Production teams know that India offers incredible visual possibilities but that comes with significant operational challenges. Our role is simple: we remove the obstacles that typically consume your time and energy. From bustling cities to remote locations, Backpack Films provides the local expertise and logistical backbone for your documentary or corporate film production.
From research to delivery of footage, we handle every detail, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free production.
A skilled fixer is your most valuable asset when filming in India—choose poorly, and you'll face more complications than a Bollywood plot twist! Our experienced fixers don't just handle research, on-location producing, budgets, and translations; they're also part diplomats, part therapists, and part miracle workers.
More importantly, they're experts at keeping everyone's sanity intact during those inevitable 'only in India' moments. They know when to bring chai, when to crack a joke, and when to work their local magic to solve problems you didn't even know existed.
Applying for filming permits in India is like trying to find your way through labyrinthian streets of Varanasi! We cut through the red tape and guide you all the way from advice on the general filming permit and visas to permissions for trains and railway stations, monuments, markets, airports and wildlife parks across the country. Consider us your Jedi guides through the bureaucratic galaxies, helping you avoid the dark side of government offices.
Finding the right local crew can make or break your production in India. We connect you with skilled camera operators, sound recordists, grips, gaffers, steadicam operators and other specialists who understand both international standards and local filming conditions. We source professional equipment from vetted suppliers—latest cameras to comprehensive lighting packages, grip equipment, and pro-audio gear. Whether you need a lean documentary setup or a full commercial production package, we ensure your technical requirements are met with reliable, well-maintained equipment and experienced operators.
Authentic research requires genuine cultural immersion and local expertise. Our research team becomes your eyes and ears on the ground, identifying characters who embody your narrative authentically and locations that enhance your message. We provide invaluable cultural translation, explaining not just what's happening but why it matters historically and socially.
Can't make it to India for your shoot? No problem. Our experienced directors and producers excel at executing remote productions, working closely with your brief to deliver exactly what you envision. We handle everything from branded content and documentaries to talking-head interviews, B-roll, and aerial footage using top-tier hyper-local crews. We partner with exceptional local cinematographers and sound professionals while maintaining lean, efficient crews.
With real-time remote production solutions, your director and clients can monitor shoots live, provide feedback, and ensure the final product meets your standards—all without leaving your office.
We handle accommodation logistics with the same attention to detail as your shoot planning, finding options that prioritize crew safety while respecting budget constraints and location requirements. We work with dependable car rental companies and skilled drivers who understand both road conditions and production needs across India. When standard vehicles won't cut it, we source specialized transport—from equipment trucks and boats to tuk-tuks or even camels when your story calls for desert travel. Our travel team will coordinate all travel arrangements, from domestic and international flight bookings to train reservations across India's extensive railway network. Need to bring specialized equipment? We handle excess baggage logistics and cargo shipments, ensuring your gear arrives safely and clears customs without delays.
