Filming in Nepal can be an awesome experience, and it doesn’t take much to get permission from the concerned authorities to shoot in Nepal if one is well acquainted with the basic rules and regulations of the same.

First of all, foreign filmmakers are suggested to hire a local coordinator. Each coordinator then must represent the foreign filmmaker for obtaining any necessary permit. They are also responsible for representing the film company in any matter arising both during and after the completion of shooting in Nepal. Also, once you have chosen and hired a local coordinator, they will help you compile the necessary documents to present to the Ministry of Information and Communications, Film Development Board, Nepal and other offices on your behalf.

When a filming permit is granted, a Liaison Officer will be appointed by the Ministry of Information and Communications who is sent from the concerned government agencies to monitor as well as to give advice at the shooting locations. A filmmaker should be aware of the fact that filming is not allowed, under any circumstances, without acknowledgement of the Monitoring officer.

A nominal fee of Nepali Rupees 50.00 as permit fee (Nepali postal stamp) and Nepali Rupees 15,000.00 for censorship of visuals which have been filmed during the filming period are charged.

The filmmaker is required to pay the daily allowances, insurance, travel and accommodation expenses to the Liaison officer (Monitoring Officer). Likewise, payment for the services of the local coordinator is based on agreement between the coordinator and the filmmaker.

Ministry of Information and Communications as well as Film Development Board, Nepal have no involvement in this agreement, including the setting of rates for any of the services provided.

A filming permit enables foreign filmmakers to shoot in Nepal, however separate permits or consent letters are required for shooting at specific locations such as national parks, reserve areas, historical places etc. All arrangements, as far as possible, should be made in advance of shooting dates.

Production companies shooting TV commercials, documentaries, music videos and TV programmes should apply for permission at Ministry of Information and Communications where the process of application will be completed within just two working days. For other types of productions like feature films, docu-dramas, TV dramas, and mini-series, application should be submitted at the Ministry of Information and Communications at least

14 days in advance as the script approval must be sought from the ministry.

EXTRACT FROM MOTION PICTURE (PRODUCTION, EXHIBITION AND DISTRIBUTION) RULES, 2057 B.S. (with AMENDMENT)

–License to produce feature films shall remain valid for three years. As regards to other films, the license shall remain valid for only a year.

–Ministry of Information and Communications can depute a Liaison officer (Monitoring Officer) during the shooting of the film, and the producer should bear the cost of the Liaison Officer’s ground or air transport, accommodation and daily allowance according to the rules. While shooting in the mountain region, necessary clothes, tools and medical facilities should also be provided which are non-refundable.

–The film producer shall make an arrangement for NPR 300,000.00 worth of life insurance for the Liaison officer covering the entire tenure of outdoor shooting.

–In case of accidents during the shooting period where the Liaison officer succumbs to injuries, the film producer must bear the cost of his/her medical expenses and a lump sum amount decided by the Compensation Decision Committee formed according to law which will not exceed NPR 200,000.00

–In case the film producer is a foreign national, s/he must apply for permission at the nearest Nepali Embassy of Consulate General’s Office before making a public show. NPR 15,000.00 or equivalent of that amount should be deposited as royalty fees in A/C 1-1-5-99 and NPR 500.00 as censor fees in the concerned office.

–The film producer, in case a foreign national, must submit a copy of the film free of cost to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

–During the shooting of the film, the presence of Liaison Officer is mandatory.