Cambodia 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 Cambodia? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.

Filming in Cambodia

For an introduction to shooting in Cambodia see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.

Cambodia Film Locations

Cambodia is known for its Khmer temple ruins, Khmer Rouge killing fields, jungle, plains, rice paddies, waterfalls. The Mekong River passes through Cambodia. Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

Agricultural film locations include rice paddies, rubber plantations, and corn fields. Fishing boats are available for filming. Cambodian factories produce clothing and footwear. Energy locations include hydroelectric power, and solar power plants.

Cambodia has played host to films such as The Amazing Race 32 (2020), First They Killed My Father (2017), Survivor: Kaôh Rōng (2016), Survivor: Cambodia (2015), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), The Amazing Race 15 (2009), The Amazing Race 13 (2008), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), and In the Mood for Love (2000). 

Mekong Lowlands

This region includes the provinces of Phnom Penh, Kandal, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Tboung Khmum, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, and Kampong Thom.

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city.

Government buildings of note include the Parliament of Cambodia, Supreme Court Building, Phnom Penh Capital Hall, and Central Post Office Building.

The Royal Palace of Cambodia structures of note include the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, Napoleon Pavilion, Phochani Pavilion, Silver Pagoda, Khemarin Palace, and Stupa of King Norodom Suramarit.

Markets of note include the art deco Central Market, Phnom Penh Night Market, Old Market, Olympic Market, and Russian Market.

Khmer Rouge locations include Choeng Ek Killing Fields, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Other Phnom Penh film locations include the National Museum, Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, Royal University of Phnom Penh, and Phnom Penh International Airport.

Northwestern

This region includes the provinces of Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey.

Angkor area temples in Siem Reap include Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King), Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, Bakong, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Phnom Bakheng, Ta Prohm, Baphuon, Ta Keo, Phimeanakas, Pre Rup, Banteay Samré, Preah Ko, Ta Som, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, Lolei, Prasat Kravan, Baksei Chamkrong, and East Mebon.

An hour or more drive from Angkor Wat you can find temple areas including Koh Ker, Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, and Prasat Preah Vihear.

Cardomom & Elephant Mountains

This region includes the provinces of Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, and Ta Keo.

Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city. It is known for its colonial architecture, the former Governor’s Residence, Battambang Provincial Museum, and Phnom Sampeu’s Killing Caves. Battambang hosted the film First They Killed My Father (2017).

Sihanoukville and the south. Sihanoukville is known for its islands and white sand beaches. The nearby fishing village of Kampot and Bokor Hill Station are other film locations of note. Preah Monivong National Park and Botum Sakor National Park are in this part of Cambodia.

Koh Rong is an island that hosted Survivor: Kaôh Rōng (2016), and Survivor: Cambodia (2015).

Eastern

This region includes the provinces of Kratie, Steung Treng, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakiri.

Eastern Cambodia locations of note include Lake Yeak Laom, Virachey National Park, Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary, Snoul Wildlife Sanctuary, and Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary. The Governor’s Residence in Kratie is a beautiful French colonial building. The rare Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen in the Mekong River. Sopheak Mitt waterfalls are a unique and undiscovered film location with river islands, waterfalls, and rapids.

Cambodia Film Location Permits

Visiting productions are required to have a general film permit. To lodge the application our Cambodian fixer / service producer will require information such as the project synopsis, passport copies of visiting crew, and the locations list. The general film permit usually takes about 2 weeks to process. Once this permit is granted the fixer / service producer can go ahead and apply for location specific permits for filming in places such as the Angkor temples or Royal Palace. Shoots that required exclusive use of public space, laying track or large setups, closing streets, or working with weapons, will require several levels of permitting and as much lead time as possible. Permitting times vary depending on the location and the size and scope of the project. On the whole, authorities are relaxed about permitting rules and permits can often be expedited at not much extra cost. Rules for filming with drones change regularly. Please contact us for other location specific information.

When To Shoot?

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate. In the north, winters can be colder, while throughout most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant. November to February is cool and dry. This is the best time of year to film for weather. March to May is hot and dry. June to August is hot and wet. September to early November is cool and wet. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

Cambodian festivals and events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:

• Chaul Chnam Khmer, (Cambodian New Year) in April.
• Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May.
• Visakha Puja (Buddha Day) in May / June.
• Pchum Ben (Ancestors Day / Festival of the Dead) in September.
• Bon Om Tuk (Water Festival) in November.

Buddhism is the main religion so those holidays are widely observed.

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Burundi.

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. Cambodia is a very cost competitive place to film. Some key crew and equipment may need to be brought in which will add to the cost of shooting. In any case, our Cambodian fixer / service producer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Tax Incentives. Import of film related equipment is tax exempt as it is considered a temporary import. Otherwise there are no other tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in Cambodia.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. Cambodia has a small pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Some key crew are available locally and others are best brought in from abroad. Thailand has an extensive pool of talent. Local supporting crews are inexpensive, hard working and speak fluent English.

Contact us if you are looking for a 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 Cambodia.

Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.

Khmer is the official language.

Cambodia offers mainly Khmer looks. Minority groups include Chams, Chinese, and Vietnamese people. Phnom Penh also has a considerable Caucasian expat community to draw from as well as many tourists passing through.

Cambodia Film Equipment

Equipment. Some lighting and grip equipment is available locally. You will need to bring in camera and related equipment from abroad. Cambodia is not a carnet country but bringing in gear is easy. Once the general film permit is granted, our local fixer / service producer will require a full detailed gear list to lodge the application for temporary import of equipment. The process usually takes up to 3 days. Our Cambodian fixer / service producer will meet you at the port of entry to ensure everything runs smoothly.

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. Art department is basic beyond local looks. Supporting crew and local construction crews are skilled and hard working.

Studios and backlots. None exist at present.

Post Production. Post abroad.

Visas & Work Permits

Crews travelling on western passports are required to have visas to enter Cambodia. You can apply for a visa on arrival. Make sure to bring 2 passport photos and US dollars. Alternatively you can apply for an eVisa. Allow at least 3 weeks for application processing. Visas are valid for up to 30 days. There are no work permits required to film in Cambodia.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Most roads are in a good condition making land travel a good option to move between locations. Several international airlines service flights to Cambodia.

Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Cambodia include:

Phnom Penh (Capital):
The 252
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
InterContinental Phnom Penh

Siem Reap (Angkor Wat):
Amansara
The Sothea
La Residence d’Angkor

Sihanoukville (Beaches):
Independence Hotel

Please contact us for corporate rates.

For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.

Final Notes

Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.

Down Time. Visit the Angkor temples.

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 Cambodia, please see below:

Hire Cambodia Production Support & Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Cambodia, please contact us.

If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Cambodia, 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.