FILM PERMIT IN NEPAL FOR DOCUMENTARY, SHORT FILM & TVC

Obtaining a film permit in Nepal for documentary films, short films, and television commercials (TVCs) involves similar procedures but may vary slightly depending on the nature and scope of the project. Here’s a general guide on how to obtain a film permit for each type of production:

  1. Documentary Film Permit:
  • Identify the Permitting Authorities:
    Contact the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology (MOICT) through its Film Development Board (FDB) to inquire about documentary film permits.
  • Research Requirements:
    Understand the specific requirements and regulations for filming documentary content in Nepal, including documentation, fees, and restrictions.
  • Prepare Your Application:
    Gather all necessary documents and information required for the permit application, including a detailed project proposal, crew details, shooting locations, and equipment list.
  • Submit Your Application:
    Submit your completed permit application to the FDB or the relevant authorities. Ensure that you include all required documentation and pay any applicable fees.
  • Wait for Approval:
    Wait for the authorities to review and approve your permit application. Be prepared to provide additional information or address any concerns raised during the review process.
  • Receive Your Permit:
    Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an official documentary film permit outlining the conditions and restrictions for filming in Nepal.
  1. Short Film Permit:
    • Follow the same steps as for a documentary film permit, adjusting the project proposal and documentation to reflect the specific requirements of a short film.

  2. Television Commercial (TVC) Permit:
    • Identify the Permitting Authorities:
      Contact the relevant advertising agencies or production companies in Nepal to inquire about TVC permits. They can provide guidance on the permitting process and requirements.
    • Research Requirements:
      Understand the specific regulations and guidelines for filming TVCs in Nepal, including permits, fees, and advertising standards
    • Prepare Your Application:
      Work with the advertising agency or production company to gather all necessary documents and information required for the permit application, including the script, storyboard, shooting locations, and talent details.
    • Submit Your Application:
      Submit the completed permit application to the relevant authorities, which may include the FDB, the Department of Information, or other regulatory bodies.
    • Wait for Approval:
      Wait for the authorities to review and approve your permit application. Be prepared to make any necessary revisions or address any concerns raised during the review process.
    • Receive Your Permit:
      Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an official TVC permit outlining the conditions and restrictions for filming the commercial in Nepal.

In all cases, it’s essential to comply with local regulations, obtain necessary permits, and work closely with local authorities, production partners, and communities to ensure a successful and respectful production process.

Short films and Documentary shooting in Nepal?

Nepal is known for its beautiful and diverse natural landscapes that can provide stunning backdrops for films and documentaries. The country has a mix of ancient temples, historic palaces, vibrant cities, towering mountains, lush greenery, flowing rivers, serene lakes, scenic roads, and dense jungles that can add depth and dimension to any film or documentary.

Additionally, Nepal is known for its friendly people, affordable costs, and accessibility, which can make it an ideal location for film shooting. The country has several facilities such as hotels, transportation, helicopters, and flights that can make logistics easy and efficient for filmmakers.

However, it is important to note that proper permits and permissions may be required to film in certain locations, and filmmakers should take into account the local laws and regulations regarding filming in Nepal.

Hiring local artists and crews can have several benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, local knowledge and expertise, and cultural authenticity. Local artists and crews may also have a better understanding of the local regulations and logistics, which can save time and money during production.

Additionally, supporting the local film industry can have a positive impact on the community and economy, as it creates job opportunities and promotes cultural exchange.

However, it is important to ensure that the artists and crews hired are experienced and skilled in their respective fields. The quality of the production should not be compromised solely for cost-saving purposes. It is also important to ensure that the hiring process is fair and transparent, and that all artists and crews are paid fairly and treated with respect

There are various options available in the local market for renting different types of cameras and equipment. Alternatively, you can also bring your own equipment through the airport or border transport after undergoing customs clearance.

To obtain a film permit in Nepal, you need to submit an application which takes approximately 7 to 20 working days for processing. Once approved, you will be granted a film permit along with equipment customs clearance

 

ShortFilmsInNepal

 

Location Scouting, Hiring, Film Permit process, etc, all will be done by your local coordinator or local Filming Company in Nepal.

If you are planning to shoot short film or Documentary in Nepal with cost-friendly and virgin locations, connect Nepal Producer via  info@kathmandufilms.com

 

Filming the Sky Burials Documentary

We were heading towards Upper Mustang for filming the sky burial documentary. Needless to say, we faced a lot of challenges en route, mainly due to road maintenance and unpredictable wind. Funny, some of my friends lost their favorite socks and some other clothes on the first day of arrival at Jomsom and Kagbeni while letting it sun-dry after washing.

Even with direct sunlight during the daytime, there was freezing temperature at night. Nevertheless, the people at the hotel we were staying at welcomed us and our clients with local wine and food.

We faced some difficulties to obtain the filming permits as the location we had chosen was also the border area of Nepal and China. However, we are always prepared for the worst, with backup plans for any challenges that might arise. So, getting the permit was like a piece of cake for Kathmandu Films.

 

Filming better: what inspires us

Our clients were very friendly, which made us proud as well as happy to work harder for them every day. We strive to perform our tasks the best way we can in each day that we work. We open up to them with our creative and new ideas that help us form a good bond with our clients, and it helps us become more positive towards the work that we do.

Further, after the shoot, we set up a few interviews with the local people but they were hesitant to share anything as sky burials was a lost tradition, as well as a very sensitive topic to many.

 

Making our way through the problems

At our selected location, there was neither internet nor electricity. We did have a backup generator but it had troubles starting up due to high altitude and freezing cold. We had to wake up in the middle of the night every day to start our jeep and generator to keep it warm and workable enough to run. After a total of 21 days of the shooting schedule, we finally managed to complete the shoot 5 days earlier, because of good coordination within the team and our hard work.

 

Final thoughts

As a Line Producer and Fixer, I am filled with immense pride and love as I say that Kathmandu Films team is a really lovely team to work with. The sky burials shoot was one of the most memorable shoots for us because of all that we learned and all the challenges that we met. Through this shoot, we along with our clients got to learn about the lost tradition in Nepal, sky burials.