Bhutan
Film Locations. As a result of government restricted levels of tourism, Bhutan remains one of the most un-spoilt countries in the world. Bhutan is best know for its Himalayan Mountains, glaciers, lakes, forests, Taktshang Goemba monastery, Trongsa Dzong, Punakha, Mountain villages, Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Permits. Filming Bhutan is very restricted. Contact us for specific advice on your project.
When to shoot? The climate is humid, subtropical and affected by monsoons in the southern plains and foothills, temperate in the inner Himalayan valleys of the southern and central regions, and cold in the north, with year-round snow on the main Himalayan summits.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Local costs are very expensive compared to the rest of the region. Travel to and around Bhutan is restricted and expensive. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. On the whole, unless your project needs something only Bhutan can offer, there are far easier places to film in the region.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Most citizens are ethnically Bhutanese with some Nepalese looks also available. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
Creative talent. Bhutan has no pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Key crew should be brought in from abroad.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment. Must bring in all equipment from abroad.
Art department and set construction is very basic.
Studios and backlots. None exist at present.
Tax Incentives. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign
commercials or films shooting in Bhutan.
Film Stock. Must bring from abroad.
Post Production. No labs exist locally. Post abroad.
Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Bhutan embassy or representative for more information. Entry is free for citizens of India and Bangladesh, but all other foreigners are required to sign up with a Bhutanese tour operator and pay around $200 per day stayed in the country. Single tourists are not allowed in Bhutan. Even Indians and Bangladeshis are discouraged to travel alone.
Transportation Infrastructure. Main roads are in a fair condition. Rural and mountain roads are slower going and in a poor condition. Druk Air is currently the only airline operating flights in Bhutan.
Accommodation. Best options in Bhutan include:
Uma Paro
Taj Tashi
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. On the whole Bhutan is a very safe place for foreign productions to visit.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Bhutan, please see below:
Our production service companies, line producers and fixers have serviced TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries for:
AXA Belgium, BBC UK, Canon Singapore, Coca Cola Indonesia, Concord Canada, Dove Malaysia, Deutche Bank Germany, Dressman Sweden, Evian France, HBO USA, Heineken Ireland, Hyundai Korea, Intercontinental Hotels Global, ITC India, Kirin Japan, Kraft USA, Landrover UK, LG Korea, Meunil China, McDonalds Australia, MUFG Japan, Nikon Hong Kong, Nokia China, Orange Moblie Slovakia, Philips Netherlands, Proctor & Gamble USA, Chery Riich China, Rimowa Germany, Samsung Korea, Sinoland Hong Kong, Skipper Italy, Smirnoff USA, Sony United Arab Emirates, Stella Russia, Telefonica Spain, Vidal Sassoon China, Virgin Media UK, and much more.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Bhutan, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
