China Filming Insights

A Guide for Filmmakers and Production Companies

Harbin Production House – A Unique Hub for International Clients

Introduction to Harbin Production House

The Harbin production house, established in 2012 by the partnership of Clark Wang and Matt Clarke, is a premier video production hub that combines decades of expertise to serve international clients. Based in Shanghai but with extensive reach across China, Shoot in China has completed over 1,600 projects ranging from high-end commercials and films to documentaries, one-day shoots, equipment rentals, and logistical support. This extensive portfolio demonstrates our capability to handle diverse production requirements while maintaining the highest quality standards expected by global brands and creative agencies.

Located near the bustling city center, the Harbin production house is well-positioned to offer a seamless blend of local charm and international flair. It’s not just about producing content in Harbin; it’s about capturing its unique essence that resonates with global audiences. The city’s rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes provide an ideal backdrop for creating compelling visual stories that transcend cultural boundaries and appeal to viewers worldwide.

Comprehensive Production Support

The Harbin production house provides comprehensive services, ensuring smooth project execution from start to finish:

  • Bilingual crews: Our experienced directors and producers can communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin, eliminating language barriers and ensuring clear understanding of creative vision and technical requirements throughout the production process.
  • Fixers and location scouting: We help clients discover the best spots for filming, whether it’s Harbin’s iconic bridges, historic buildings, or picturesque landscapes, leveraging our deep local knowledge to secure permits and navigate regulations efficiently.
  • Casting services: We assist with talent selection to bring your vision to life, maintaining an extensive database of professional actors, models, and real people who can authentically represent your brand and message.
  • Logistics support: From transportation to equipment setup, we handle every detail so you can focus on creativity, including accommodation arrangements, visa assistance, and local transportation coordination for international crew members.
  • Translation: Our in-house translators ensure seamless communication throughout the production process, providing accurate interpretation during meetings, script translations, and subtitle creation for final deliverables.

Turnkey Production Services

The Harbin production house offers turnkey solutions for all your video needs. This means we take care of every step from creative concept and scripting to filming, editing, and screening:

  • Creative concept and scripting: Our team works closely with you to develop a unique narrative tailored to Harbin’s distinct cultural backdrop, incorporating local elements that enhance storytelling while maintaining global appeal and brand consistency.
  • Filming: We leverage state-of-the-art equipment to capture stunning visuals of the city, from its scenic rivers to bustling markets, employing cinematic techniques that showcase Harbin’s beauty while serving your specific creative objectives and technical requirements.
  • Editing and post-production: Our skilled editors enhance your footage with English and Mandarin dubbing, animation, motion graphics, and video localization, ensuring the final product meets international broadcast standards and resonates with target audiences across different markets.
  • Screener services: We arrange private viewings for your clients, ensuring a personalized touch to every project, with professional presentation facilities and technical support to facilitate productive feedback sessions and approval processes.

Additional Production Capabilities

Beyond core production services, the Harbin production house offers complementary services that add value to each project:

  • Post Production: English and Mandarin editing, animation, motion graphics, and video localization, with color grading, sound design, and visual effects capabilities that elevate production quality and ensure professional results.
  • Photography: Corporate, commercial, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes photography, capturing still images that complement video content for marketing campaigns, social media, and corporate communications.
  • Equipment Rental & Aerial Filming: Access to top brands like Canon, Sony, Arri, and licensed drone pilots for dynamic aerial shots of Harbin’s stunning skyline, with comprehensive insurance coverage and experienced operators ensuring safety and quality.
  • Live Streaming: Professional multi-camera setups for live events, conferences, and virtual productions, with reliable streaming technology and technical support for seamless broadcast to global audiences.

The Team Behind the Scenes

The team at the Harbin production house brings a wealth of experience to every project:

  • Matt Clarke: A UK film graduate with BBC experience, Matt has spent 16 years in China handling diverse production roles, bringing international standards and creative excellence to every project while understanding the nuances of working in the Chinese market.
  • Clark Wang: Since 2006, Clark has built an extensive network and leveraged his language skills to support projects for major global brands, providing invaluable local insights and connections that streamline production processes and enhance creative outcomes.
  • Yann Ma: An award-winning documentary filmmaker with a Master’s in International Journalism, Yann is fluent in multiple languages and excels as a news fixer, bringing journalistic integrity and storytelling expertise to commercial productions.
  • Support Team: Our dedicated production coordinators, technical crew, and administrative staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your project runs smoothly, from pre-production planning to final delivery and archiving.

Their combined expertise ensures that every project benefits from their unique blend of local insights and international perspectives. The production facility in Harbin maintains strong relationships with local authorities, talent agencies, and technical suppliers, enabling efficient problem-solving and access to resources that might otherwise be challenging for international productions. This local expertise, combined with global production standards, creates an ideal environment for creating content that resonates across cultural boundaries while maintaining the authentic spirit of Harbin and its people.