How to plan a documentary shoot in Nepal? Here is everything you need to know!
Are you planning to shoot a documentary in Nepal? Nepal is a hub for shooting documentaries and films. It is mainly due to its natural beauty, dynamic landscape, or antique authenticity. Filming in Nepal can be your dream, but many things go on behind the scenes in every beautiful documentary you see of Nepal.
In this blog, we will discuss how to plan a documentary shoot and everything you need prior to filming in Nepal.
What is documentary filmmaking?
Documentary films are non-fiction films that are based on real-life events. Documentary filmmaking involves various techniques like interviews, archival footage, observation, news footage, etc, to provide an evidential story on an event.
It requires months and months of planning, shooting, and editing, and has different elements from normal fictional films. Additionally, a considerable amount of planning goes into a documentary shoot, and you will learn more about how to plan one in Nepal.
in Nepal.
How to plan a documentary shoot in Nepal: Permits, Location, and challenges
Who doesn't want to capture the beauty of this nation with their lens? However, the planning behind the actual filming process is a lot. We’ve listed everything you need to plan a documentary shoot in Nepal so your filming process goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Permits
Permits are legal papers or permissions granted by the government to film in private or public spaces. As places and architecture have a sentimental relationship with people, it is important to respect their feelings.
The Minister of Communication and Information Technology (MOCIT) grants permits, but it totally depends on the place you are choosing to film. As the processing time can take from 2-4 weeks, you need to plan ahead of time.
2. Deciding on the location
Deciding your shooting location before filming is a must, as it is difficult to find an experienced local crew with adequate experience. As the scenic beauty of Nepal is not limited to a single place, you have to decide the locations of filming beforehand for easy logistics and equipment management.
Also, for legal reasons and cultural considerations, plan the filming location while planning the documentary shoot in Nepal. Nepal has everything from mountains and hills to cultural monasteries and man-made beauty, so deciding on a location shouldn’t be that difficult.
3. Preparation against challenges
Facing challenges is likely in Nepal. This challenge can be due to external factors like weather, climate, and natural disasters. Also, the internal factors such as ethical considerations, dysfunctional team, and poor production process are challenges that a lot of documentary filmmakers face in Nepal.
Preparing yourself mentally is a way to overcome this issue. Filming in remote places can be emotionally exhausting, but if you are prepared, it will be a lot easier.
4. Managing travelling facilities
Travelling in Nepal is always unpredictable, rocky, and rewarding. Especially when you are travelling in remote areas, there are places where buses and local transport do not even reach. There are cases of needing a helicopter to film because the terrain and weather conditions of Nepal are not very welcoming all year round.
The best thing is that you do not have to do this all by yourself because collaborating with a company like Samson Film, you can travel all around Nepal because we provide a complete logistics solution from helicopters, jeeps, buses, and other forms of transport you will require in the landscape of Nepal.
5. Partner with the local experts
Partnering with the Nepal-based filming company is the safest way to go about planning a documentary shoot in Nepal. It is because they have all the necessary information that you will need in the process.
What's even better than partnering with the local experts? It is to partner with a film production company like Samson Film! Samson Film is a one-stop destination that provides total support in filming in Nepal, from logistics and fixer to filmmaking and editing. We have top-notch equipment and expert crew members who are eligible to make your films stand out.
Tips for filmmaking in Nepal
If you are still stuck on how to plan a documentary filmmaking in Nepal, here are some additional tips that will come in handy.
1. Be wary of people and the environment.
It is our goal not to offend anyone in the filming process. You will meet people from different areas and backgrounds, and it is our goal not to offend anyone in the filming process.
2. Learn about culture and local lifestyle
It is always a great thing to impress people and show them respect, especially if you want their cooperation.
3. Be honest and authentic
Everyone appreciates hard work only if it is backed up by honesty. Keep everything authentic and free from personal bias.
4. Collaborate with a local film production company
Imagine what a combination of local insight and global ideas can do! Yes, you will get better results when collaborating with the local filmmaking companies.
5. Let the nation shape your narrative
Nepal has its own story to tell, and a rigid script can make it all fade. Have a shoot schedule, but do not interfere with the natural storyline.
Samson Film: Your one-step destination
Samson Film is limitless when it comes to providing filming support in Nepal. Whether it's for international clients or the nations, our contribution is remarkable. We are not just a filming company; we manage logistics, fixer issues, equipment, and technical crew, and provide an exceptional crew to turn your dreams into a reality.
Samson Film provides services from pre-production and production to post-production and editing your film to perfection. With over 10 years of experience in filmmaking, our expertise and talented crew will guide you perfectly in your journey to Nepal. Do you want to learn more about your local film production company in Nepal? Click Here.
Conclusion
Documentaries are non-fiction films that are based on real events. However, the more difficult part of filming a documentary is planning a documentary shoot. One of the best ways to capture a documentary in Nepal is by partnering with the home company. Samson Film is your best bud when it comes to planning a documentary shoot in Nepal.
Are you still confused about how to plan a documentary shoot in Nepal? Contact us and begin filming in Nepal today!
FAQs on how to plan a documentary shoot in Nepal
How to plan a documentary shoot?
Prepare equipment, story, and shooting schedule, and manage permits and a certified team.
How to start film shooting in Nepal?
To start film shooting in Nepal, start by gaining a permit and gathering a team.
Do documentary films make money?
Yes, documentary films do make money.
Can I sell my documentary?
Yes, if your documentary is good, different TV channels and streaming companies will be willing to buy it for a good amount of money.
How do I start a documentary?
The only way to start a documentary is by finding a topic and a story you want to show the world.
