Welcome to film in Hong Kong! The Hong Kong Film Services Office is a government office to facilitate film production in Hong Kong. We provide information, liaison and support to filmmakers. We are ready to give free assistance to film crews for filming locations and the necessary permits for filming here. At the outset, we are glad to furnish you with the following information -

• Work Permits & Entrance
• Customs
• Location Permits
• Production Services & Crew Rates
• Average Daily Wages for a Medium-scale Feature Film
• Tips

Work Permits & Entrance
A non-visa national may not need a work permit for a short stay in Hong Kong for location filming. You are required to check with the Employment and Visit Visas Section, Immigration Department at
Tel: (852) 2294 2134
Fax: (852) 2136 6334
Email: evvs@immd.gov.hk

If a work permit is required, it takes 4 - 6 weeks to process the application. For application procedures, please visit either website at
www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/public_7.htm (ID990A & 990B) or
www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/permit_forms/ImmD_WorkP_Eng.pdf

When you arrive at Hong Kong, your travel document will be endorsed with a landing stamp, which states clearly how long you can stay.
(Residents from the Mainland of China also need valid exit-entry permits and relevant endorsement.)

Customs
Film crews entering Hong Kong are not subject to duties on the importation of equipment. If your equipment is covered by ATA Carnets, approach the Customs Duty Officer upon arrival at Hong Kong, and prior to departure, for endorsement. For further information, please check with the Customs and Excise Department at
Tel: (852) 2815 7711 (24-hour hotline service)
Fax: (852) 2542 3334
Email: cutomsenquiry@customs.gov.hk
Website: www.customs.gov.hk/eng/content_e.html

For information about ATA Carnets, please email Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce at chamber@chamber.org.hk.

Baggage and equipment are subject to security check or examination like those of any other passengers. The X-ray screening system used in Hong Kong is film-safe. In case of doubt, check with the check-in counter staff of your airline.

Location Permits
No permit is required for filming on the street on a non-exclusive use basis. Film crews are encouraged to notify the police of your intention to carry out filming in public areas, to ensure the filming activities can proceed unimpeded. For notification, please send the completed notification form (available for download at www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/location_forms/HKPF_Notify_Eng.pdf) to the Police Public Relation Branch (PPRB). No fees will be charged for your notification.
Tel: (852) 2860 6186
Fax: (852) 2200 4303
Email: ip-sip-co-ordination-pprb@police.gov.hk

Filming on privately or publicly owned venues requires permission from owners. Normally it takes 7 - 10 working days to process the applications. Rental/ processing fees, deposits and third party liability insurance cover may be needed.

Production Services & Crew Rates
A local agent can help you find locations and make arrangement for transport, accommodation, facilities, crews and talents. Information about Hong Kong production services companies can be found on our website (www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/accessibility/eng/production_search.cfm).

Rates for Hong Kong crews depend on the requirements of the production. You may get some idea from the figures below.

Average Daily Wages for a Medium-scale Feature Film
(on the basis of a 10 - 12 hour day)

Cameraman:	US$1,000
Camera Assistant:	US$400
Key Grip:	US$400
Grip:	US$250
Gaffer:	US$400
Electrician:	US$250
Soundman:	US$400
Production Manager:	US$500
Production Assistant:	US$200

Tips
Don't forget to visit our website! Our Location Library (www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/accessibility/eng/locations.cfm) features over 1,500 filming locations, with photos and application procedures. There are also application forms for filming on Government premises, special permits for filming (www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/accessibility/eng/permits.cfm) and other useful information. These help you plan your filming in Hong Kong anytime anywhere you like.