Burma
Locations. Ancient cities. Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Mandalay Royal Palace. Bagan archaeological sights. Colonial looks. Chinatown. Inle Lake floating villages and gardens on floating islands. Ayeyarwaddy River. Waterfalls. Virgin jungles. Snow-capped mountains. Coral reefs. Pristine white sand beaches and turquoise seas. Mergui Archipelago.
Permits. Permission for filming in Burma can be difficult, especially if it is for projects of a political nature. Contact us for more information.
When to shoot? Burma has three season - the very hot summer from March to May, the wet and humid monsoon from May to October and the cold, dry winter from November to February. Typhoons occasionally occur in Burma between April and October.
For monthly weather statistics please see: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/mm-country.html
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Local costs are inexpensive but since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. This can add considerably to the cost of shooting.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Burma offers mainly ethnic Tibeto-Burman looks. It is home to 135 different ethnic groups including colourful hill tribes. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
Burma has no pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crews are non-union. 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. Some very basic equipment is available locally. You will need to bring in most 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 Burma.
Film Stock. Must bring from abroad.
Post Production. No labs exist locally. We post abroad.
Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Burmese embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. Main roads are up to international standards. Several international airlines service flights to Burma.
Accommodation. Best options in Burma include:
Yangon (Rangoon):
Chatrium Hotel Yangon - http://chatriumhotelyangon.com/
The Strand - http://www.ghmhotels.com/
Sedona Hotel Yangon - http://www.sedonahotels.com.sg/oh_mya_yg_loc.asp
Mandalay:
Mandalay Hill Resort - http://www.mandalayhillresorthotel.com/
Sedona Hotel Mandalay - http://www.sedonahotels.com.sg/oh_mya_ma_loc.asp
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting and scouting. Some websites are blocked from access.
Safety. Burma is relatively safe for foreigners to visit. At present some of Burma's border areas with Thailand and China are potentially dangerous places to visit. If you must shoot in these areas appropriate personal security protection measures are recommended.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Burma, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
