Filming in Cambodia

LOGO NEEDAFIXER Cambodia

Officially called the Kingdom of Cambodia, this beautiful country is located in Southeast Asia.

Some of Our Filming Work in Cambodia

Filming in Cambodia

A popular global filming location, Cambodia has welcomed a number of Hollywood productions including “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” “Wish you were here”, and “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”. It’s also the location of Angelina Jolie directorial debut movie First They Killed My Father, which takes a look at darker times the country suffered.

From the iconic low-lying fields to the glistening coastline, there are numerous different landscapes in this culturally and historically rich country. Obtaining permits for filming in these and other visually stunning locations can be made easier with the help of one of our fixers.

At NEEDaFIXER, not only do we have knowledge about where to film, but where can also help you decide when to shoot. There are a number of fantastic festivals throughout the calendar year that can provide some spectacular backdrops for filmmakers. Our local Cambodian film fixers will be more than happy to help you with a variety of arrangements that can make your shoot in Cambodia both smooth and enjoyable.

Fixers in Cambodia

When it comes to filming in Cambodia, having the advice and expertise of a local fixer can be incredibly helpful.

From arranging transport and accommodation to ensuring everyone in both cast and crew have the correct work visas and permits, NEEDaFIXER can provide invaluable support in a number of ways:

Costs and financing

Cambodia is a relatively inexpensive country in which to film, especially when compared to others in the region. However, as there are no studios or post-production facilities here, many pieces of equipment may need to be sourced from overseas, which can drive up the price of a shoot. One way to keep costs down is to work alongside a documentary, TV or film fixer who can provide you with assistance in keeping down costs and securing competitively-priced equipment and talent.

Film permits

If you are planning a shoot in Cambodia, you will need to apply for a general film permit, and the process of obtaining one takes around two weeks. Once this has been issued, you’ll need to apply for further permits that are specific to your chosen location – especially if you are filming in a place of cultural significance. One of our fixers would be happy to help your production company to obtain the correct accreditation; to do this, we will require information about your shoot, including the topic/subject matter, list of desired shooting locations, copies of passports for visiting crew members, and other documentation.

Crews and talent sourcing

A film or TV fixer can help you with finding local talent if needs be. There are both Southeast Asian and Caucasian actors available, the latter is largely found in main cities. Talent can also be sourced from places like nearby Thailand, which has a well-supported film industry.

Translation

English is often spoken fluently in major cities, and the number of international films that have been made here means there are already crew members available who speak English to a very high standard. If a translation is required, one of our fixers can arrange this for you.

Travel

Many international flights arrive in the capital of Phnom Penh, and our expert fixers would be happy to arrange both your travel to Cambodia and domestic connections once you have arrived. Roads are generally maintained to a high standard, making it easy to travel around with large crews and equipment.

A Cambodia film fixer can organise either hotel or self-catered accommodation for your cast and crew for the duration of your shoot, working around your budget and requirements accordingly.

Set construction and studio sourcing

While Cambodia excels in providing many sites that exhibit great natural beauty for filming, there are no studios, backlots or post-production facilities here yet. Consequently, many visiting film production companies will have to bring their own equipment in. If you need help creating a list of what’s needed and applying for a permit for import, one of our film fixers in Cambodia can help with this.

Tax Incentives and credits

As there’s no alternative but too important film-related equipment (and the import is temporary), there are no taxes on imports. However, there are also no tax incentives or breaks for production companies who choose to film here.

Safety and travel advisories

It’s important to keep up to date with recent reports and travel advisories, as violence can sometimes erupt around the U.S. Embassy and nightlife areas frequented by Western visitors. In rural areas, there is a risk of landmines, particularly in the provinces of Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and Battambang. For these reasons, film crews venturing out into rice fields or jungle should refrain from doing so without local guidance.

Popular Filming Locations

Famous rice paddies, lush rainforest, magnificent waterfalls and ancient temples – Cambodia is home to a number of different scenic locations.

Film Locations of interest include:

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh is home to many of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s the most populous city in the country, with 1.5 million people calling it home. The city is surrounded by water, situated where the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers meet.

Siem Reap

Home to the ruins of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has become a popular tourist province in recent years. There are numerous restaurants, nightlife establishments and plenty of historic points of interest that attract filmmakers from a wide range of backgrounds.

Kampot

Kampot is a city in southern Cambodia, known for its historical colonial buildings, rivers and wildlife, including several wild-roaming big cats.

Sihanoukville Islands

Sihanoukville is the top destination for incredible beaches in Cambodia, accessible by ferry. Here you’ll find islands that are home to some of the most stunning beaches in the region, popular with both visitors and locals.

One of our film fixers would be more than happy to provide more insight into these and other locations and to assist with planning your filming in Cambodia.

Other sites of interest include:
  • Angkor Wat
  • Royal Palace
  • Silver Pagoda
  • Koh Ker ruins
  • Khmer Rouge Killing Fields
  • Lake Yeak Laom
  • Mekong River

When it comes to identifying the perfect place to film your upcoming project, a local film fixer can provide valuable insight and guidance along with organisational support.

To find out more about working with NEEDaFIXER for your upcoming film in Cambodia, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to get permits?

Permits are relatively easy to acquire and the whole process takes around two weeks.

Do I need a visa or work permit?

Most of the time you will need a permit to work in Cambodia, but the country has some of the most reasonable rates around.

Can I hire equipment once there?

Hiring equipment is easy, and Cambodian film authorities offer tax incentives if you bring your own equipment into the country.

What is the climate like?

Cambodia’s climate is hot throughout the year, but the rain season occurs from May to November.

Testimonials

’You guys were amazing! You delivered perfectly at short notice in a foreign country, introduced us to a lovely crew in both and really went the extra mile in making sure it was all taken care of and confirmed properly. I can’t thank you enough and look forward to working together again.’

Davo McConville

Free Lance Producer - Black Dog / RSA
’I have met NEEDaFIXER in Greece! It was LOVE from first sight. Since then, I cannot imagine my production without them! They are like Family! Always helpful. Always happy. Always with loads of energy… & always with PASSION for what they do!’

Katarzyna Chmielarz

Producer / GPD


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