Planning shoots across India's diverse regions involves navigating permits, sourcing equipment, and coordinating complex logistics. We handle these operational demands so your production team can concentrate on making the film.
Looking for experienced film fixers and location producers in India? Backpack Films has been providing comprehensive film production services across India for over 25 years. Headed by Amit Vachharajani, our team of professional fixers and location producers specialize in documentary, corporate and branded content productions across India. International production companies and global brands trust Backpack Films for reliable, responsive and remarkable fixing and production services.
Documentary filmmaking in India means access to extraordinary stories in extraordinary places. From bustling metropolitan markets to remote mountain villages, we've helped capture amazing footage with global celebrities, adventure specialists, political leaders, film stars and culinary artists—each finding their unique narrative within India's diverse cultural landscape.
India's massive, tech-savvy population makes it one of the world's most dynamic consumer markets. Global corporations, tech giants, FMCG brands, financial institutions, fashion brands and social media platforms have established significant operations here—and they need compelling corporate content to connect with this diverse, influential audience.
I have worked with Amit for well over a decade back when we made Idiot Abroad and more recently on an extremely ambitious travel project. He is and always will be my first port of call in India, whether it be, getting the visas, gaining difficult access or managing complex shoots, Backpack Films have it covered.
I'd previously worked with Amit on a Gordon Ramsay series years ago, so I knew we were in safe hands. We were a fairly big team, often splitting across multiple locations, and taking high profile talent overseas always presents it's own challenges. Thankfully Amit and his fellow fixers worked hard to ensure that we were well looked after, and solved a number of issues which would have been near impossible to resolve without them. I would definitely use them again.
Casual has partnered with Backpack Films on more than 10 shoots across India over the past few years, with several different producers from our team working with them. Their crew is talented, hardworking, and dependable on the ground. Whether it’s corporate filming in the financial sector or more complex productions involving actors and multiple locations, they’ve shown flexibility and a solid commitment to delivering what’s needed often under challenging circumstances.
Amit and his team at Backpack Films are diligent, precise and practical. They tell you what can be done, and find alternative solutions where your requests are difficult to achieve. They care about your shoot, and making it the best it can be.
We've been working with Amit and his crew for a few years now and have always had a wonderful experience. As a New-York based production company, it's incredibly important for us to have trustworthy crews in areas like Mumbai where our clients have international offices. Amit and his team always deliver high-quality footage, exceptional creativity, and a very professional and easy experience from start to finish. I know that I can trust Amit to communicate directly with our C-suite clients and address them professionally and punctually. He has great attention to detail and really relieves our team of the usual stresses that come with international shoot coordination. Thank you again for all of your hard work!
Amit is genuinely interested in the ideas behind projects (I have approached him about two totally different projects and found him willing to engage with both of them) - I’ve always had a quick response to enquiries leading to a free-flowing exchange of ideas for locations and talent in India. Lots of parts of India become possible for filming in India based on Backpack Films’ depth of experience working with foreign crews across the subcontinent. We received plenty of practical advice and support for the completion of all filming permit paperwork. Backpack Films found ways of making possible our shoot in India despite the limited funds available to it. We came away with stunning footage from a rarely seen corner of India and a happy crew.
Working with Amit and Backpack Films was a pleasure and the guidance and support given from them was top notch. The result of what we produced was made all the better by having Backpack Films on our side. Appreciate them very much and wouldn’t question using them again.
"After working with Amit and the crew at Backpack I immediately told several of my other producer friends here in the states that I had a great partner for them in India. Working with this crew was excellent. They are super professional, easy to trust and you are going to want to grab drinks with them after. They are a collection of really talented and good hearted humans. 10/10 would work with them again when the opportunity presents itself."
Amit and Backpack Films were frankly indispensable on our shoot with Paul O Grady in India. From day one we knew we were in safe hands. Amit handled all of our production needs professionally, swiftly, and most importantly, with a smile. He is the go-to guy for British production companies needing a facilitator in India, simply excellent!
We love working with Backpack Films as they provide an excellent team who shoot beautifully, have great country knowledge and are a joy to work with.
"Working with Amit and Backpack films was an absolute pleasure. They insured our team was always up to speed and ready to go for all of our shoot requirements. From large scale shoots to small scale ones Amit and his team are nothing but professional and a delight to work with."
Amit at Backpack Films is simply our GO TO person, and I would strongly recommend him to anyone that plans to film in India. Our production has used him and his great supporting team on three occasions, shooting and scouting in multiple Indian cities and locations. He has an incredible knowledge of how things work in India, and his extensive experience & connections gave us invaluable production support across every area in the production process, from applying for our Visa’s, compliance, locations, finding people, sourcing local production assistance, helping with medical care, difficult shooting conditions and right through to the final edit. Throughout, Backpack films were a very big asset to our team Amit’s brilliant humour, professionalism and support carried us through many, many challenging shoots, often in hostile & tricky locations. His bespoke service based on the team’s magical needs was legendary. I literally expected miracles and I got them.
We've worked with Amit on a couple of tricky and unusual projects, at either ends of India. Each time, he's set us up with exactly what we need and has been perfectly reliable and responsive throughout. I don't think I'd risk filming in India without his support and his network!
Documentary and television productions require a "Filming in India" permit issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Applications must be submitted through the High Commission of India or Indian Consulate in your home country. The approval process typically takes 10-12 weeks and requires regular follow-up. We provide comprehensive guidance throughout the application process, including access to necessary documentation and website links.
India's filming permission framework varies by location type and governing authority. Archaeological monuments, airports, railway stations/trains, and wildlife parks each require permits from their respective regulatory bodies. Permissions may be required from central government agencies, state governments, or both, depending on the location. Municipal authorities in certain cities and towns also mandate local filming permits. We manage the entire permission process across all relevant jurisdictions.
Documentary and Factual Content: All crew and cast members require J (Journalist) visas, which can only be applied for after receiving the Filming in India permit.
Corporate and Branded Content: Business visas are required, obtained through an invitation from your Indian client with local operations. The visa processing time is typically 10-15 business days.
Both options are viable. For international equipment, you will need either an ATA Carnet or a Customs Exemption letter from the Indian High Commission/Consulate. ATA Carnets are recommended for substantial equipment shipments.
Local rental services are available in major film industry centers including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, offering popular camera, lighting, and accessory brands. For smaller towns and rural locations, equipment is sourced from the nearest major city. Please note that Indian rental houses provide supervised equipment rental services with technical personnel included.
India's established film industries provide access to experienced crew members including camera operators, sound recordists, and camera assistants. We provide detailed crew options with professional showreels for your review and selection.
