Filming in Vietnam: Your Comprehensive Guide to Production Success

Vietnam is having a moment in the film industry. Month after month, we receive calls from producers that have heard about the incredible locations, the talented crews and yes - budgets that make sense. Having worked on well over 500 international productions in this country we know a thing or two about what works, and what does not work for productions. In this guide, we've decided to put together everything you will need to know about shooting in Vietnam.

Why shoot in Vietnam?

So, what is it about Vietnam that has drawn everyone from the BBC to Netflix? Here is what our clients tell us:

• Diversity of landscapes: If you're looking for diversity, Vietnam has you covered. Morning call in the mountain mist of Sapa, then afternoon wrap on a white sand beach - totally doable. Why waste time on CGI when you can have Ha Long Bay look like the imagined fantasy film you think it is? Hanoi is colonial France meets motorbike mayhem. Saigon? Pure urban frenzy. One country = endless looks.
• Lower costs: The numbers tell the story. Productions can save 40-60% compared to Thailand or Singapore costs - no joke. Documentary crew with kit? $500-1000 per day. In Europe for the same crew, you are easily tripling that. And you can expect quality too - our crews work to the same high standards as major markets.
• An Industry on the Rise: Every day we are surprised by the pool of talent here in Vietnam. Drone pilots with Hollywood credits. Gaffers who can light anything and everything. Sound recordists who have done it all. Searching for specialists 5 years ago was challenging - now we have many options.
• Rich Culture: Where else do you have a French villa right next to a thousand year old pagoda? Or, 54 different ethnic groups with their own customs and traditions? The layers of Vietnam are endless, and you can feel its depth. Each location has their own story and it shows on film; effects, and 'little touches' in our opinion, which set you apart from others.

Getting Film Permits in Vietnam

Let's cut to the chase - yes you'll need film permits in Vietnam, yes there are forms, yes there are a zillion different ministries involved, yes there is going to be translation, yes there will be stamps involved, and yes there will be plenty of dancing. Timeline? Usually about 2-4 weeks.

So you'll understand that local knowledge is key with this process. We've done thousands of these permits. We know what forms each department will want, we know who to call when things get slow, and we know what the usual mistakes are that cause time delays. Start early. Before you book flights early. It will save you a ton of headaches later.

Location Scouting: Exploring Vietnam's Richness of Backdrop

Finding the right locations in Vietnam is not just about the postcard locations. Yes everyone knows Ha Long Bay, and the Mekong Delta. But what about the unspoilt beaches that you could shoot - even if it's just for b-roll? Or the French Hill stations that haven't been touched?

Ho Chi Minh City has towering glass structures alongside crumbling colonial villas - which is the contrast that you want. Hanoi's Old Quarter is a cinematographers dream - if you know when to shoot it (hint: sunrise before it gets busy). The Mekong's Floating markets? 5 am (when the wholesale boats setup).

Our location scouting team has files on hundreds of locations. That waterfall that probably only a few locals know about. The village where they are still making rice paper by hand. Or the abandoned casino from the French ear. These places could mean the difference between good footage and unforgettable.

Hiring a Local Film Crew in Vietnam

What many first-time producers experience in Vietnam is the high quality of local crews. These are not amateurs. Our local film crews have credits with BBC, Netflix, National Geographic. We are talking about RED- certified DPs, underwater specialists, drone operators who can really bring it.

But technical expertise is only part of the equation. Local crews are knowledgeable in ways Google cannot be. They know which officials to approach first in each province. They know when the tide will go out at your perfect beach to get the shot. They know the streets the police will allow you to close, and those they will not.

The majority of the key players on our local crew speak fluent English. No more telephone by translation. The point of your vision will be communicated directly, clearly, and professionally. That's how you get the shots you want.

Equipment Rentals and Logistics

Thinking of shipping your gear from home? Well let's first start with the numbers. Freight from LA or London is a minimum of $10,000 to 15,000. Then, you've got customs, carnets and the possibility of delays. All the while, equipment rentals in Vietnam has everything you need.

Arri Alexa? Yup. A number of RED packages? Yes. That specialty lens you love? Probably in Vietnam. If not, we can get one sent to us from Bangkok or Singapore. The gear is well maintained - this is not gear from the shady side of Dubai that will fail on you by day three.

When you rent gear locally it means, you also have backup gear available if you need it. It means you have someone will also know how to solve that specific camera challenge at two in the morning. And it also means you have more production budget to shoot with instead of sending shipping containers of gear.

Post-Production in Vietnam

You may be surprised by the post-producing capabilities in Vietnam. We have editors who have cut for Netflix, colourists trained at some of the best facilities in Bangkok, sound designers who are masters. You no longer have to fly your footage home.

The facilities also are not trying to be Soho or Santa Monica. They understand they can deliver broadcast-quality work, without all the other costs. They can help with colour grading, sound mixing, basic VFX. And they can work to your hours because of the time zone. Your editor can be cutting video while your office sleeps. You send an e-mail in the morning with your fresh edit when you wake up. It totally works.

Ready to Go?

Vietnam delivers in all aspects - beautiful locations, professional crews, and budgets that actually work. But as with any international film shoot, it all comes down to knowing the locals, and having the local connections. That is where we come in.

Having done over 500 productions, we have both the relationships and the systems so that it will work, and you will not have a learning curve, costly mistakes or missed opportunities. You will simply have a great product and a happy producer.

Are you thinking of your next project? Let's chat. We will give you straight answers about what is possible, what the cost will be, and how to make it all work. Your story, with the backdrop of Vietnam is a winning combination.