destination for any production crew, as well as regular tourists. Bhutanese officials imposed a minimum of $200 as a fee per night for any visitor coming to the country for work or travel. Bhutanese people are welcoming and hard-working, as well as happy. National happiness levels are measured constantly in the country.

Weather when filming in Bhutan

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Bhutan has a specific climate that requires planning before travelling here for work. You will get both hot and humid jungles to the south as well as frigid, snowcapped peaks to the north. The climate of the country is four-seasonal, with a monsoon summer and a harsh winter, lasting from December to February. The appropriate season for filming in Bhutan is summer, when temperatures reach a steady 25 degrees Celsius and the days are longer.

Tax rebate in Bhutan

Countries around the world offer a tax incentive for filming crews visiting their territories for work. At the time of writing this piece, there are no tax incentives for foreign crews coming to work on media productions in the country. Should the laws regarding tax rebates change, you will be briefed on the situation during your trip to the country. Simply ask your fixer in Bhutan about the current laws regarding tax incentives as you work on your production.

Conclusion on filming in Bhutan

Filming in Bhutan requires taking care of a few details that are indispensable to any crew coming here for work, for which Fixer Bhutan will help you sort through them. Regardless if you need help with obtaining a visa, applying for film permits, or choosing the right locations to film, our local professionals are here for you.

Simply ask your fixer in Bhutan for support with whatever the situation is and they will be able to help you and your crew manage the development of your production easier. If you are decided on coming to film in Bhutan, Fixer Bhutan is eager to help you. Send us an email with the details of your project. A team representative will get back to you as soon as possible.

filming in bhutan

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