Fantastic team. They took ownership of the project. As a result, they gave very good creative inputs to improve the ad. They also tried hard to reduce the project cost... Read Ehtesham Ahmed's Full ReviewRead More
International Filming Guidelines for Video Production Houses Shooting in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of South Asia's most visually diverse and culturally rich filming destinations. From ultra-modern Dhaka skylines to tea gardens, river life, coastal belts, and traditional rural landscapes, the country offers layered stories and powerful cinematic backdrops for international productions.
This guide is prepared by Libanza Films — Bangladesh's trusted international production partner …
Use it as your practical checklist when planning your next documentary, commercial, TV segment, branded content, or news feature in Bangladesh.
Talk to Our International Production Desk
1. Why shoot your next production in Bangladesh?
1.1 Key advantages
- Affordable production costs …
- Skilled, English-speaking crews …
- Diverse shooting locations …
- Strong documentary culture …
- Flexible logistics …
- Cultural and ethnic diversity …
1.2 Ideal content types
Bangladesh is a natural fit for:
- Documentaries & social impact films
- Corporate films & industrial AVs
- TV segments & news features
- Travel, culture and food shows
- Branded global content & reality formats
- Fashion, lifestyle and music videos
- Human-interest stories & rural narratives
2. Entry requirements for foreign film crews
2.1 Visa types
For film/media teams, the following visas are relevant:
- F-Category Visa …
- Business Visa …
2.2 Visa documentation
- Passport valid 6 months
- Invitation letter from Libanza Films
- Production description
- Shooting schedule
- Company profile
- Crew list
- Equipment list
Processing time: 7–15 days.
Libanza Films visa support
We prepare invitation letters, confirm project details, and coordinate with local partners …
3. Shooting permissions in Bangladesh
Bangladesh requires formal shooting permissions for all foreign productions. Working with a local partner is the easiest way to handle this paperwork.
3.1 Core permission types
-
General Filming Permission (Essential)
Required for all foreign film, TV, and documentary projects. -
Location-specific Permission
Needed for airports, rail stations, seaports, heritage sites, government buildings. -
Restricted Area Permission
For Hill Tracts, border areas, military zones, protected forests. -
Drone Permission
Issued by CAAB. Processing time 7–21 days.
3.2 How Libanza Films manages permits
Libanza Films prepares documents, submits applications, and follows up with authorities until approvals are issued.
We also advise on realistic timelines based on sensitivity of locations.
4. Working with a local fixer or production partner
For foreign productions, partnering with a registered Bangladeshi production house is not just helpful – it is practically essential. Only local companies can apply for most filming permits and handles official coordination.
Why you need a local partner
- Eligibility to apply for permits and permissions
- Local location access and rate negotiation
- Crew sourcing and contract management
- On-ground translation and cultural mediation
- Transport, logistics, catering, and accommodation
- Talent casting, extras, and crowd management
- Customs, temporary import, and carnets support
- Payment handling and vendor settlements
- Ensuring legal, cultural, and security compliance
Libanza Films as your production partner
- Full fixing and line-production support
- Permission and visa documentation management
- Location scouting and recce with photo/video references
- Drone operation and permit coordination
- Equipment rental, crew hire and payroll handling
- Security, logistics, and safe transport (car, van, boat, air)
- Talent casting, extras, and local contributors
- Multilingual support – English, Bangla, and regional dialects
Contact our team early in your planning stage so we can align permits, Visas and recce dates with your production calendar.
5. Equipment, logistics, and crew in Bangladesh
5.1 Bringing equipment from abroad
When importing your own gear, you will typically need:
- Detailed equipment list with make, model, and serial numbers
- Estimated value for customs documentation
- ATA Carnet (if available) or temporary import approval
- Supporting letters from Libanza Films confirming purpose and duration
Libanza Films coordinates with customs agents to reduce delays …
5.2 Local equipment rental
Bangladesh has a growing professional rental ecosystem. Through Libanza Films, you can access:
- RED and ARRI Alexa Mini camera systems
- Sony FX6 / FX9 and Blackmagic cameras
- Ronin and other professional gimbals
- Drone platforms
- LED and tungsten lighting
- Location sound kits
- Reference monitors
6. Skilled crew availability
Local crew rates in Bangladesh are typically 30–50% lower …
- Directors, line producers, production managers
- DOPs, camera operators, focus pullers
- Drone operators, gaffers, grips
- Sound engineers & boom operators
- Editors, colourists, post-production teams
- Art directors, set dressers, props
- Makeup, styling departments
- Fixers, translators, field coordinators
Libanza Films curates crews to match your format …
7. Location highlights across Bangladesh
Bangladesh packs an incredible range of visual environments into a compact geography. Some of the Most requested filming zones include:
7.1 Dhaka
- Old Dhaka – heritage streets, bustling bazaars, river terminals
- Gulshan & Banani – modern commercial districts
- Kawran Bazar – wholesale markets
- Dhaka University – historic atmosphere
7.2 Chittagong
- Port areas, container yards
- Hills around the city
7.3 Cox’s Bazar
- Long sandy beaches
- Fishing communities
- Marine visuals
7.4 Sylhet
- Tea gardens
- Waterfalls and rivers
- Tribal communities
7.5 Barisal & Southern Delta
- River life
- Floating markets
7.6 Hill Tracts (Rangamati, Bandarban)
Special permission required
- Mountainous terrain
- Tribal villages
8. Cultural, legal, and operational considerations
8.1 Cultural sensitivities
- Avoid filming military sites without permission.
- Seek consent for close-up human stories.
- Dress modestly in rural areas.
- Avoid political or religious disruption.
8.2 Safety & security
Bangladesh is generally safe, especially with Libanza support:
- Security personnel
- Controlled sets
- Local guides
- Reliable transport
8.3 Weather & best shooting months
Best season: November to March.
Monsoon: June–September (avoid unless needed).
Libanza Films helps plan around seasonal conditions.
9. Payments, currency, and typical budgets
9.1 Payment methods
Most international clients pay Libanza Films via:
- International bank transfer (USD)
- Wise transfer
- SWIFT
- Cash advances
Tax waivers may apply depending on project type.
10. Typical budget structure
Most international shoots cost USD 5,000 – 80,000 depending on scale.
- A. Pre-Production – fixer, scouting, permits
- B. Production – crew, equipment, transport, security
- C. Post-Production – editing, colour, VO, subtitles
Libanza Films gives clear, transparent budgets.
11. Step-by-step workflow with Libanza Films
-
Step 1 – Initial briefing
You share your concept or script, tentative schedule, crew list, equipment plan, and target locations with Libanza Films. -
Step 2 – Proposal & planning
We send a tailored proposal with budget, permit requirements, location options, and logistics plan that fits your editorial and financial goals. -
Step 3 – Visa & permission support
Libanza Films issues invitation letters, prepares permit applications, and coordinates with relevant authorities. -
Step 4 – Arrival & on-ground coordination
We arrange airport pickups, local SIMs (if required), hotel recommendations, and the first briefing meetings with your key crew. -
Step 5 – Production
Full execution with local and foreign crew coordination, location management, security, logistics, and daily call sheets. -
Step 6 – Post-production (optional)
Editing, colour, sound, subtitles, and final delivery handled by Libanza Films or in collaboration with your in-house post teams.
12. Required documents checklist
From the international production house
- Company profile or portfolio link
- Passport scans of all visiting crew members
- Script, treatment or storyboard
- Purpose of filming and distribution platforms
- Proposed filming dates and locations
- Detailed equipment list with serial numbers
- Any commissioning letters (broadcaster, brand, NGO, etc.)
Processed by Libanza Films
- Government filming permits and clearances
- Drone permissions where required
- Restricted area access permissions
- Crew verification letters for authorities
- Local insurance coverage recommendations
- Vendor contracts and release forms
Frequently asked questions and answers
Yes. All foreign productions must obtain general filming permission, and in many cases, additional location, restricted area, or drone permissions. Libanza Films manages these processes end-to-end so you can focus on your creative work.
The F-category Film/Media visa is the safest and most appropriate option for documentaries, TV shoots, branded conten,t and corporate filming. Business visas may work for tiny, non-broadcast shoots, but are not ideal for professional use productions.
Absolutely. Bangladesh offers experienced DOPs, drone operators, gaffers, sound teams and more, alongside RED, ARRI, Sony, and Blackmagic camera systems, lighting, grip, and sound rental. Libanza Films curates the right crew and gear package based on your format and budget.
Ideally, 6–8 weeks before your intended shoot. This allows enough time for visas, permits, recce, casting, and logistics. For urgent or small-scale projects, contact us, and we will advise realistic timelines based on your requirements.
13. Partner with Libanza Films for your next international shoot in Bangladesh
Whether you are a documentary director, global brand, news network, or streaming platform, Libanza Films offers a dedicated international production desk, 17+ years of team experience in film and advertising, and a complete network of crews, locations, and logistics partners across Bangladesh.
From visas and permits to final delivery, we act as your trusted on-ground partner so that your story is captured safely, authentically, and within budget.
📩 Contact International Video Production Experts Today for full-service production support in Bangladesh! Request for Service
Send a Production Brief
International Production Desk
Call / WhatsApp:
+8801988-777444 |
info@libanzafilms.com
Customer Reviews
Very dedicated team! Apprecite their enthusiasm, creativity and passion for their work... Read Md. Jamil Hossain Chowdhury Rahat's Full ReviewRead More
Libanza specializes in creating captivating films and advertisements with compelling narratives and stunning visuals... Read Riad Full ReviewRead More
Get in Touch
Our Clients
Diverse industries, trusted partnerships. From advertising agencies to corporate entities and non-profit organizations, our clients rely on us to bring their creative visions to life. With passion, expertise, and attention to detail, we deliver exceptional video production solutions that exceed expectations. Join our esteemed clientele and experience the power of captivating storytelling with Libanza Films.
