Q: Which organisation grants a shooting permit?
A: Ministry of Information and Communications (foreign film production). It grants a shooting permit to international filmmakers. Film Development Board – Nepal grants permission to domestic film production.
Q: How do I start?
A: Filmmakers wishing to shoot a film in Nepal are recommended to hire Nepali coordinator companies or individuals for help, as there are procedures which need to be followed both before and after the filming permit is granted. They also help you with local permissions and contacting Nepali authorities and local people concerned in your production.
Q:What else does the coordinator do?
A: The coordinator helps the film crew to obtain film permits, gives you advice on tax payment, and also supports on general production.
Q: How do I find a coordinator?
A: You can Fixer or a local film production company as a coordinator. Ministry of Information and Communications and Film Development Board – Nepal have a list of coordinators which you can refer to. Some coordinators may specialize in serving Japanese clients, some might have experience working with filmmakers from India, America, Europe, etc while some of them might have experiences working for filmmakers from around the globe. For both parties’ benefits, an agreement letter must be made on mutual understanding. You can find the list of local coordinators that have worked with the
Ministry of Information and Communications and Film Development Board – Nepal at http://www.moic.gov.np and http://www.film.gov.np
Q:What kind of production can apply for a shooting permit at the Ministry of Information and Communications?
A: TV commercials, documentaries, music videos,TV program, feature films, mini- series,TV serials, etc that do not contain any negative connotation or unfavorable message about Nepal and its people can apply for permission at the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Q:What documents do I have to submit the Ministry of Information and Communications?
A: The documents that need to be submitted are enlisted as under:
Q: How long does it takes to receive permission at Ministry of Information and Communications?
A: The process will be completed within 5- 10 working days depends on working days.
Q:Where should the other types of production be submitted for a permit?
A: A 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.
Q:What documents should I submit there?
A: The required documents are as follows:
- A letter made by the assigned local coordinator, informing the Ministry of Information and Communications of the purpose of applying for the shooting permit.
- An assignment letter made by the foreign filmmaker, showing that they have already chosen and hired a local coordinator.
- An application form.
- Supporting documents needed for permit consideration:
- Synopsis
- A treatment for the documentary
- Full script
- A schedule of filming in Nepal specifying period of filming and shooting locations.
- Name-list, passport numbers, positions and arrival dates of all foreign film crews.
Q: How long will it take to get the approval?
A: For feature films,TV series, docu-dramas or any fictional stories, allow no less than 14 working days for the Ministry of Information and Communications to consider the script. NOTE: Depending on the requirements of the script i.e. shooting locations including conservation areas, cultural heritage sites, etc., the period for approval may take slightly longer as the local coordinator has to arrange for the other concerned government departments to view the script in details.
Q: How do I know if my film will obtain the permission to shoot?
A: Permission will be issued after your script has been studied. If it is not acceptable, the Ministry of Information and Communications will give you the reasons.Whether you agree to make changes to your script is entirely up to you.
Q: Are there any restrictions?
A: When applying for filming in Nepal, it is advisable that you do not have anything in the script that offends Nepal’s national institutions, religion, customs and culture.The film must not be deemed as threat to security. Finally, shooting must not cause any significant effect/damage on the natural environment.
Q: How do I need to pay for the location fees?
A: Location fees and other production matters should be discussed with the appointed local coordinator.This is why it is essential to appoint an experienced coordinator. S/he will deal with all the production issues.
Q:What is the duty of the Ministry’s representative?
A: The duty of the Ministry’s representative is to make sure that what is actually being shot has followed the script that has been approved by the Ministry. In case the scenes vary from the script, the representative is there to advice as to whether it is possible to shoot those scenes or not.
Q: What kind of visa do we need?
A: Crews intending to stay in Nepal within the filming permit period can do with a tourist visa.
Q: Do short-stay crew need work permits?
A: No, they don’t.
Q: Do I strictly need to get permission before shooting in Nepal?
A: Yes, you do. Shooting without a permit is a violation of the law.