A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Sri Lanka
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know
To film in Sri Lanka you will need to obtain a film permit from the National Film Corporation (NFC). While you can apply for a temporary journalist’s permit if you’re not using a lot of film gear and your shoot is relatively small and fast, you’ll need a more formal film permit for video productions shooting in public areas and utilizing a lot of filming equipment.
Applying for either necessitates the inclusions of your film script and proof that you’ll be working with a local production company or film fixer.
The process usually takes about 15 days. Once you get the green light and filming begins, a government representative will join your team to be on set throughout the shoot. Other permits might also be needed, especially if you want to film in a national park or forest area.
Timing Your Sri Lanka Film Production around the Weather
Sri Lanka has a hot and humid climate, with two monsoon seasons in the north-east and south-west. While it’s best to avoid both these seasons, if possible, you should still be prepared for unexpected heavy rains that can disrupt shooting schedules, especially in national parks.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
It’s possible to rent filming equipment on the ground in Sri Lanka, though the costs will be more expensive than bringing your own cameras, lights, sound equipment and more with you. That said, production costs in Sri Lanka are moderate when compared to European or other Western areas.
While there is a pool of skilled crew available, the number of English-speaking film professionals is small. However, when you partner with us, that won’t be an issue as all our team members have a proficiency in English
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes. Sri Lanka accepts ATA Carnets under the common TA Carnet rule system.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Yes. No matter what your job is, under Sri Lankan immigration law nobody is allowed to work while using a tourist visa. For normal film shoots listing the crew members’ names on the NFC permit acts as accreditation. For news or documentary work, however, you’ll have to obtain approvals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying for a temporary media accreditation from the Department of Government Information.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, you’ll need to partner with a local production company such as Sri Lanka Fixers when applying for film permits and undertaking other filming needs.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, you will need permits from both the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff to fly a drone over your filming locations.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
No.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes you can but you will need a permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, which can take up to four weeks to process. Only a small crew, camera kit and a limited number of vehicles will be allowed, and as well as paying an additional fee for this permit, NFC officers will accompany the shoot. You’ll be expected to provide all transportation, accommodation, and meals for these officers. Once the shoot comes to a close in the park, you’ll be issued clearance for memory cards.
Working with Sri Lanka Fixers
We are part of Storytailors, a world-leading video production agency with a network that spans over 150 countries.
Storytailors has worked with a vast number of well-known brands and organizations including the BBC, National Geographic, Under Armor, Oracle, UNICEF, and FIFA, and as a member we’ve supported several of these commercial, corporate, and multi-location shoots.