FILMING IN NEPAL

      Filming In Nepal

INTRODUCTION

Nepal offers the most spectacular locations for filming. Jungles, rivers, fields, ancient buildings, historical monuments and the majestic mountains, including Mt. Everest are all the possible locations for filming in Nepal. Besides those natural outdoor locations, we have some indoor studios to meet your requirements for indoor shooting.

Besides, filming locations and stories within its territory, Nepal offers all those facilities that are required for filming teams during their shoot in Nepal. Government of Nepal issues Film Production Permit upon fulfilling the procedures of application, which will allow all filming teams to bring their equipments into Nepal and film in the locations you have planned. We are always here to assist you for all the necessary paperwork for getting the filming permits, customs clearance and arranging all logistics, cast, crew and equipments.

APPLYING FOR FILM PERMITS IN NEPAL 

Foreign filmmakers are required to hire a local co-coordinator (company or individual). Each coordinator must represent the foreign filmmaker for obtaining any necessary permits. They are also responsible for representing the film company in any matter arising both during and after the completion of shooting in Nepal.

When permit is granted, a Monitoring Officer will be appointed by the Ministry of information and Communications who is sent from the concerned government agencies to monitor and give advice at the shooting locations. Filming is not allowed, under any circumstances, without acknowledgement of the Monitoring officer.

Payment for the services of local coordinator is as agreed between the said coordinator and the filmmaker. Ministry of Information and Communications and Film Development Board has no involvement in this agreement, including the setting of rates for services provided. A filming permit enables foreign filmmakers to shoot in Nepal, however separate permits or consent letters are required for specific locations such as national parks, reserve areas, historical places etc. All arrangements should be made as far as possible in advance of shooting dates. Production companies shooting TV commercials, documentaries, Music Videos and TV programs should apply for permission at Ministry of Information and Communications where the process of application will be completed within 2 Working days. For other types of productions e.g. feature films, docudramas, TV dramas, and miniseries, application should be made at the Ministry of Information and Communications at least 14 days in advance as script approval must be sought from the ministry.

Important Notice:

a) People of the below mentioned countries do not get Visa on Arrival at the immigration entry point of Nepal:
Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.

b) All foreign visitors are requested to be mindful of the date of Nepalese visa and their passport number to avoid problems. As such, you are requested to apply for a visa extension. If you wish so, apply within the valid period of Nepalese visa.

c) You are requested to get the arrival/departure stamps on your passport at the entry /exit points to avoid legal complications.

d) Living in Nepal without passport or a valid visa is a punishable offence.

e) Change of purpose of stay without permission is not allowed. Employment or voluntary services while on a tourist visa are strictly prohibited and it is a punishable offence.

CUSTOMS

Filmmakers bringing equipments and materials into Nepal on a 'Temporary Basis' must inform the Film Development Board (FDB) with the help of a local coordinator. This should be effectuated after receiving a shooting permit from the Ministry of Information and Communications. FDB will issue a letter of recommendation to the Custom Office. There is no custom duty for this. The Nepalese Customs Administration collects Customs duties, Value Added Tax, Excise and other taxes at the country's border points. Before attempting to import restricted goods, ensure that you will comply with legislative requirements.

DO's & DON'T's

? The form of greeting in Nepal is "Namaste" or "Namaskar" to superiors, and it is performed by joining palms together.

? Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.

? Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or a hand used for your eating to touch other people's food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people's plate and do not drink from other people's bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese people.

? Never touch anything with your feet. This it is considered as an offence.

? While travelling dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.

? Do not lick your fingers after eating any finger food (or any food for that matter). Also, blowing your nose loudly in public can be considered outrageously gross by some.

? Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners or non-Hindu to enter. Leather articles are prohibited.

? Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.

? Take photographs only after receiving permission from the person being photographed.

? Public displays of affection between man and woman are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our culture and environment.

? Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean "YES"

? Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.

? Expressing sexual feelings in public is unacceptable in the Nepali culture.

? When shooting in Nepal, it is advisable that you do not have anything in the script offending Nepal’s national institutions, religion, customs and culture.