Philippines fixer

Filming in the Philippines

Finding a fixer
in the Philippines

When filming in the Philippines it’s best that you work with a local production support company like Philippines Fixer. We’ll help you with your visa application as well as organize film permits and location access. Booking specialized film equipment and arranging for it to be transported to locations across the islands can be a headache if you don’t know the right rental or transport companies to contact. We do, though. And that’s why you need a fixer in the Philippines like us.

Visa for the Philippines

No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll need a visa for filming in the Philippines.  If your project is relatively short, you’ll likely need a Temporary Visitor’s Visa (9A). With this visa you can actually stay up to 59 days in the country. It’s also possible to get it extended if the shoots end up going on for longer. Special Work Permit (SWP) will be necessary for longer-stay productions. We’ll help you figure out the right visa for you and guide you through the application.

Film Permits the Philippines

You’ll need the appropriate film permits to shoot on location in the Philippines. These are typically organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP),  though it can depend on the region you’re filming in too. Working with a knowledgeable fixer in the Philippines like us can help you navigate the applications for different film permits. We can take on the job on your behalf, ensuring all legalities are met and smoothing out any potential bumps in the overall process.

Special equipment
renting info

When filming in the Philippines, renting special equipment is straightforward, thanks to a growing local film industry. Major cities like Manila and Cebu have well-established equipment rental businesses offering everything from cameras and lighting gear to specialised underwater equipment—alleviating any worries you might have about access to the latest technology in filming gear. Working with a film fixer in the Philippines is invaluable. They’ll recommend reputable vendors, negotiate competitive rates, and arrange timely delivery and setup of your kit wherever you’re shooting in the archipelago.

Cultural facts

There are over 170 dialects in the Philippines, including Filippino (the national language) and Tagalog (the mostcommonly spoken). However, English is actually an official language of the country so conversing with locals and others during your filming stay shouldn’t be an issue. Something to be mindful of, though, is the fact that the Philippines is the only predominantly Christian Asian nation. As such, it’s important to be respectful if your film permits in the Philippines extend to shooting in churches or other religious sites.

Weather when filming in the Philippines

The Philippines has a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for filming, offering clear skies and predictable weather. The wet season, from May to October, brings frequent rains and potential typhoons, so be mindful of that when filming in the Philippines during this season. Your film fixer can ensure you have local weather insights and contingency plans to help you plan shoots and so maximize efficiency while minimizing weather-related risks. 

Tax rebate in the Philippines

As a foreign filmmaker, you may be eligible for tax incentives when filming in this stunning Asian country. The Film Development Council of the Philippines offers the Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), which provides rebates of up to 20% for qualified expenses while the the International Co-production Fund (ICOF) is another selective fund for international co-productions with a Filipino co-producer. Your fixer in the Philippines can assist you in understanding and applying for these programs if you qualify.

Filming in the Philippines

The Philippines is an exceptional film location, offering stunning landscapes and vibrant city locations. However, to fully capitalize on the opportunities that filming here offers, a dedicated film fixer in the Philippines is invaluable.

A company like Philippines Fixer will streamline the process of applying for work visas and film permits, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Beyond the paperwork, we also handle all your logistical needs—something that is an absolute necessity if you’re planning on filming on more than one of our 7,000+ islands!  Alongside all the practical elements of putting a production together, we can help on the softer skill side—helping you with the Filipino culture, language, weather, and more. So Why wait? Email us today and let’s begin your Filipino filming adventure!

filming in the philippines

Get in touch

hello@philippinesfixer.com