Film Permits & Visa's
Applying for a Film Permit
We need to find out from you some information so we may select the film permit that matches your requirements.
Questions
1. What type of filming are you planning? (i.e.: commercial, documentary, feature film, tv show or series. etc.)
2. When is your schedule for filming planned? (This may change, but we need a planned date at this time).
3. how many filming days are you planning?
4. How many cast & crew are you bringing from overseas, and what are their work positions?
5. Where in Thailand do you propose to film? (If more than one location, list all locations)
6. What portion of your total filming for this assignment is being undertaken in Thailand?
Once we know the above, we can give you a cost breakdown.
This will include the following costs:
Film Permit Cost (including script translation costs & 25 copies, submission process)
Work Permits Cost
Location Costs (including any National Park Fees, Local council fees & police permit fees).
Then it is time to share documents with us for the application process. We need:
Documents required
1. An assignment letter made by the foreign filmmaker, showing they have chosen and hired a local coordinator. (Sample here)
2. Supporting documents needed for permit consideration :
3. Storyboard for TV commercials
4. Treatment for documentaries, Final scripts for TV shows, & any interviews. If filming less than 20% of this assignment in Thailand, send only the script for this segment.
5. Theme (concept) and lyrics for music videos
6. Details of content and objectives of program presentation for TV program.
7. Length of video/film production
8. Type of production: (Feature/short film, TV drama, TV series, TV program, Theater/TV Commercial, documentary, Others).
9. A schedule of filming in Thailand specifying exact dates and locations.(for all types of productions)
10. Color scanned Copies of Passport photo page showing passport number, Also a passport style photo (heads and shoulders),
11. Positions or all foreign crew members, Their arrival & departure dates
12. Company details including full name, address, contact details. Contact person, website, phone numbers.
13. Names of each person who will come to Thailand and arrival dates and leave dates
14. Budget for filming in Thailand
15. Accommodation in Thailand: Name, address, Tel, Email.
What you will receive upon successful submission
Film Permit (delivered prior to arrival).
Visas (provided upon arrival)
Work Permits for each cast & crew (Delivered after arrival).
Location Permits (Shown at time of approvals, usually prior to arrival).
During filming two people will be on set with the Production team each day
Thailand Film Office Officer (Film Monitor)
BVP Licensed Film Coordinator
More Information
Media & Press
Short-term & Long Term Media Visas
Customs & ATA Garnet
ATA Garnet
Customs
Film Incentives & Film Finance
Thailand Film Incentives & Tax Rebate & Subsidies
Asian Governments Film Finance
All About Aerial Filming in Thailand (Drones)
Aerial Filming in Thailand
Film Crew Accommodation
Film Crew Best Accommodation throughout Thailand.
Film Equipment Storage.
www.storage.in.th
Information About Filming In Thailand
A brief history of filming in Thailand
FAQ
Q: I want to film in Thailand and use Bangkok Video Productions as our filming-coordinator and maybe other services. how should I proceed?
Following a standard procedure helps to ensure that correct budgets can be made and maintained and that schedules can be kept and all resources bought to bear into a project as planned without any problems. We therefore promote to our prospective clients to follow the procedure below:
Decide what type of locations you want to use for filming. We can send sample photos and estimates of prices, terms and conditions. But availability, prices, terms and conditions for locations change and to finalize locations you should engage us as a location-scout. If we have information easily to hand this can be just one days work for several locations. If the information requires site visits and new negotiations then it could take 2 or more days. Only once locations are agreed upon in every detail should you take the next step.
Engage us as your film coordinator for Thailand and we can then work with you to create a precise budget for every aspect of the film from crewing, casting, equipment hire, set design, wardrobes and props etc. Only with individual attention to each clients specific requirements can we create an accurate budget. If we are not formally engaged to do this for you then best estimates are the best we can do as these tasks takes a lot of time and we negotiate the very best prices for our clients on every part of the budget.
Once we have created an exact budget and schedules with you, can we move to the next step. Obtaining film permits and work permits.
Please note that small productions that have one or two city or private-land, or business locations and no sophisticated props, set design etc and therefore are easy to quote, we can usually process these steps very quickly.
Q: What currency do you work in and has precedence in all agreements.
All film industry suppliers in Thailand cost their services in Thai baht as a starting point. Conversions to foreign currencies of course can be provided but the exchange rate will be set to allow for slight adjustments in foreign currency exchange rates. Should there be a significant change in the currency exchange rate between the time of quote to payment, then the suppliers have the right to make corrections in the price in a foreign currency. Always understand that the overriding currency used for the purpose of quotations is calculated in Thai Baht and is subject to the exchange rate available at that time. Please always verify exchange rates.
Q: Do I need to get a permission before shooting in Thailand?
Yes, you do. Shooting without a permit is violation of the law.. Punishment can include a large fine and jail time. You also need a working permit .
Clients coming from countries that can obtain a visa on arrival can receive their tourist-visa upon arrival & this will be converted into a working visa by the Department of Labour. Clients from countries that cannot obtain a visa upon arrival must first obtain the film permit BEFORE arriving in Thailand. The film office will issue a letter to the client country's Thailand embassy requesting a NON-B Visa (working visa) for the client.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a permit?
5-14 Working days depending upon the type of production. TV Commercials, music videos and interview style Documentaries usually take 3-5 days. TV Shows & TV Series, docudramas, & feature films take 14-21 working days.
NOTE : Depending on the requirements of the script i.e. those that may involve national parks, temples and so on: The period for approval may take slightly longer as the Film Office has to arrange for other government departments concerned to view the script as well.
Q: What is the process of obtaining a filming permit?
Bangkok Video Productions is a licensed Film Office Coordinator & we will obtain the filming & work permits for you.
Q: How do we obtain filming locations & what are the location-costs?
Locations must be selected and stated within the Film Permit application, therefore you need to select locations prior to applying for the film permit. Bangkok Video Production provides location scouting services for this purpose. Note: Locations can be changed after the permit is granted, however this will require an additional application being processed by the film office. This is usually processed within a couple of working days.
Location costs are entirely up to the owner of the specific location and are varied from free to expensive. We have the experience to negotiate the best rates and we also have an extensive database of locations on hand.
Q: Where do I get filming equipment (camera, lighting, audio etc.)?
Bangkok Video Productions has our own equipment and we also have agreements with all the major film equipment hire firms in Thailand. We can obtain any equipment at the very best rates for you.
Q:How do I find local Cast and Crew?
Bangkok Video Productions has a subsidiary dedicated to providing the most comprehensive database of talent in Thailand.
Actors | Extras | Production Executives | Production Crews | Post Production Editing | Musicians | Circus Performers & More.
Q:What documents do I have to provide to Bangkok Video Productions for submission to the Thailand Film Office
Required documents are stated above (on this page).
After receiving all documentation from our client we will translate everything into Thai language (e.g. script or treatment) and submit the application and up to 25 copies (Depending upon the type of production) to the Thailand Film Office.
Look at this image below: That is the Film Permit Application for a simple 6 day filming session in Thailand. (This does not include the location permits or work permits).
Thailand Film Permit Costs
Film Permit Cost
Depending upon types of permits
& number of foreign cast & crew
Starting at: 50,000.00 THB
Translation Fees
Based upon per A4 page 800.00 THB
Work Permit Fee
Fee per person 3,500 THB
Medical Checkup 2,500.00 THB
(Only for some applications)
Any Changes to permits after lodged
Minimum Fee per change 500.00 THB
Film Officer Monitor daily fee
On-set in metro-Bangkok (fully inclusive) 3,500.00 THB
Film Coordinator (PA) daily fee 6,000.00 THB
Contact us for more information: info@bangkokvideoproductions.com | WhatsApp: +66 89 518 6076
Page updated July 2024