Savvy, sustainable strategies for brands, producers, and marketing teams managing global shoots.
As anyone in marketing or production knows, filming can be a complex endeavor, full of obstacles and hurdles even for the shortest projects. Filming abroad adds its own layer of challenges and opportunities that require thorough research upfront.
Today’s creative teams are under immense pressure to produce more content across more markets, all while working with tighter timelines and smaller budgets. That’s the reality we face. But here’s the good news: with the right planning, solid partnerships, and local expertise, filming abroad can be just as smooth and efficient as shooting locally. It all comes down to mastering logistics, managing costs, and understanding those crucial local details that can make or break your ROI.
Here’s your updated guide to planning successful global productions in 2025, with insights drawn from decades of helping companies film anywhere in the world.
1. Plan Like a Producer
When shooting in a different country, your pre-production plan will determine everything, from budget and quality to your sanity.
Start early and map out these essentials:
- Crew sourcing and permitting: Confirm availability and application timelines
- Travel & logistics: Work with a global video production partner with multiple resources on the ground to secure the best rates.
- Time zones: Build your schedule with time differences in mind. When it’s morning in Los Angeles, it’s already evening in Berlin, and tomorrow in Tokyo.
Pro Tip:If you’re coordinating multiple markets, assign a single project lead or agency partner (like Global Media Desk) who can centralize communication across time zones. It saves days of back-and-forth and prevents costly overlaps.
2. Know What You Need Before You Go
The logistics aren’t glamourous—but they’re non-negotiable.
- Visas and customs: Some countries require shooting visas or temporary work permits, even for small commercial projects. Check your destination’s requirements through reliable sources like VisaHQ.
- Power and tech compatibility:Plug types and voltage standards differ worldwide. Always pack universal adapters, surge protectors, and confirm if your gear needs a step converter. You can find a list of electrical systems worldwide Plug, socket & voltage by country.
- Data & connectivity: High-speed data isn’t universal. Set up secure cloud storage and backup workflows before you leave, especially if you’ll be transferring footage across countries.
3. Go Local. It’s Sustainable, Affordable, and Faster.
Working with local production crews isn’t just a budget-saving move, it’s a strategic one.
Local professional crews bring:
- Expertise of the area: From navigating permits to accessing hidden-gem locations, local crews understand the terrain and bureaucracy better than anyone.
- Cost efficiency: You’ll eliminate most travel, lodging, and freight costs by hiring vetted local teams with their own gear.
- Speed and sustainability: Fewer flights mean faster turnarounds and a smaller carbon footprint, an increasingly vital metric for brands with sustainability goals.
At Global Media Desk, we’ve spent over two decades building a network of trusted local production partners, so your creative vision stays consistent no matter the country.
4. Know the Rules Before You Roll
Every country has its own playbook when it comes to filming. Some have fast online permit systems, others require weeks of processing. A few have strict drone or public-space restrictions.
Do your due diligence early:
- Check with local film commissions for updated permit fees and restrictions.
- Avoid national or religious holidays where businesses and locations may be closed.
- Understand cultural and regulatory nuances—what’s routine in one country might require special permission in another.
Pro Tip:Drone filming, in particular, is more regulated than ever. Many European and Asian countries now require advance permits or local licensed operators. If drones are part of your creative plan, build this into your pre-production schedule.
5. Build Flex Time Into Your Schedule
Even with perfect planning, things happen—weather shifts, customs delays, or last-minute client feedback.
Adding buffer days (and a contingency line in your budget) is the hallmark of an experienced producer. Smart teams treat flexibility as part of the plan, not a backup plan.
Final Take: Simplify the Global, Amplify the Creative
Need help planning your next film production project? At Global Media Desk, we help companies plan, film, and edit content anywhere in the world—matching you with the right local crews, navigating permits, and managing logistics from pre-production to post.
Let’s make it simple. Our in-house experts will help you plan every step.