Taking HPX502 to China

B

Bachman

Active member
Has anybody filmed in China recently?

We have a Corporate to shot over there shortly and part of our brief is to film the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Has anyone had problems with the Chinese authorities filming with large ENG cameras in these locations?

Ive heard their getting tough with the led up to the games.
 
I lived in Beijing for over two years. I ran an animation studio both in the remote suburbs of Beijing (a small town called Beifang) and across the street from the Worker's Stadium.

When you arrive in Beijing they will inspect your gear like mad. They will probably require you to pay a "high tech registration fee" of whatever they're calling it this month. We brought an ordinary desktop computer through customs and they demanded this of us. It took at least 90 minutes for the PSB officer to process the paperwork while we stood there. It's nothing but an extortion fee. The more gear you have, the higher the fee will be. I'd be prepared for $300.00 USD just in case.

If you are lucky enough to get professional camera gear into Beijing the rest is easy. Here is what you do:

1.) Drive out to one of the non-tourist parts of the Great Wall. There are only two areas near Beijing that are tourist-centric. The rest of the Great Wall simply lines the hills and you can walk up it. I suggest going to downtown Hairou or Beifang and hiring a local Miendi (bread-box, unlicensed cab driver) to take you. Don't show your camera gear...have it in a couple duffle bags. The Miendi driver will stay with you all day for a small fee (perhaps 10 dollars.) NEGOTIATE NEGOTIATE NEGOTIATE. Everything is negotiable in China, and the first price they quote you is 400% higher than what they're willing to accept.

2.) The Forbidden City is very easy to shoot in. I've shot stills in there several times. The rule is "no professional equipment without a permit." So, be smart and bring nothing more than the camera and a monopod. The Forbidden City is so vast that you'll find hundreds of spots you can shoot in without anyone noticing. If you bring lights or a tripod it will be obvious you're a pro.

Also, here are some pointers on internal costs for China:

1.) Eat at local, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. They'll cost you 1-2 dollars a meal for 2-3 people. That's not 1-2 per person...that's 1-2 dollars for the entire table. If you eat at a restaurant in a hotel or near a hotel the price is "tourist prices."
2.) Don't tip. They don't understand it. It isn't part of the culture. Suckers tip. Not even in a cab. Don't tip EVER. Suckers tip.
3.) Learn to count in Chinese. If you can count and say "Tai Gua Le!" (forgive the spelling, my Pin Ying is poor...it means, Too Expensive!) you'll do far better at negotiation. They'll be blown away by a foreigner who can count in their language.
4.) There is no such thing as vegetarian dishes in China. It may say "vegetable dish" but what they mean is "How about some vegetables with that meat?"
5.) Stay one night at an expensive, Western-oriented hotel...but if you really want to experience China (and save money) look for a local hotel for the rest of your journey. And when you get outside of Beijing hotel prices are negotiable (I kid you not!)
6.) When you go to Silk Street to buy stuff remember that all the prices are 1000% higher than what they'll except. If they say that Armani jacket costs $300.00 in the US but they'll sell it to you for $200.00, then they'll actually sell it to you for $20.00. Seriously.
7.) If you're going to buy pirated DVD's (and please don't!) ask for a store that specializes in "DVD-Jiao" (which means DVD-9, or dual layer DVD's.)

One final note...it is easy for 1 person to spend as little as $5.00 per day and have a great time in Beijing. It is actually difficult to spend more than $20.00 per person. The way tourists screw this up is they stay at the Holiday In Lido for the entire trip and shop at Expat grocery stores (like the fantastic shops across the street from the Lido.) If you want to experience REAL China don't make these mistakes. China will be the cheapest (and most fun) you've ever had if you do it right.

I can give you a ton of phone numbers and addresses for places that will help you out. PM me if you want more info. :)
 
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I would call the chinese embassy.Why? The Olympics.

With the media backlash that China has been receiving during the current Olympic torch relay over the world, I would assume very tight measures in therms of media and professional video gear.

As long as you explain your situation, show your employer's ID and expose the project in due time, however, I believe this is possible.
 
Prodigi Pictures said:
4.) There is no such thing as vegetarian dishes in China. It may say "vegetable dish" but what they mean is "How about some vegetables with that meat?"
Click to expand...

Darn, that would be a problem for me. Surely there is some way to say "No meat in dish, please" in Mandarin. Otherwise, I'll be eating at this fine establishment every day:

http://www.wcities.com/en/record/,191231/78/record.html

Anyway, good info on traveling in China! :thumbsup:
 
Prodigi,
If I am ever fortunate enough to visit China... I am taking you with me.
 
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Awesome advice Prodigi. Thanks for that.

Because we are strictly following a business group with regard to the Wall and the Forbidden City we have our hands tied to a certain degree. Well prob just have to take a mini DV camera with us as a backup if we cant get the HPX into those places.

Would be a real shame though not to be able to use it
 
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