Essential Steps for Seamless Film Groundwork Planning in Shanghai
Shanghai’s dynamic urban landscape and diverse locations make it a premier destination for international productions. However, navigating permits, local crews, and logistical challenges requires meticulous groundwork planning. Our Shanghai-based team has successfully executed over 1,600 projects by implementing these proven strategies:
Pre-Production Framework
Every successful shoot begins with comprehensive location intelligence. We leverage our municipal relationships to secure permits for iconic sites like The Bund, French Concession, and Lujiazui CBD within 72 hours. Our bilingual scouts provide detailed reports including:
- Sun path analyses for optimal shooting windows
- Power grid capacity assessments
- Traffic flow patterns for equipment staging
- Nearest hospital and emergency service routes
Technical Infrastructure
Our equipment warehouse stocks ARRI Alexa 35 kits with Signature Prime lenses for cinematic projects, alongside Sony Venice 2 packages for high-frame-rate commercial work. For challenging low-light scenarios common in Shanghai’s alleyways, we deploy customized lighting rigs featuring:
- ARRI SkyPanel S360-C for soft ambient fills
- 12K HMI pars for daylight balancing
- Wireless DMX control systems
Regulatory Navigation
Shanghai’s filming regulations require specialized knowledge. Our fixers handle:
- SAFE (Shanghai Administration of Film and Television) permits
- Drone flight clearances through CAAC
- Customs clearance for specialized equipment
- On-set COVID compliance protocols
Case Study: Multinational Automotive Commercial
When a German automaker needed to shoot across three Shanghai districts in 48 hours, our team:
- Coordinated simultaneous police details in Jing’an and Pudong
- Secured rare access to the Maglev maintenance depot
- Provided Mandarin/English script supervisors for talent
- Delivered proxy files to Berlin editors during wrap
Beyond Shanghai: Pan-China Production Support
While headquartered in Shanghai, our network extends to 23 Chinese cities. Recent projects include:
- Documentary series across Sichuan’s earthquake zones
- 4K live stream from Shenzhen’s drone racing circuit
- Fashion film on the Great Wall with steadicam teams
Contact us today for expert film groundwork planning in Shanghai and throughout China. Our end-to-service solutions ensure your production stays on schedule and budget from first scout to final delivery.