Filming in Chengdu? Chengdu, where cultural richness meets modern filmmaking possibilities.
Political Environment and Public Conduct: Chengdu fosters a relatively liberal political atmosphere, but filmmakers should exercise discretion in public to avoid undue attention.
Production Resources: Despite Chengdu’s modest production resources, skilled camera crews and talents are available. Work hours typically span 10 hours for film crews, with professional roles like directors, cameramen, and makeup artists easily accessible.
Weather Patterns: Chengdu experiences distinct seasons, with moderate rainfall and minimal snowfall. Air pollution levels remain generally low, ensuring favorable filming conditions. Daylight hours vary across seasons, offering ample opportunities for capturing diverse landscapes.
Visas and Documentation: For filming in Chengdu, obtaining a business or work visa is advisable. Tourist visas are acceptable but not ideal for filming purposes. Note that Chengdu follows China’s unilateral visa-free policy for select countries until November 30, 2024.
Carnet/ATA Carnet: Transporting filming equipment to Chengdu via carnet/ATA Carnet is feasible, but filmmakers should anticipate potential customs checks upon arrival.
Equipment Rental Facilities: While Chengdu offers equipment rental options, choices may be limited compared to larger cities. Prospective filmmakers should weigh rental costs against transporting equipment, considering factors like availability and pricing.
Post-Production Services: Chengdu hosts numerous photo and film studios, facilitating various post-production processes. Online/offline editing, color correction, and sound post-production services are available, albeit to a lesser extent than in larger metropolitan areas.
Location Conditions: Securing location access in Chengdu requires navigating ownership distinctions between government and private entities. Private locations may offer easier access, albeit at varying costs. Studios with specialized setups, such as whitewall and green wall options, are available to cater to commercial productions.
Permit Requirements: Filming in public areas in Chengdu necessitates permits to comply with local regulations. Unauthorized filming is strictly prohibited, underscoring the importance of obtaining necessary permits in advance.
Famous Filming Locations: Chengdu boasts several iconic filming locations, including Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Shrine, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. These sites offer picturesque backdrops for capturing the city’s vibrant culture and history.
Equipment Rental Options: Chengdu provides a range of high-end camera equipment and lenses, including options from Arri, Red, Angenieux, Cooke, and Zeiss. Grips and lighting equipment are also readily available to meet diverse filming needs.
Drone Usage Regulations: Drone usage in Chengdu is subject to regulations, with restrictions on flying in the city center and certain height limits. Licensing requirements and event-related restrictions may apply, necessitating thorough compliance checks.
Currency and Payment Methods: Transactions in Chengdu primarily use the Chinese Renminbi (RMB). Cash payments are common, though digital payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted.
Accommodation and Meal Costs: Hotel costs in Chengdu vary depending on location and amenities, with options ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. Similarly, meal costs vary, with an array of culinary offerings to suit different preferences and budgets.
Transportation Options: Chengdu features well-connected transportation networks, including airports and train stations. Van/lorry hire is common for productions, with daily rates ranging from 150 to 200 USD. Alternatively, rideshare services like Didi and Meituan offer convenient transportation options for smaller productions.