Pakistan
Film Locations. Himalayan looks including the world's second highest peak K2. Picturesque rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches. Both green and arid looks. Tora Bora mountain. Unique city looks. Balochistan looks much like Afghanistan but is a much safer place to film. Pakistan has a rich architectural heritage dating back thousands of years crossing religions and cultures.
Karachi and Lahore are the main production centres.
Permits. Ease of permits depends on the location. Commercials are generally easy to permit taking typically up to 10 days. Documentaries can take months to permit and are not allowed if the shoot is perceived to be against the government.
When to shoot? The weather in Pakistan depends on the altitude and proximity to coast. The Arabian Sea coast is warm all year around whereas the Himalayan Karakoram Range is so cold that it can only be accessed by climbers a few weeks a year in May / June. Pakistan has four seasons: a cool, dry winter from December through February; a hot, dry spring from March through May; the summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon period, from June through September; and the retreating monsoon period of October and November.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Locations, local crew and talent are inexpensive. The need to bring in all key crew and equipment is the major cost of shooting in Pakistan.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are
very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.
Casting facilities are undeveloped in Pakistan and street casting is required.
Punjabis, Pashtuns and Sindhi are the largest ethnic groups. Pakistan is made up of many ethnic groups including the Kalash people, who are descendants of the conquering Macedonians of Alexander the Great. All other looks need to be brought in.
Creative talent. Pakistan has a very limited pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crews are non union. It is recommended to bring in your key crew. Some supporting crews speak English.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. All negotiable. No standard shoot day or concept of overtime.
Equipment. Pakistan is Arri based but the cameras are very old. Some basic grip and lighting equipment is available locally but it is recommended to bring in all other equipment from abroad. Bringing equipment from India can be problematic. Dubai is the closest place to bring in equipment. Equipment clearing customs is time consuming. It's easier to bring equipment with you on the flight over.
Art department and set construction is slow but the quality is quite good. As an example of local art department ability see the films Jinnah, and In The Name Of God.
Studios and Backlots don't exist.
Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for foreign feature films or
commercials shooting in Pakistan.
Film Stock. Both Fuji and Kodak are available locally.
Post Production. Basic facilities are available. It is recommended to post abroad.
Visas and Work Permits. Work permits are a long and complicated process. Contact your local Pakistani embassy / representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. Local roads are basic. The best way to get around Pakistan is by plane. PIA is the domestic airline. Pakistan is serviced by several international airlines flying into Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.
Accommodation. Recommended options include:
Islamabad:
Serena Hotel
Avari Xpress
Karachi:
Avari Towers
Sheraton
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. Some parts of Pakistan such as the northern tribal areas are currently very unsafe for foreigners. Much of the rest of Pakistan is relatively safe, certainly safer than portrayed by media reports.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, online advertising, corporate videos, stills campaigns, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Pakistan, 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 Pakistan, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
