Filming in China comes with unique challenges—from permits and language barriers to cultural nuances and tight production schedules. One of the first questions international filmmakers, journalists, and brands often ask is: “Should I hire a fixer in China?” The short answer? In many cases, yes. But not always.
Here’s a breakdown of when a fixer is essential, what they do, and when you might be able to manage without one.
✅ What Does a Fixer in China Do?
A fixer (also known as a local producer or coordinator) is your boots-on-the-ground partner—handling the logistical, cultural, and bureaucratic aspects of your shoot so you can focus on the creative.
Typical fixer duties include:
- Location scouting and permitting
- Crew coordination and translation
- Equipment sourcing and rentals
- Transportation and accommodations
- Schedule management and budgeting
- Government liaison (esp. for sensitive topics or foreign news crews)
- On-set troubleshooting
A great fixer not only translates language but also context—making sure you understand local norms, avoid cultural pitfalls, and stay compliant with Chinese regulations.
📌 When You Should Hire a Fixer in China
Hiring a fixer is strongly recommended in these situations:
1. You’re filming in multiple cities or unfamiliar regions
Cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and smaller provinces may have different regulations and limited English-speaking crew. A local fixer ensures consistency across locations.
2. You’re working on a tight schedule
Fixers streamline logistics, handle advance planning, and help avoid costly delays—critical when you’re filming on a permit window or tight travel plan.
3. You need permits or official access
Whether it’s drone flying, shooting in public areas, or accessing government buildings, a fixer can help you navigate the permit maze—legally and efficiently.
4. You’re covering a culturally sensitive topic
Social issues, political themes, or religious content require a knowledgeable local to ensure you don’t violate censorship laws or risk crew safety.
5. You don’t speak Mandarin
Even with translation apps, nothing replaces a bilingual fixer who understands industry terms and can relay your intentions clearly to local crew and authorities.
🙅♂️ When You Might Not Need a Fixer
There are times when hiring a fixer may not be necessary—especially if your production is simple or well-supported:
1. You’re working in a controlled environment (e.g., a studio or hotel)
If your shoot is indoors, pre-approved, and staffed with bilingual crew, you may not need additional coordination.
2. You have a bilingual in-house producer
Some companies travel with bilingual producers who already understand China’s filming landscape. In these cases, a fixer may be redundant—but local support is still a plus if things go sideways.
3. You’re renting equipment only
If you’re simply picking up gear from a rental house and filming run-and-gun content, a fixer might be overkill. But still consider a local contact in case of equipment or tech issues.
4. You’re working with a trusted China production company
If your partner company (like us at Shoot In China 😉) already offers full-service production, a separate fixer may be unnecessary—because the job is already covered.
💡 Best Practices When Hiring a Fixer in China
If you decide to hire a fixer, here are some tips to get the best results:
- Start early – Give them enough lead time to arrange permits, locations, and crew
- Be clear on deliverables – What do you expect them to handle: permits, crew, transport, catering?
- Ask for bilingual capability – Mandarin + English is a must for smooth communication
- Check references and past work – Ensure they’ve handled projects like yours before
- Align on fees and scope – Fixers may charge a day rate or flat project fee—understand what’s included
🎬 Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Fixer in China?
Hiring a China fixer is often the difference between a chaotic shoot and a well-oiled production. For most international crews—especially on their first China project—having a fixer is a smart investment. But if you’re shooting something small, simple, or already working with a full-service production partner, it might not be essential.
At Shoot In China, we’ve supported hundreds of foreign crews since 2012 with or without dedicated fixers—depending on the project’s needs. We’re happy to advise on whether a fixer is right for you, and if so, we’ll match you with one of the best.
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