You know that feeling when you visit a new place and want to learn everything quickly, but you don’t know where to start? What do you do? You hire a local guide who shows you the way and gives you all the insider knowledge. The same goes for video production. If you’re shooting in a new location and aren’t familiar with the spot or the regulations, trying to figure it all out yourself will cost you valuable time.
Many international destinations offer incredible filming opportunities with beautiful landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures that provide perfect filming locations. That’s why smart international film and video production companies choose to hire local crews. Here are 13 key advantages that make hiring a local crew the smart choice for any international production.
“Stretch Your Budget Further Without Compromising Quality”
Local markets often offer incredibly cost-effective production environments. This means that you can get amazing results without stretching your budget too thin. Local film crews provide competitive rates and have solid vendor relationships that allow them to save you money on equipment and services. Essentially, you’re getting professional production standards at a fraction of what you’d pay in major production hubs.
Here’s how Camera Crew Spain made a shoot possible on a very optimized budget: for Intersports’s Spring / Summer campaign we were required to find a setting that resembled a generic European city. Instead of filming in a more expensive Northern European location, we chose Málaga to take advantage of Spain’s competitive crew rates and reliable vendor network. As a bonus, the region’s mild January weather ensured ideal shooting conditions without the seasonal delays that might have occurred elsewhere.
“Navigate Local Bureaucracy Like a Pro”
Skip the permit nightmares and regulatory headaches with local experts who know exactly which doors to knock on, which forms to file, and how to fast-track approvals across complex municipal systems. With their assistance, you will ensure that your production stays on track and compliant with local laws.
“From Inquiry to Action in a matter of seconds”
Get crew confirmation within 24-48 hours for standard productions, with same-day availability for urgent shoots and emergency response teams ready to pivot when breaking news or last-minute opportunities arise. Local filming crews ensure your project doesn’t miss out on crucial moments.
Here’s how we helped a client with an urgent shoot: Camera Crew Spain provided a fully equipped camera team within just 24 hours of the initial inquiry for a documentary about a horse clinic. The production needed to begin filming immediately, and thanks to our rapid response and strong local network in Spain, the crew was on location and rolling without delay.
“Never Get Stuck with Dead Gear Again”
Local film crews are well-acquainted with the best equipment rental houses and repair shops in their region. They can source equipment quickly, reducing the chance of downtime due to technical issues. Furthermore, they avoid the logistical challenges that come with transporting equipment internationally, such as airline restrictions and customs delays. This efficiency ensures that your shoot goes smoothly without the added stress of managing overseas gear.
“Unlock Hidden Production Gems”
Local crews possess in-depth knowledge of their region’s geography and culture. They know the best filming locations, hidden gems that might not be obvious to outsiders, and how to work with local authorities to secure them. Whether you’re looking for a mountain vista or a historic city square, local crews can guide you to the perfect spot and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
As in our experience with the Puma x JD Sports – Cali Dreams campaign, Camera Crew Spain selected unique and vibrant locations around Alicante, Spain to match the campaign’s fun and youthful vibe. With strong local knowledge of the Spanish market, the crew found fresh spots that perfectly fit the brand’s urban and stylish look.
“One Call Handles Everything”
When working with established local film crews, you can enjoy a streamlined production process. A single point of contact can coordinate everything from location scouting to permits, catering, accommodations, and post-production services. This level of integration simplifies logistics, reducing the need for multiple vendors and making the entire process more efficient and less stressful.
In fact, Camera Crew Spain gets to handle full video production services in 99% of cases, providing a seamless experience from start to finish across Spain.
“Speak the Same Language as Success”
Communication is key in any film production. Working with a local crew ensures clear and effective communication in your preferred language while maintaining cultural understanding. Professional local crews eliminate the need for translators and reduce the risk of misunderstandings. Moreover, local crews bring valuable regional dialects and cultural nuances to your project, giving it an authentic feel that resonates with local audiences.
For instance, during Mobile World Congress (MWC) shoots in Barcelona, our Camera Crew Spain team regularly works with international high-profile business leaders and professionals. Clear English communication is essential to keep everything running smoothly in such a fast-paced environment, from interviews and booth coverage to keynote speeches.
“Tap Into Local Production Inner Circles”
Local crews have well-established relationships with key vendors and location administrators throughout their region. These connections can provide valuable access to specialized equipment, services, and locations that may not be available to outsiders. Through these long-term partnerships, you can secure better deals and avoid the challenges of trying to negotiate unfamiliar relationships.
“Avoid Cultural Missteps That Kill Productions”
Cultural sensitivity is crucial when filming abroad. Local film crews are familiar with regional customs, business practices, and social nuances that can impact your production. They ensure that your project remains culturally authentic and that you avoid making mistakes that could offend locals or disrupt the production. Their knowledge of regional differences helps to create a positive atmosphere, both on set and in the community.
“Stay Legal, Stay Safe, Stay Shooting”
Working with a local crew ensures full compliance with regional labor laws. Different countries have varying regulations regarding working hours, mandatory rest breaks, and performer rules, and failing to comply can result in fines or delays. Local film crews are familiar with these regulations and ensure that your production runs smoothly without any legal issues.
“When Things Go Wrong, Know Who to Call”
In the event of an emergency, having local film crews who know the area can be a lifesaver. From knowing the nearest hospitals to providing assistance with medical language barriers, local crews ensure that help is never far away. Their knowledge of local health facilities and emergency protocols ensures that any potential health issues are handled swiftly and efficiently.
“Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While You Film”
In today’s world, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in production decisions. By hiring a local crew, you can minimize your carbon footprint by reducing the need for international travel and transportation. Local crews also tend to work with businesses that support sustainable practices, from eco-friendly equipment rentals to environmentally conscious catering options.
“Work with People Who Become Partners”
Working with local film crews allows for a unique human connection. The warmth and collaborative spirit of experienced local crews create a positive working environment that fosters strong, long-lasting relationships. These teams become partners who understand your vision and help bring it to life. The positive atmosphere leads to repeat business and a sense of community, which can be crucial for the success of future projects.
Hiring a local film crew offers many advantages for international productions. From cost-effective services and regulatory expertise to regional knowledge and fast access to equipment, working with a local crew can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of your production. Additionally, the cultural insights and personal connections fostered by local teams create an authentic and collaborative experience that can help make your film a success.
Camera Crew Spain has been helping international production companies with all these aspects since 2008 across Spain. We’re here to provide everything you need for a flawless production experience in Spain – whether it’s location scouting, securing film permits, offering local film crews, filming, editing, or even filming events. With us, you’ll have a trusted partner who knows Spain well, and we’re dedicated to making your project a success.
Let’s talk about your next project! Reach out to us today, and let’s make it happen!
