Why Shoot Your Film in India: A Guide for International Filmmakers
Dhruv Murarka
7/14/20252 min read
Introduction: India, the Global Director’s Playground
From the sun-drenched deserts of Rajasthan to the spiritual stillness of the Himalayas — India is not just a location, it’s a universe of stories waiting to be captured.
And guess what? It’s no longer just Bollywood’s playground. Increasingly, global filmmakers from Canada, the UK, the USA, France, Japan, Germany, and Australia are tapping into the cost-effective, cinematically rich, and logistically supported filmmaking environment that India provides.
If you’re wondering why shoot your film in India, consider this your comprehensive answer.
1. Cost of Filming in India: Unmatched Value for Global Studios
Let’s get this out of the way: India is significantly more cost-effective than most Western countries when it comes to:
Crew wages
Equipment rentals
Location costs
Set construction
Accommodation & logistics
Studios that spend $500,000 in Europe or the US can often complete similar-scale productions in India for 30–40% less, without compromising on quality.
2. Location Diversity Like Nowhere Else
India offers every kind of terrain imaginable:
Snowy Himalayan backdrops (think: “The Mountain Between Us”-style visuals)
Dense tropical forests (ideal for action/adventure)
Historic forts and palaces for period dramas
Bustling metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore for urban chaos or sleek modernity
Whether you're creating a dystopian thriller, a fashion-forward commercial, or an Oscar-bait drama — India can match your vision.
3. Permits & Fixers: Easier Than You Think (When You Have the Right Partner)
Sure, bureaucracy can get real in India — but that’s where Flying Stone Filmz steps in.
As a trusted Indian-based production fixer and international line production company, we’ve secured permits for shoots in:
Heritage zones (like Jaipur’s Amer Fort)
Forest and wildlife zones (with drone clearance)
Airports, metros, rail stations, and more
We manage end-to-end permit processes with government bodies, saving you months of paperwork hell.
4. Skilled Local Crew + Foreign Crew Support = Smooth Operations
Flying Stone Filmz has a curated database of:
DOPs, line producers, 1st ADs, gaffers, makeup artists, stylists
English-speaking unit managers & coordinators
Region-specific fixers and assistants
Experienced crew with Netflix, Amazon, BBC, and HBO credits
Foreign crew coming in? We handle:
Visa assistance
Customs clearance for equipment
On-ground hospitality
24x7 production logistics & ground transport
5. Transparent Budgeting & Production Support
Flying Stone Filmz ensures you’re never hit with unexpected costs.
We offer:
Budget planning based on exact script breakdowns
Transparent vendor pricing
Real-time tracking of crew, rentals, and shoot days
Financial reporting aligned to international standards
International Film Projects Shot in India (Case Studies)
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (UK)
Shot in Rajasthan — this film brought Jaipur to global screens and proved India’s appeal for emotionally rich, scenic storytelling.
Flying Stone Filmz insight: We now offer similar Rajasthan-based packages with pre-cleared location access.
“Tenet” (USA - Christopher Nolan)
Shot in Mumbai with full coordination between Warner Bros. and Indian line production teams. Complex action sequences, crowd control, and city logistics were managed seamlessly.
Flying Stone Filmz capability: Our team has executed similar multi-location schedules for US-based action projects.
“Lion” (Australia - Dev Patel)
Partially shot in Madhya Pradesh and Kolkata. Highlighted India’s potential for award-winning storytelling without logistical nightmares.
We offer cost-controlled OTT production models just like Lion.
Why Flying Stone Filmz is Your Go-To International Line Production Partner
We are not just fixers — we’re strategists, partners, and protectors of your vision.
Our services include:
Full line production services
Co-production structuring
Government incentive advisory
OTT and ad film shoot support
Foreign crew logistics & hospitality
Sound & post-production tie-ups
Ready to Plan Your Shoot in India?
📍 Flying Stone Filmz
Your International Line Production Partner in India
📧 info@flyingstonefilmz.com
📞 +91-8169210519
🌐 www.flyingstonefilmz.com
Let us take your story global — with India as your canvas.
About Flying Stone Filmz
Flying Stone Filmz is India’s premier international line production house, offering bespoke film production services with world-class precision. From majestic locations to elite crew sourcing, we specialize in crafting seamless, high-calibre shooting experiences for discerning filmmakers, studios, and global production banners. We don’t just manage shoots — we design cinematic journeys across India.
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