Taiwan Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews
Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Taiwan? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Taiwan
For an introduction to shooting in Taiwan see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, fringes, premiums, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
Taiwan Film Locations
Taiwan is located in East Asia. Offering a diversity of locations in close proximity to each other, Taiwan is known for its vibrant cities, modern industrial parks, a mix of Chinese and Japanese architecture, contemporary buildings, Buddhist temples, baseball stadiums, night markets, luscious green mountains, rugged gorges, hot springs, bamboo forests, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, and offshore islands.
Agricultural film locations include plantations of rice, betel nuts, cocoa, tea, coffee, sweet potatoes, bananas, guavas, pineapples, vineyards, and flower plantations. Fishing trawlers are available for filming. Taiwan is known for its science and industrial parks. Industrial locations include factories that produce steel, ships, semiconductors, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Energy locations include nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, and hydroelectric dams.
Taiwan offers a good alternative to filming in mainland China. As well as Chinese-looking locations and talent, and a first-world infrastructure, visiting productions can count on being protected by a system of stable and predictable laws.
Taiwan has hosted films such as Vanguard (2020), Yi Yi: A One and a Two… (2000), Silence (2016), Lucy (2014), Life of Pi (2012), The Amazing Race 19 (2011), The Amazing Race 12 (2007), and Happy Together (1997).
Film locations can be divided into several regions:
Northern Taiwan
This northern region includes the divisions of Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Yilan.
Taipei. The city of Taipei is Taiwan’s capital, the largest city, and main production centre where most crew and equipment are based.
Taipei 101 Tower was designed by C. Y. Lee.
Lè Architecture building is an impressive structure.
Government buildings include the Presidential Office Building, Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence, Taipei City Hall, Taipei Public Library, and National Taiwan University Hospital.
Memorials of note include National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine.
Markets of note include Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, Nanjichang Night Market, Shida Night Market, and Huaxi Street Night Market.
Museums include the National Palace Museum, National Taiwan Museum, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, Museum of Drinking Water, Beitou Museum, Taipei Astronomical Museum, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, and Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum.
Taipei temples include Lungshan Temple, Hsing Tian Kong, Songshan Ciyou Temple, Taipei Confucius Temple, and Dalongdong Baoan Temple.
Performance venues include Taipei Performing Arts Center designed by Rem Koolhaas, Taipei Music Center, National Concert Hall, Zhongshan Hall, Red House Theater, Taipei Tianmu Baseball Stadium, and Taipei Arena.
Taipei has an extensive metro system that is available for filming.
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) offers views of the Taipei skyline.
New Taipei is a division that completely surrounds the city of Taipei.
New Taipei City film locations include Sanxia Old Street, Jinbaoli Old Street, Bali Old Street, Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park, New Taipei City Hakka Museum, Lehua Night Market, Nanya Night Market, Zhulin Mountain Buddhist Temple, Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple, Wuji Tianyuan Temple, Fort San Domingo, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, Lin Ben Yuan Family Mansion and Garden, traditional Japanese Tamsui Itteki Memorial House, National Taiwan Library, Crescent Bridge, Wanli UFO Village, Grand Hotel Taipei, and the Port of Taipei.
Jiufen is a mountain town known for its narrow alleyways and tea houses.
Shifen Old Street is a lively street lined with shops, stalls and restaurants that has a train running through the centre of it. Nearby Shifen Waterfall is a beautiful film location.
Yangmingshan National Park is known for its cherry blossoms, hot springs, and the volcano Qixing Mountain.
Kuosheng Nuclear Power Plant, Jinshan Nuclear Power Plant, and Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant are located in New Taipei.
Keelung film locations include Keelung Night Market, Chung Cheng Park, Keelung Port, National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, 100-Year Bomb Shelter, Agenna Shipyard Relics, and Zhengbin Fishing Harbor.
Taoyuan film locations include Daxi Old Street, Hukou Old Street, Taoyuan Night Market, Chung Yuan Night Market, Zhongli Tourist Night Market, Yongan Fishing Harbor, Zhuwei Fish Harbor, Jingfu Temple, Baishajia Lighthouse, and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Hsinchu film locations include Neiwan Old Street, Beipu Old Street, Hsinchu Municipal Hall, Hsinchu railway station, and Hsinchu Science Park which is Taiwan’s answer to Silicon Valley. Smangus is a village famous for its grove of giant Cypress trees. Shei-Pa National Park is a mountain landscape.
Yilan film locations include Yilan Luodong Night Market, Dongmen Night Market, Lanyang Museum, National Center for Traditional Arts, Chung Hsing Cultural and Creative Park, Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi, Sanching Temple, Waiao Beach, Neipi Beach, and Taipingshan National Forest.
Central Taiwan
This central region includes the divisions of Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, and Yunlin.
Most of Taiwan’s tea plantations are located in the mountainous interior.
Miaoli film locations include Taiwan Hakka Museum, Tai’an Bamboo forest, and Tongluo Tea Factory.
Taichung. Taichung City is known for Feng Chia Night Market, Zhongxiao Road Night Market, Yizhong Street Night Market, Fengyuan Miaodong Night Market, Taichung Second Market, Taichung Confucian Temple, Paochueh Temple, Maple Garden, Wufeng Lin Family Mansion, Taichung Prefectural Hall, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Asia Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Natural Science, National Taichung Theater designed by Toyo Ito, Luce Memorial Chapel designed by I. M. Pei, Taichung railway station, Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, and Wuqi Fishing Port. Xinshe Castle is a European-style castle with picturesque grounds. Yushan (Jade Mountain) is the highest mountain in Taiwan.
Changhua film locations include Lukang Old Street, Lukang Folk Arts Museum, Lukang Tianhou Temple, Lukang Lungshan Temple, Taiwan Husheng Temple, and Eight Trigram Mountains Buddha Landscape. Changhua Roundhouse is a railway roundhouse.
Nantou film locations include Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Sun Moon Lake Wen Wu Temple, Ci En Pagoda, Chung Tai Chan Monastery, Zhushan Zinan Temple, and Wuling mountain pass. Sun Moon Lake is the country’s largest lake.
Yunlin film locations include Beigang Chaotian Temple, Beigang Wude Temple, and Douliou Baseball Stadium.
Southern Taiwan
This southern region includes the divisions of Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Penghu.
Chiayi film locations include the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, Taiping Old Street, Xingang Fengtian Temple, Puzi Peitian Temple, Taiping Suspension Bridge, Budai Harbor Fish Market, Alishan Forest Railway scenic railway, and Shuiyang Forest.
Tainan film locations include the Chimei Museum, Anping Old Fort, Chihkan Tower, Tainan Confucian Temple, Grand Mazu Temple, Sicao Dazhong Temple, Tainan Art Museum designed by Shigeru Ban, National Museum of Taiwan History, National Museum of Taiwan Literature, Tainan Judicial Museum, Tainan Municipal Cultural Center, Tainan Public Library, Chihkan Tower, Beimen Crystal Church, Garden Night Market, Ta-Tung Night Market, Wusheng Night Market, Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium, Sicao Green Tunnel, and the Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields.
Kaohsiung film locations include the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Kaohsiung Confucius Temple, Sanfeng Temple, Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine, Liuhe Night Market, Pingtung Night Market, Rueifong Night Market, Kaohsiung Music Center, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts designed by Francine Houben, Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, National Science and Technology Museum, Kaohsiung Museum of History, Dadong Arts Center, Kaohsiung Cultural Center, and National Stadium designed by Toyo Ito. Chang-Gu World Trade Center, and 85 Sky Tower are designed by C. Y. Lee.
Pingtung film locations include Kenting Night Market, Donglong Temple, National Museum of Marine Biology, and Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. Kenting National Park is known for its virgin forests, beaches, coral reefs, and Eluanbi Lighthouse.
Penghu. The Pescadores Islands are an archipelago of 90 islands located west of the island of Taiwan. Film location include Yuwengdao Lighthouse, Daguoye basalt columns, Shanshui Beach, Aimen Beach, Wangankou Beach, and Shili Beach.
Eastern Taiwan
This eastern region includes the divisions of Hualien, and Taitung.
Hualien film locations include Hualien Station, Dongdamen Night Market, Qixingtan Beach, and Taroko National Park which is known for its gorge carved by the Liwu River.
Taitung film locations inlcude Sanxiantai footbridge, Taitung Night Market, Lyudao Lighthouse, and Duoliang Railway Station which has picturesque ocean views. Orchid Island and Green Island are two volcanic islands located off the eastern coast of Taiwan.
Outer Islands
The Taiwanese administered Outer Islands are located close to the coast of the People’s Republic of China.
Kinmen. Kinmen Islands film locations include Chintien Hall, and Juguang Tower.
Matsu. The Matsu Islands are an archipelago of 36 islands and islets. Beigan Power Plant is a decommissioned Cold War-era building that now serves as an art space.
Taiwan Film Location Permits
Rules depend on the locations and degree of control required. Small footprint projects such as filming b-roll around Taipei streets in most cases do not require permits. Landmarks such as the Taipei 101 building or national parks require special permission. More complicated jobs that need exclusive use of public space require permits from one or more officials. For shoots involving larger setups or control of public space allow at least 2 to 4 weeks to process film location permits. The Taiwanese government is very open to assisting shoots that will help promote Taiwan. Drone filming laws and restrictions apply and are strictly enforced. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Taiwan has a tropical marine climate with temperatures higher in the south and cooler in the north, higher on the coast and cooler in the mountainous interior.
Spring (March to May) is warm and pleasant. Cherry blossoms flower. Summer (June to August) is best avoided as it’s the typhoon season with the weather becoming hot, rainy and very humid. Autumn (September to November) is warm and pleasant. Winter (December to February) is the cooler, dry season. Overall, October to April are the coolest and driest months for filming.
For monthly weather statistics please see here.
It is best to avoid filming during holiday periods such as Chinese New Year. During this time businesses and government offices close, and both locals and mainland Chinese tourists travel the country.
Taiwan is home to many colourful festivals and events. Of particular interest to filmmakers and photographers include:
• Chinese New Year Lantern Festival in February.
• Buddha Bathing Festival in April.
• Tomb Sweeping Day (Ching Ming Festival) in April.
• Dragon Boat Festival in June.
• Ghost Festival in September.
• Moon Festival in September / October.
Many Taiwanese are non-religious. There are also large numbers who practise Buddhism and Taoism, so those holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Taiwan.
Unique Local Stories
Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.
If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.
If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.
Costs & Tax Incentives
Costs. Taipei is at a similar price point to major cities in China. The short distances between a rich variety of locations offers considerable savings to travel related expenses. Our Taiwanese fixer / service producer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
Tax Incentives. Taiwan offers grants for international co-productions. Read more on Taiwanese production subsidies here.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Taiwan has a mature film industry with a small but good pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Its close proximity to other major Asian production centres allows easy access to those crews if need be. Local crews are non-union. Taiwan has a fairly good depth of crews. They are known to be experienced, fast working and resourceful. As a regional measure, Taiwanese crews are comparable to Thai crews in terms of the level of experience. Other than production staff most crew do not speak English.
Contact us if you are looking for a Taipei based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Taiwan.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable.
Most Taiwanese are Han Chinese. For unique cultures, Taiwan is also home to indigenous groups including the Ami, Atayal, Bunun, Kanakanavu, Kavalan, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiyat, Saaroa, Sakizaya, Sediq, Thao, Truku, Tsou, and Yami peoples.
Fringes. No hidden extras.
Premiums. There are no night, holiday or weekend premiums. Crew members charge a day rate for the first 8 hours worked, then add that same day rate for the next 6 hours, then add again for the next 4 hours, then again for the next 4 hours, and every 2 hours hours after that. Some crews have been known to work over 36 hours straight. Although these premiums are the industry standard, they are ultimately just guidelines. Our Taiwanese fixer / producer will package costs based on the specific needs of your shoot.
Taiwan Film Equipment
Equipment. Taipei and to a lesser extent Kaohsiung are the major production centres for renting film equipment. Most standard camera, grip and lighting equipment is available locally including Steadicam, Red Dragon and a variety of cranes. More specialized equipment can be easily brought in from larger production centres such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Tokyo.
For productions looking to bring in their own film equipment Taiwan is an ATA carnet country. One interesting production hack for productions looking to film around Taiwan is to arrive in Kaohsiung and depart from Taipei. Kaohsiung Airport is a smaller international airport, so it’s much easier to clear customs and immigration.
Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.
Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production
Art department and set construction is among the best in Asia. Set construction teams are very experienced, fast working, resourceful and relatively inexpensive.
Studios. Taiwan has good local studio facilities. LAPCC has studio and post facilities. Hong Chen Film Studio has studio facilities and lighting equipment.
Backlots. There is a Qing Dynasty village that is used for TV dramas.
Post Production. Taiwan has professional post production facilities including LAPCC which has both studio and post facilities.
Visas & Work Permits
Visiting crews travelling on passports from Western countries can enter Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays require visas. Work permits are not required to shoot in Taiwan.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure is all up to known and expected world standards. Taiwan has an extensive network of roads and a high-speed rail link from Taipei to the southern city of Kaohsiung.
Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Taipei include:
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. Taiwan is a very safe and reliable filming centre. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Taiwan offers an extensive selection everything from street food, to theme restaurants, to fine dining, in even the most out of the way places.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Taiwan, please see below:
Hire Taiwan Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Taiwan, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Taiwan, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
