Shanghai: The Heart of China’s Film Industry
Shanghai film production thrives as the vibrant hub of creativity and innovation in China. Since its founding in 1908, Shanghai has been synonymous with Chinese cinema, offering a blend of historical significance and modern facilities. Today, it serves as the primary base for international film productions, making it an ideal destination for directors seeking authentic Chinese stories.
The city’s bustling streets, iconic architecture, and diverse landscapes provide endless backdrops for films. From art deco buildings to contemporary skyscrapers, Shanghai’s urban tapestry offers a unique visual experience. In this blog post, we explore why Shanghai film production is a top choice for filmmakers.
The Rich History of Film in Shanghai
Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, Shanghai has long been a melting pot of cultures and traditions. It was here that China’s first movie studio, Mingxing Studio, opened its doors in 1925. The city’s dynamic mix of architecture, language, and culture makes it an ideal setting for both period dramas and contemporary tales.
Shanghai’s history is rich with legendary filmmakers like Zhang Shichuan and Zheng Zhengqiu who pioneered the country’s early cinema. Their contributions laid the foundation for Shanghai to become China’s film capital. Today, the city continues this legacy with modern studios and cutting-edge technology.
Why Choose Shanghai Film Production
- Proximity to major markets: Situated near Beijing and Guangzhou, Shanghai is centrally located for access to diverse Chinese cities and regions.
- Diverse landscapes within reach: From the bustling metropolis to serene lakeside scenes, various locations can be easily accessed from Shanghai.
- Bilingual crew support: Our production team provides both Mandarin and English-speaking staff for seamless communication.
Shanghai’s strategic location in China makes it a convenient base for international productions. Whether you’re filming in the historic Bund or the futuristic Pudong district, Shanghai film production offers an array of options to suit any project’s needs.
Shoot in China: Your Production Partner in Shanghai
Established in 2012 from a 15-year partnership between Clark Wang and Matt Clarke, Shoot in China combines decades of video production expertise to deliver high-quality services for international clients. Based in Shanghai, our boutique production house has completed over 1,600 projects—from high-end commercials and films to documentaries, one-day shoots, equipment rentals, and logistical support.
Our team brings a wealth of experience:
- Matt Clarke: A UK film graduate with BBC experience, Matt has spent 16 years in China handling diverse production roles.
- Clark Wang: Since 2006, Clark has built an extensive network and leveraged his language skills to support projects for major global brands.
- Yann Ma: An award-winning documentary filmmaker with a Master’s in International Journalism, Yann is fluent in multiple languages and excels as a news fixer.
Comprehensive Services for Shanghai Film Production
We offer comprehensive production support, including bilingual crews, fixers, location scouting, casting, logistics, and translation. Our turnkey production covers every step—from creative concept and scripting to filming, editing, and screening.
- Post Production: English and Mandarin editing, animation, motion graphics, and video localization.
- Photography: Corporate, commercial, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes photography.
- Equipment Rental & Aerial Filming: Access to top brands like Canon, Sony, Arri, and licensed drone pilots for dynamic aerial shots.
Each service is tailored to meet the unique requirements of each project. For instance, our bilingual crews ensure smooth communication between international and local teams, while our fixers provide on-the-ground assistance with logistics and cultural insights.