Cambodia
Locations. Angkor Wat. Prasat Preah Vihear mountain temple. Koh Ker ruins. Battambang hilltop temples. French-Indochina Colonial architecture and ruins such as Bokor Palace. Khmer Rouge Killing Fields. Rivers. Mountains. Volcanic crater lake. Rice paddies. Waterfalls. Mangroves. Jungle and rainforest. Tropical islands. Irrawaddy dolphins. Kampot seaside town. Sihanoukville's islands and white sand beaches.
Cambodia played host to the feature film Lara Croft Tomb Raider.
Permits. Permitting is a straight forward process. Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Film permits for foreign crews (except press crews) must be requested at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. This covers permits such as temporary imports, provincial permits, permits to shoot in Angkor temples.
When to shoot? Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate. The monsoon season runs from May to November. The most pleasant season is the dry season, from November/December to April. In the north, winters can be colder, while throughout most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant. There is often seasonal flooding in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia in late July and early August.
For monthly weather statistics please see: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/kh-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 most key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad which adds to the cost of shooting.
The Cambodia Film Commission develops a local crew database, most key crew and main actors are best brought in from abroad. Local costs are inexpensive.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Cambodia offers mainly Khmer looks with some hill tribe, Chinese and Vietnamese looks also available. Phnom Penh also has a large Caucasian ex-pat community to draw from. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
Cambodia 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. Supporting crews speak fluent English.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.
Equipment. Some light and grip equipment is available locally. You will need to bring in camera and related equipment from abroad.
Art department and set construction. Art department key crew are best brought in. Supporting crew and local construction crews are skilled and hard working.
Studios and backlots. None exist at present.
Tax Incentives. Import of film related equipment is tax exempt as it it considered a temporary import. Otherwise there are no other tax incentives for foreign
commercials or films shooting in Cambodia.
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 Cambodian embassy or representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. Main roads are quickly improving to reach international standards. Several international airlines service flights to Cambodia.
Accommodation. Best options in Cambodia include:
Phnom Penh (Capital):
Cambodiana Hotel - http://www.hotelcambodiana.com/
Raffles Hotel Le Royal - http://www.raffles.com/en_ra/property/rlr
InterContinental Phnom Penh - http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/
Siem Reap (Angkor Wat):
Amansara - http://www.amanresorts.com/amansara/home.aspx
The Sothea - http://www.thesothea.com/
La Residence d'Angkor - http://www.residencedangkor.com/
Sihanoukville (Beaches):
Sokha Beach Resort - http://www.sokhahotels.com/beach/?pg=beach
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting and scouting.
Safety. On the whole Cambodia is very safe for foreigners to visit.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Cambodia, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
For more information about shooting in Cambodia, please visit:
Cambodia Film Commission - http://www.cambodia-cfc.org/
