India

Introduction

India is a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and landscapes, making it one of the most picturesque locations in the world. Hoodlum offers premier film fixer services in India, providing complete support to international production teams. With our extensive local knowledge and hands-on expertise, we manage every aspect of your production, from visa assistance and film permits to location scouting, crew assembly, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, still photography, and post-production services.

From the vibrant streets of Mumbai to the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas, the vast deserts of Rajasthan, and the lush backwaters of Kerala, India presents an extraordinary variety of settings for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in India? Hoodlum takes care of all the logistics—securing permits, managing visas, organizing equipment rentals, booking flights and accommodations, coordinating local transport, and handling post-production—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Reach out to us today for a smooth, successful, and visually stunning production in India.

Country Overview

It’s clear why Thailand stands out as a top destination for both filmmakers and tourists. A fascinating fusion of Eastern and Western influences, the country offers a wide range of stunning locations, from its glittering temples and lush jungles to its vibrant wildlife, tropical islands, and pristine beaches. This natural beauty is beautifully contrasted by the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where towering modern skyscrapers coexist with historic temples and lively street markets.

Thailand’s diverse landscapes provide endless possibilities for film productions. The crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches of the Andaman Sea are ideal for commercials and travel documentaries, while the northern mountains and rainforests offer dramatic backdrops for adventure and nature-focused projects. Bangkok’s dynamic cityscape blends the modern with the traditional, and rural villages, alongside ancient ruins, reveal the country’s rich cultural history.

With a solid infrastructure, well-connected transport systems, seasoned crews, and access to state-of-the-art equipment, Thailand has earned its place as one of the most filmmaker-friendly destinations in the region. In 2015 alone, over 700 international productions were filmed here, with that number steadily increasing. The country also boasts Southeast Asia’s best-protected national park system, making it an exceptional choice for wildlife filmmaking. Plus, Thailand’s rich diversity, with communities of Lao, Khmer, Burmese, Malay, and Chinese descent, allows for the easy recreation of scenes from neighbouring countries.

From high-energy urban environments to peaceful, untouched natural landscapes, Thailand offers an unmatched variety of locations, making it a prime choice for filmmakers and photographers seeking visually and culturally rich settings.

Bordering Countries:

Thailand is bordered by four countries: Myanmar (west and northwest), Laos (east and northeast), Cambodia (southeast), and Malaysia (south).

Main Cities:

Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai,
Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat

Local Languages:

Hindi / Bengali / Marathi

Local Currency:

Indian Rupee

Best time to film:

India’s climate varies significantly from the north to the south. The northern regions, closer to vast desert areas, experience hotter temperatures, while the southwest, including places like Goa, enjoys tropical beach weather. On average, temperatures hover around 25°C throughout most of the year, making India an ideal destination for filming year-round.

Visa Requirements

General Requirements

India offers two main visa categories for filming:

The “J” Visais for filming news features, current affairs, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and similar content.

The “F” Visa applies to filming for reality shows, feature films, drama series, TV shows, and similar projects.

Visa Application Process

“J” Visa: Complete the application form and submit it along with the necessary documents to the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. Clearly state the purpose of your visit on the form. Once approved, the embassy will issue the Journalist visa.

“F” Visa: Complete and submit the visa application form, paying the non-refundable application fee online. The FFO will then clear the application through the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, after which the visa will be issued.

Required Documentation

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Full details of crew members
• Synopsis of the shoot (documentary, film, etc.)
• Details of shooting locations and equipment
• Shooting schedule
• Letter of invitation
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Medical certificate

Visa Processing Times

“J” Visa: Valid for 3 months from the date of issuance (not from the date of entry).

“F” Visa: Processed within 3 weeks.

Visa Costs

The cost for both visas is approximately $225.

International crew accreditation

A filming permit is mandatory for all types of filming in India, whether commercial or non-commercial. Regulations around filming licenses can change, so it’s essential for your fixer to contact the relevant authorities to confirm the necessary licenses and authorizations for your specific project.

Required Documentation for Filming Permit Application

• Biodata for each crew member, including personal details, education, skills, and work experience
• Filming permits
• Shooting locations
• Filming dates and duration
• Topic and titles of the shoot
• Detailed list of equipment

Processing Time

Typically, 3 to 5 working days

Cost

The cost depends on the number of crew members, ranging from $500 to $2,000.

It’s important to ensure all documentation is complete and up to date to avoid delays in the permit process.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organizations

The permits are issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC).

Processing Time

The processing time for the permit is approximately 2 weeks.

Required Documentation for Application

To apply, you will need a letter requesting authorization, a list of filming equipment, shooting locations, and the production duration.

Cost

The cost for a fast-tracking permit is $3,000, while a 30-day permit costs $400.

Private Locations

General Process

Hoodlum India will negotiate with the private owner to finalize the terms of the filming process.

Cost

The cost is negotiable, Hoodlum India will work with the private owner to agree on a suitable price.

Drone Permit

Drone Importation Regulations

To import a drone into India, the list of filming equipment, including serial numbers, must be sent to the airport customs office for authorization.

Issuing Organization for Drone Permits

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Required Documentation for Local Drone Operations

• Filming dates and times
• Location of filming

Required Documentation for Drone Importation

• Drone registration certificate
• Drone pilot license

Timings

The processing time depends on the filming location and city, typically ranging from 2 to 8 weeks.

Cost

The cost for obtaining the necessary permits and authorization is approximately $1,000.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is India a Carnet Country?

Yes, India is an ATA Carnet country.

General Process for Carnet Country

To import filming equipment, you need to submit an import request along with a detailed list of equipment and the value of each item.

Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance

• Import request for filming equipment
• Detailed list of filming equipment
• Value of equipment

Issuing Organization for Clearance

Airport Customs Department

Timings

Approximately 5 working days

Cost

Approximately $500

Film Rebates & TAX Incentives

India does not offer a Film Rebate Incentive

Safety and Security

General In-Country Overview

India is a vast and diverse country with a wide range of locations. While many areas are safe, some may require extra caution. With the right advice and local insights, staying safe is manageable. India is home to a significant number of expats and foreigners.

Type of Security Required

For a smooth filming experience, a police escort or security is recommended in public spaces to manage crowds. Private security and bouncers are readily available in major cities. Additionally, special precautions are taken to ensure women’s safety.