ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

6 years, 11 months ago - Marlom Tander

Talk to the US Embassy. But if you go to them with that line, you have just implied that you are film production company, and they will seek to establish your bona fides in that role. That you have the expertise, background and FUNDING to make your film.

Or are you a writer who wants to go to the US to pitch? That I think is covered by the standard tourist/business visa, but do check with the Embassy. Doing so in writing and keep a printout of the correspondence would be a useful precaution.

If you are in the middle - want to run and gun shoot a student short - again, talk to the Embassy. At the very least show that you understand the permit, fee, licence and insurance requirements for each of your locations.

The USA frowns on people who break their rules and a several years to lifetime entry ban is the usual response if they catch you.

Many US productions are set in the USA but filmed elsewhere. Europe for deserts (Spain) and Canada for everything else.

6 years, 11 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Hi M, thanks for your reply. Well, I am a writer and filmmaker. I just want to go there and pitch or to make the film myself - short film. I don't know which one is easier? Maybe to go there to pitch?

6 years, 11 months ago - Marlom Tander

Def talk to the Embassy but I'm pretty sure that going to pitch - i.e. have business meetings - is covered with the basic Visa.

Actually shooting ANYTHING in the US in Locations means being up to speed with insurance and permits and law and writing location cheques, even if it's just a short. Unless it's all nailed down,. it's a money pit. You'd def want a US partner on the ground to set it all up.

Talk to the Embassy, but my gut is that a pitching trip is logistically easy. A shooting trip will be hellish messy and way more expensive than you think even without visa complications.

6 years, 11 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Thanks for your reply again. I think that too. I think the pitching trip would be the most easier. So, I think, I would prepare myself for that instead.

Have a nice day!

Buppha

6 years, 11 months ago - John Lubran

The scale with regard to the nature of the filming you want to do and the equipment you need to use has a significant affect on your options Burppha. The very high quality of some relatively small cameras and associated kit that's capable of broadcast and even theatrical application is also commensurate with private and informal activities and tourism. If there's no commercial purpose, as opposed to a private artistic activity, one need not make an unnecessary beaurocratic burden of it. What may or might not become of your private artistic tourism is not at issue unless you make it an issue. One can be entirely upfront and correct without transgressing any rules. Description of intent is everything so describe things appropriately.

On the other hand if it's going to be big production, and by that I include anything other than non commercial guerrilla style, then there'd be a fair bit of beaurocracy and box ticking to complete. That beaurocracy includes much enhanced requirements associated with drama, actors, unions and a whole lot more. It's less of a challenge even if still a palaver, for a British crew to shoot factual and documentary.

6 years, 11 months ago - Ronnie Mackintosh

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/permits.page

6 years, 11 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Hi Ronnie! Thanks for your reply and link. I found one section to be quite useful which says that:

"Setting up a U.S. production company can also make the process easier, as business transfer visas can be easier to obtain than other types of visas. This option may not be beneficial to all productions. Depending on how much production you do in New York City or the United States, it could be a viable option."

Again, it depends on how many productions I do in the US. But it seems to be an easier option?

I'm going to contact an immigration lawyer in London today to discuss about my options.

Thanks again,

Buppha

6 years, 11 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

Buppha, as an American, who has made short films in the USA, I'll say that making a short film is easier than pitching one.

Features are different.

I could tell you my experiences, but instead I'll point you to youtube. How many of those people do you think bothered with permits and the like? Outside of the big cities, probably none.

The thing I miss most about America is how easy it is to do business and make movies there. Especially outside of New York and California.

When I shot there, no one asked me if I had a production company. Or a permit. I didn't even know you needed a permit.

Now, most short films are normally for amateurs and students, right? The easiest way to get a visa to enter the US is a student visa. Apply for some night courses at a cheap community college, in acting or film or art, and then you'll have it made. The teachers might even help you with shooting permits, and you can use the college's insurance. You might even use the university's cameras, and shoot the shorts as part of your course.

If you have a British accent, use it.

America is a huge country. Miami is much more dangerous than Flagstaff. With the US, China or Brazil, you can't really generalise, you need to be more specific about where.

Cheers,
Vasco

6 years, 11 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Hi Vasco! Thanks for your advice. I think that would be an another good option as well. I didn't think about it. Yes, why not? I really want to shoot my short film there. I just don't know which way is easier. Now I can see some possible options. Thanks again.

Have a nice day,
Buppha