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

Filming in the Philippines

For an introduction to shooting in the Philippines 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.

Philippines Film Locations

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of over 7,000 islands. The country is known for its paradise islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, jungles, rice terraces, megacity locations, and Spanish colonial architecture.

Agricultural film locations include plantations of rice, sugarcane, coconuts, pineapples, bananas, and abaca. Fishing boats are available for filming. The Philippines is a major hub for call centres and other business processing outsourcing. Industrial locations include shipyards, and factories for the production of textiles, automobiles, and electronics. The Philippines mines copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, palladium, chromite, silver, mercury, molybdenum, cadmium, and manganese. Energy locations include hydroelectric and geothermal plants.

The Philippines has hosted international productions including The Amazing Race 32 (2020), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), The Amazing Race 25 (2014), Survivor: Cagayan (2014), Survivor: Blood vs. Water (2013), Survivor: Caramoan (2013), The Bourne Legacy (2012), Survivor: Philippines (2012), Brokedown Palace (1999), Platoon (1986), The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), and Apocalypse Now (1979).

The Phillipines can be divided into three main island groups:

Luzon

Luzon is the most northern island group. Regions in this island group includes the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Southwestern Tagalog Region, and Bicol Region.

Metropolitan Manila includes the capital Manila, and the country’s largest city Quezon City. Metropolitan Manila is one of the world’s most densely populated megacities. The city is heavily congested, which restricts the number of locations moves you can make in a day. Manila was filmed for The Bourne Legacy (2012), Brokedown Palace (1999), and Platoon (1986).

Neighborhoods of note include Intramuros, Makati, and Chinatown.

Government buildings of note include Malacañan Palace, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Supreme Court, and the Coconut Palace. Villamor Air Base was filmed for Platoon (1986).

Religious buildings of note include Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, San Sebastian Church, Tondo Church, Quiapo Church, and Baclaran Church.

Cultural film locations include Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Ayala Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, National Planetarium, Pintô Art Museum, Casa Manila, and Marikina Shoe Museum.

Fort Santiago is a Spanish colonial film location.

Universities of note include University of Santo Tomas, and University of the Philippines.

Sport venues of note include SM Mall of Asia Arena, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Araneta Coliseum, and PhilSports Complex.

Transport locations include Tutuban Main Station, Port of Manila, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The most prominent Manila slum area is the Smokey Mountain with other slums of note including Tondo, San Andres, Batasan Hills, Payatas, Bagong Silangan, and West Rembo.

Outside of Manila, Luzon locations include the following:

Luzon is known for its rice growing areas. The Banaue Rice Terraces are an iconic location that featured in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are also a spectacular film location.

Hundred Island National Park, located in Alaminos, totals 124 islands.

Waterfalls of note include Pagsanjan Falls, and Kaparkan Falls.

Volcan Point is an island in a lake, within an island in a lake, within an island.

Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the Philippines.

Mayon Volcano and Mount Pinatubo are active volcanoes.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada are a unique cliffside burial location.

The Cagsawa Ruins of a former Franciscan church has Mayon Volcano in the background.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos is a beautiful film location.

San Agustin Church of Paoay is an imposing structure.

The Mansion House is the summer palace of the President of the Philippines.

Fantasy World is an abandoned fun park in Lemery.

Bangui Wind Farm has a row of windmills along the bay.

Vigan City is known for its Spanish colonial architecture.

Cavite City was once the main seaport of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade.

Caramoan was filmed for Survivor: Caramoan (2013), and Survivor: Philippines (2012).

Palaui Island was filmed for Survivor: Blood vs. Water (2013).

Cagayan was filmed for Survivor: Cagayan (2014).

Baler Bay was filmed as the surfing beach in Apocalypse Now (1979).

The film sets in Apocalypse Now (1979) were shot in Pagsanjan, and Iba.

Platoon (1986) filmed the forest scenes in Mount Makiling, and the river and village scenes in Cavite.

Heading west, Palawan is an archipelago province known for its paradise island locations. Underwater photography locations of note include Tubbataha Natural Park, and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Coron Bay is known for its WWII wreck dive sites. Turquoise lagoon locations include Twin Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, and Barracuda Lake. Beaches of note include Nacpan Beach, Seven Commandos Beach, Las Cabañas Beach, Lio Beach, CYC Beach, Ipil Beach, Long Beach, and Ocam Ocam Beach. Paradise islands of note include Shimizu Island, Bulog Dos Island, Pass Island, Pamalican Island, Malapacao Island, Candaraman Island, Inoladoan Island, Entalula Island, Darocotan Island, Helicopter Island, Malcapuya Island, Miniloc Island, and Matinloc Island. 

Visayas

The Visayas region is located in the centre of the country. Regions in this island group includes the Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas Regions.

A short flight from Manila, the region is known for its thousands of islands, pristine white sand beaches, lush palm jungles, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.

Cebu is the largest city in this region. It is known for the Simala Shrine, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu Taoist Temple, Temple of Leah, and Fort San Pedro. Tumalog Falls, and Kawasan Falls are located on the island of Cebu. Sumilon Island is located nearby.

The resort island of Boracay is famous for its beautiful beaches including White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Lapuz Lapuz Beach, and Punta Bunga Beach.

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island is an area of hundreds of hills covered in green grass that turn brown during the dry season.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is also located on Bohol Island.

Malapascua Island has beautiful palm-lined white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Kalanggaman Island is a small paradise island with a long sand bar.

The Ruins remains of a stately Italianate mansion on the island of Negros.

Casaroro Falls, and Pulang Bato Falls are located on Negros Island.

Cambugahay Falls are located on Siquijor Island.

The Visayas region is known for its sugarcane plantations.

Mindanao

Mindanao is located in the south of the country. Regions in this island group includes the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro.

Mindanao is known for its islands, beaches, waterfalls, and jungles, and surf breaks.

Davao is the largest city on the island of Mindanao. Film locations include San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral, Chinatown, Roxas Night Market, Port of Davao, and Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

Waterfalls of note include Maria Cristina Falls, Asik-Asik Falls, Merloquet Falls, Aliwagwag Falls, Tinuy-an Falls, Limunsudan Falls, Seven Falls, and Tinago Falls.

Mount Apo is an active volcano and the highest mountain in the Philippines.

Mantigue Island is a small island with white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Siargao Island is a remote paradise location. It is known for its surf breaks including the famous Cloud 9.

The Sulu Archipelago is known for its pearl farms.

Mindanao grows all manner of fruits including coconuts, bananas, and pineapples.

The Philippines Film Location Permits

Manila does not issue city-wide permits. Each location requires a permit from the municipality. Typically it takes about 3 days to process location permits. More complicated shoots that require shutting down roads, shooting in national parks or aerial filming require at least 7 days for permits. Some areas on the island of Mindanao need clearance from the government before a foreign team can shoot there. Please contact us for location specific information.

When To Shoot?

The cool, dry winter months are from November to February. The summer months from March to May are the hottest months. The summer rainy season starts in June and extends through November with strong typhoons possible. Underwater photography is possible year-round with the best months for visibility being from December to April. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

The Philippines attracts filmmakers and photographers from all over the world for its colourful festivals including:

• Festival of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo in January.
• Ati-Atihan festival in Kaliba in January.
• Sinulog Festival in Cebu City in January.
• Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City in January.
• The Panagbenga Flower Festival is held Baguio City in February.
• Catholic devotees perform Good Friday reenactments in San Pedro Cutud that include flagellation and being nailed to wooden crosses, in March / April.
• The Moriones Festival is held on the island of Marinduque in April.
• Kadayawan Festival in Davao City in August.
• The Masskara Festival is held in Bacolod City in October.
• Christmas is also a busy time with numerous festivals held throughout the Philippines in December.

The Philippines is a predominately Christian country, with those holidays widely observed. The region of Mindanao also has a large Muslim community.

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

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. The Philippines is one of the most cost competitive production service centres in South East Asia. Local costs are relatively low and the exchange rate offers great value for money. Our Manila based fixer / service producer will negotiate deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Tax Incentives. The Philippines offers a 20% cash rebate for qualifying production spend.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. The Philippines have a small but good pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. A vibrant local industry has created a good pool of technical and creative crew. English is the second language in the Philippines so all key crew speak it fluently. The Philippines has experienced crews so there is typically no need to bring in key crew.

Contact us if you are looking for a Manila 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 in the Philippines.

Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiated on a personal basis.

Filipino (Tagalog) and English are the official languages.

Most Filipinos are of Austronesian descent. The largest ethnic groups are the Visayan, and Tagalog people. Minority groups include the Ilocanos, Bicolanos, Moros, Kapampangans, Pangasinenses, and Zamboangueños people. The Philippines are also home to minority indigenous groups.

Premiums. Infants and young children can work a maximum of 4 hours per day. The Philippines has a 16 hour working day (including 1 hour for lunch / dinner). Anything over that, our producer would package a rate that is fair for all. No extra charges for weekends and holidays. Out of town rates are usually 50% higher than metro Manila rates.

Philippines Film Equipment

Equipment. The Philippines has a good stock of locally available camera, grip and lighting equipment. Up to date digital camera options are available as are 35mm cameras (although there is no telecine in the Philippines). Underwater cameras and housing is available.

For productions intending to bring in equipment the Philippines is not an ATA carnet country. Contact us for advice on bringing in your own gear.

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 very good for local looks. Construction crews (set men) are also experienced and hard working. Jeepneys are colourfully decorated repurposed jeeps that are a popular form of public transport.

Studios. Recommended studios in Manila include CMB Films and Videosonic Studios. If you are looking for sound studios you need to travel out of Manila to Cebu. Bigfoot Studios offer good facilities. They have all of the equipment but only a basic in-house crew so main crew needs to be brought in from Manila.

Post Production. Some facilities. Better post options in Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Visas & Work Permits

Most passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for stays of less than 30 days. Journalists / camera crews must first apply for a media visa at the Philippine embassy in their country. Allow two weeks for processing. Our local producer then endorses the team at the International Press Center and foreign crew media cards are issued thereafter. Producers, directors, agency, clients can enter on tourist visas with business as the purpose of travel, as long as they are not bringing in equipment and staying less than 30 days.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Road conditions vary from the paved multilane expressways of Luzon to unpaved, narrow mountain roads. Manila is a heavily congested city that can take over 2 hours to cross. Rural areas are slower going especially during the rainy season. Our Filipino service producer / fixer organizes safe and reliable 4WD transportation. Travel between islands is best achieved by boat or plane, depending on the distances. Several international airlines service flights to Manila.

Accommodation. Recommended film friendly Manila hotels include:

Mandarin Oriental
Dusit Thani
Intercontinental
Shangri La

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. Join in on some karaoke! Cuisines vary by region. Local dishes of note include chicken adobo, lumpia, sinigang, karekare, lechon, sisig, pancit guisado, ginataang gulay, bulalo, palabok, bistek tagalog, beef kaldereta, dinuguan, inihaw na liempo, Kilawin, balut. Desserts of note include ube ice cream, sapin sapin, halo halo, leche flan, and cassava cake. For a unique experience eat at the Waterfalls Restaurant in San Pablo City. 

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 the Philippines, please see below:

Hire Philippines Production Support & Shooting Crew

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

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