China Film Fixer – Expert Services for International Filmmakers

A China film fixer is essential for international filmmakers seeking seamless production in China, providing the crucial bridge between foreign production teams and local resources. Founded in 2012, Shoot in China combines a 15-year partnership between Clark Wang and Matt Clarke to offer comprehensive support services. Our boutique production house, based in Shanghai, has completed over 1,600 projects, including commercials, films, documentaries, one-day shoots, equipment rentals, and logistical support. The complexity of filming in China requires specialized knowledge that only experienced local fixers can provide.

Understanding the Role of Production Coordinators

A film fixer serves as an indispensable link between local crews and international filmmakers, acting as cultural translators who ensure smooth communication and coordination throughout the production process. In China, these professionals navigate the unique challenges of filming in diverse locations while managing local regulations and customs. The role involves comprehensive handling of logistics, securing necessary permits, arranging cast and crew, and facilitating on-site production management. Here’s how our production coordinators provide essential assistance:

• Cultural Understanding: They bridge the gap between local crews and international filmmakers by understanding both languages and cultural nuances, ensuring respectful and effective collaboration.
• Logistics Management: From arranging transportation and accommodation to securing filming permits and equipment, they handle all logistical details to ensure a smooth production process from start to finish.
• Bilingual Coordination: Our fixers are fluent in Mandarin and English, making them perfect mediators for international productions requiring clear communication across language barriers.
• Regulatory Navigation: They possess deep knowledge of China’s specific filming regulations and bureaucratic processes, saving production teams valuable time and resources.

The Comprehensive Responsibilities of Production Facilitators

Professional production facilitators in China are responsible for a variety of critical tasks that ensure filming operations run smoothly and efficiently. These experienced coordinators manage multiple aspects of production simultaneously while anticipating potential challenges before they arise. Their comprehensive services include:

• Location Scouting: They explore and recommend locations best suited to your project’s creative vision while considering practical constraints and local accessibility.
• Casting Assistance: Our coordinators help cast actors who meet both cultural and linguistic requirements for authenticity, working with local talent agencies and databases.
• Permits & Licenses: They secure all necessary permits to film in various public and private spaces, navigating complex approval processes with government agencies and property owners.
• Equipment Sourcing: From specialized cameras to lighting rigs, they coordinate with reliable local rental companies to provide quality equipment at competitive prices.
• Crew Management: They assemble and manage local crew members, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities within the production framework.

This comprehensive support helps international filmmakers adapt their production needs to the unique challenges of shooting in China’s diverse environments and regulatory landscape.

Why Choose Our Production Support Team?

Our team comprises experienced professionals with deep understanding of Chinese culture and international production standards. Each member brings specialized expertise that collectively ensures successful project execution regardless of scale or complexity. Our leadership includes:

• Matt Clarke, a UK film graduate with BBC experience, has spent 16 years managing diverse production roles and understands Western production expectations while mastering local Chinese filming conditions.
• Clark Wang, who has built an extensive network since 2006, supports projects for major global brands using his language skills and cultural insights to bridge communication gaps effectively.
• Yann Ma, an award-winning documentary filmmaker with a Master’s in International Journalism, excels as a news fixer and is fluent in multiple languages, bringing journalistic precision to production coordination.

This combined expertise ensures that your production runs seamlessly from concept development through final delivery, with attention to both creative vision and practical execution.

Extended Production Support Services

Our China film fixer services represent just the beginning of our comprehensive production support offerings. We provide extensive additional services designed to meet the complete needs of international productions filming in China. Our expanded service portfolio includes:

• Bilingual Crews: Our crews are fluent in both Mandarin and English, ensuring smooth communication throughout production and minimizing misunderstandings that could impact schedule or quality.
• Post Production: Our team provides English and Mandarin editing, animation, motion graphics, and video localization services to enhance your final product for global audiences.
• Photography Services: From corporate to lifestyle photography, we capture every moment with precision. Behind-the-scenes photography is also available for promotional use and documentary purposes.
• Technical Support: We provide comprehensive technical assistance including equipment troubleshooting, power solutions for remote locations, and connectivity support for data management.
• Catering Coordination: We arrange appropriate catering services that accommodate diverse dietary requirements while ensuring meals support crew energy and morale throughout demanding shooting schedules.

Our extensive network across China, including major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hong Kong, ensures seamless production in various locations regardless of regional differences in regulations or resources.

Getting Started with Production Coordination

To book our China film fixer services or to discuss your specific project requirements, contact us directly for a comprehensive consultation. We recommend initiating contact during pre-production planning to ensure adequate time for permit applications and logistical arrangements. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your project needs and provide detailed recommendations for optimizing your production timeline and budget. Early engagement allows us to identify potential challenges and develop effective solutions before they impact your shooting schedule.

Email: info@shootinchina.com
Address: 8th Floor, Fude Plaza, 1688 Sichuan Bei Road, Hong Kou District, Shanghai 200080

Our production coordinators stand ready to transform your creative vision into reality while navigating the complexities of filming in China with professional expertise and cultural sensitivity.