What to Know Before Filming in Another Country

Posted on: Aug 07, 2025

Photo Credit: SCM Jeans // iStock Photo

By Ben Hickson

One of my favorite perks of working in this industry is getting to travel. I’ve been all over the country, but never had the opportunity to travel outside the United States for work until recently. Filming in a different country can be a thrilling opportunity for any production. There are many reasons for choosing a different country to film in — it can offer new landscapes, fresh talent and cultural richness that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

However, I also very quickly learned that there can be quite a few challenges to traveling abroad for TV. It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting a small indie documentary or a big-budget feature; working internationally adds layers of complexity that require foresight, flexibility and patience.

Key Insights:

International shoots offer fresh visuals and global stories, but require major planning.
Every country has its own filming laws, labor norms, and cultural considerations.
With preparation and local support, you can turn travel challenges into creative wins.

Permits, Visas and Paperwork

One of the first challenges I encountered was navigating the maze of bureaucratic red tape. Every country has different rules about what kind of filming requires permits, how to obtain them and how long it takes. In some places, filming even a simple street scene without proper permission can result in large fines or even equipment seizure.

Additionally, visas for crew members also complicate things. Some countries allow limited media visas, while others require work permits that can take months to process. Getting clearance for actors, directors and crew to legally work can become a production nightmare if not handled early.

Different Working Standards

Production norms vary greatly by country. In the U.S., a 12-hour shooting day might be standard, but in Europe, a strict 8-hour day could be the norm with mandatory breaks and limited overtime. Union rules, labor laws, equipment rental practices and even expectations for meals and rest periods can differ wildly. If you try to impose your home country’s standards without adapting, you risk alienating your local crew or violating legal requirements.

Cultural Differences

It’s essential to understand and respect the country where you’re filming. This includes how you interact with communities, how you represent them on screen, and how you manage your footprint.

For example, the show I’m currently working on requires getting special permission from native tribes to use their land. Filming sacred sites without permission, or exploiting local traditions for “exotic” value, can lead to backlash. Not only is it ethically problematic, but it can also cause delays, protests or even the cancellation of your shoot. Hiring cultural consultants or local advisors helps ensure your portrayal is respectful and accurate.

Logistical Nightmares

Logistical issues are a problem for every production, but the added difficulty of transporting gear, booking accommodations, sourcing local equipment and coordinating transportation abroad can be a headache. Additionally, time-zone differences, limited infrastructure, and potentially remote shooting locations can make things even trickier.

Shipping equipment internationally often involves customs clearance, ATA Carnet (temporary import/export permits) and insurance. If something gets held up at the border, your entire shoot may be at risk. To mitigate that, productions sometimes rent gear locally, which can be more expensive or require adjusting to unfamiliar technology.

Budget Issues

Filming in another country is often seen as a way to cut costs, especially in places with tax incentives or favorable exchange rates. However, it is important to keep an eye on the hidden expenses as they can pile up quickly. Currency fluctuations, international travel, translation services, permits and unforeseen delays can all lead to budget overruns. It’s important to build in a financial buffer or work with a local line producer who knows how to stretch your money without sacrificing quality.

Filming in a different country is an amazing opportunity that not many people get. It can elevate your story, or open you up to new stories you never imagined. It allows you to see the projects in new ways that are creatively inspiring and visually powerful, but only if you approach the process with preparation and humility. The best international shoots happen when filmmakers embrace collaboration, do their homework and remain adaptable when things inevitably go off-script. Every challenge is also an opportunity to learn, to grow and to bring your story to life in a way that’s bigger than borders.

Key Takeaways:

Research permits, visas, and legal requirements well in advance.
Respect cultural customs and hire local advisors to avoid missteps.
Plan for extra logistics, costs, and time—flexibility is key to success abroad.

Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has a passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.

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