Bringing film gear into China?

Grug

Grug

Veteran
Hi Guys,

Wasn't sure which sub-forum to post this in, so I went with the general one.

Well my happy news today is that I'm off to Xiamen in Southern China to lens a feature... my less happy news is that I'm supposed to be leaving in just eight days time, and I therefore have a whole lot to prepare and very little time to prepare it
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So I was wondering if anyone here has been through the experience of shooting in China, and could share any tips or info, particularly in regards to bringing gear into and out of the country?

I'll be travelling as light as possible, but that will still involve bringing (at a minimum):

- A Sony F5
- A couple of Zeiss PL zooms
- A tripod
- Couple of Area48 remote phosphor lights
- Small selection of assorted lighting modifiers

Given that we're talking about the better part of $90,000 of equipment, my biggest concern is how easily I'll be able to bring the gear into and out of China, and what I'd need to prepare or bring with to make sure everything happens smoothly (i.e. without confiscations or duties levied against the value of the gear).

Also, if anyone happens to know a gaffer or key grip based in Xiamen City, I'd certainly appreciate the contact!

Cheers,

Mark
 
well, this will probably will be no help to you, but i was in china for few weeks 5 months ago with bmpcc, canon 60d, 4 lenses, fostex fr2 le (sound recorder), few mics, windshields, small tripod, had absolutely no problems, thou in every airport they always wanted to see mic's, and always were asking what are these...but other than that no problems at all, thou your grear is way bigger and more expensive, so maybe others will help you better.
 
I have no experience here, but if I were shooting a FEATURE in China, I'd want a handler. Shooting in downtown traffic, etc. Handling locations. You don't know the customs. Is this your film, or are you the DP?
 
I've shot in China lots of times. You'll need a carnet for all that gear and you'll definitely need a fixer, some places are fine to go and shoot, others need a permit. I generally take a letter of introduction from a local company stating where I'll be going and what I'll be doing. Officials can get jumpy if they think you are a news or documentary crew.
 
The bulk of the cast and crew are all from China, so we should be covered on that front. I'm just the DoP. Did the carnets work in China Liam? From what I've been told and the info I can find, they're only applicable for fairs/exhibitions.
 
Yes, carnets worked. I've gone in with carnets and without. If going without I do a duplicate customs list and get that stamped on my exit from the UK, so I can get my gear back in without any hassle. That said, I'm currently shooting in Azerbaijan and forgot to get my duplicate list stamped, so it might be fun at Heathrow tomorrow...

In recent years I've found Chinese officials surprisingly helpful, if I've got a lot of gear in peli cases I tend to go for the carnet, if I've got a more stealthy kit I tend to ignore it. If I were you I'd definitely get the local production manager or producer to do a letter of introduction regardless of whether you get a carnet or not.
 
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