Six Filming provides full production support for crews shooting in China. We have specialist knowledge and resources to assist a wide range of video projects. In addition to location scouting and research our location service covers local camera crew management, equipment rental, transport and accommodation arrangements. We also assist UK crews with filming permit applications.
DO
Make friends with someone who has covered your topic before. If they have had to obtain permissions in the past they should be able to help you.
Keep the number of staff you send to China to a minimum.
A producer, director and possibly cameraman should do it. Set designers, location managers, etc. can be found there.
DON'T
Try and force decisions to be made quickly. Take the time to get friendly first.
Overlook Chinese scientists. Use reputable ones, it may help open other doors for contacts.
Assume people do not speak or understand English. Sometimes you do not know people's level of English, then later on you will find out it is pretty good.
Stray from your shopping list of shots. If you do not need to take shots of beggars or the military that will upset the Chinese in their present stage of development, then do not do it.