When organizing a shoot in China, one key decision is whether to use a local Director of Photography (DP) or fly one in from overseas. Each option has its pros and cons—and when it comes to corporate shoots in China, the stakes are high: tight timelines, cultural differences, and production quality all come into play.
In this post, we break down the strengths of local vs. traveling DPs, and share what works best for corporate filming in cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
📍 Local DP in China: Pros & Considerations
Hiring a local DP for corporate shoots in China can offer significant advantages:
✅ Local Knowledge & Permits
- Familiar with local filming regulations and permit requirements
- Knows best locations, studios, and crew
- Easier to access equipment through local rental houses
🗣️ Bilingual & Culturally Fluent
- Many experienced local DPs are bilingual (English/Chinese)
- Understand workplace and brand expectations for Chinese and international clients
💸 Cost-Efficient
- No travel, per diem, or accommodation expenses
- Short notice availability in major Chinese cities
🧩 Integrated with Local Crew
- Often work with familiar camera assistants, gaffers, and grips
- Speeds up production and avoids miscommunication
✈️ Traveling DP: When to Bring One In
There are cases where flying in a DP makes sense, especially when:
🎯 Creative Consistency Is Crucial
- If a global brand requires a specific look or lighting style, a traveling DP ensures consistency across markets.
🧠 Director-DP Relationship
- If the DP has worked closely with your director or creative team before, this can lead to a smoother process.
🛠️ Specialized Experience or Techniques
- Some shoots may need DPs with rare experience (e.g., tabletop food, automotive robotics) that may not be locally available.
⚠️ Challenges
- Higher cost due to travel and visas
- Language barriers with local crew
- Longer prep and coordination timeline
- Possible delays with customs or carnet clearance
🏢 What Works Best for Corporate Shoots in China?
For most corporate shoots in China, especially in business hubs like Shanghai or Shenzhen, a local bilingual DP is usually the best fit:
✅ They understand the pace and professionalism required for executive interviews, factory walk-throughs, and internal comms.
✅ They’re plugged into local crew and gear networks.
✅ They help your production stay on schedule and within budget.
But if creative demands or brand continuity require it, we also support traveling DPs with crew, logistics, and equipment rentals in China.
🎬 How Shoot In China Supports Both Options
Whether you choose a local DP or bring one in from abroad, Shoot In China can:
- Provide bilingual local camera crew & assistants
- Manage equipment rental & studio bookings
- Handle permits, location scouting, and safety compliance
- Offer translation and remote client direction
- Coordinate smooth shoots in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and beyond
📩 Need Help Choosing the Right DP for China?
Let us know your creative needs, timeline, and budget. We’ll advise you on whether a local or traveling DP works best for your corporate shoot in China.
👉 Contact Shoot In China for a custom production plan today.