A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Cambodia
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Cambodia: What You Need to Know
All foreign film crews are required to obtain a general film permit before undertaking any kind of Cambodia video production. It costs $100 and must be gained through the Cambodia Film Commission.
The local fixer you’re working with will handle the application on your behalf, and you should expect the whole process to take between 5 and 15 days.
This is only the first of the permits needed. You will also need:
Special permits for street closures, drones, use of weapons, etc.
Location permits for sites like Angkor Archaeological Park, the Royal Palace, museums, and temples. For temples, you must apply to the Apsara Authority.
Timing Your Cambodia Film Production around the Weather
Cambodia is a tropical country with a high-humidity climate and two main seasons.
The rainy season (May–October): March to May is very hot in Cambodia and not conducive to long hours outside on a film set. From June to September you must expect hard, ongoing monsoon rains and lots of flooding.
The dry season (November–April): Early on in the dry season is the best time to film as there is less rain and temperatures are a more comfortable 22-30°C.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
It is possible to rent a lot of top filming gear from brands such as ARRI, Sony, and Aperture in Cambodia. For this reason, it’s often cheaper to hire your kit on the ground here rather than flying it in from your own country.
Cambodia also has a growing pool of professional English-speaking film crews. These are based mainly in Phnom Penh and are accustomed to working on international productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No, it is not. Therefore, you will need to pay taxes and duty on all equipment you export into Cambodia for your film.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, Cambodia is safe for you and your team. However, take the usual precautions as visitors to a foreign country.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You can work on a film in Cambodia with a tourist visa.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
No you don’t. For most countries, a visa will be issued to you on arrival into Cambodia.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Generally speaking, you will not need a permit to fly a drone under 250 gm. For all other sizes, hire a local drone operator with their own equipment.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Currently there is no cash rebate program for foreign productions in Cambodia.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, you can, but you will need a permit from the relevant authority of the park.
Working with Fixer Cambodia
We are part of Storytailors, a global video production support network with members in over 150 countries. As part of this, we’ve had the privilege of working with major brands and organizations, including Woom Bikes, Under Armour, the BBC, National Geographic, The New York Times, and UNICEF, handling local field production, drone operation, transportation, and more.