Production services in the Philippines. Your crew on the ground in Manila.
Shooting a commercial, brand film or photo campaign in the Philippines? MKD Films provides local production services from Manila (producing, crew, casting, locations, styling and post) for international brands, agencies and production companies. Quotes and invoices in USD.
What we handle for you in the Philippines
Producing and pre-production
Local budgets, schedules, shot lists and run of show, with one producer managing vendors, bookings and logistics.
Casting and talent
Casting sessions, local talent and extras, with usage terms agreed in writing for the markets and media you need.
Locations and permits
Scouting and booking locations, and coordinating permits with local government units and property owners.
Crew and equipment
A local crew and kit scaled to the job, from a lean content unit to a full commercial team.
Art department and styling
Props, set dressing, wardrobe and food styling, briefed from your references and treatment.
Post-production
Editing, colour, sound and versioning in Manila, or organised rushes handed to your own post house.
Why shoot in the Philippines
- English is widely spoken, so briefs, call sheets and direction on set work without translation.
- Lower costs than Singapore, Hong Kong or Australia for crew, talent and locations.
- Variety within a short flight: modern cityscapes, heritage districts, beaches, islands, mountains and resorts.
- UTC+8: the same working day as Singapore and Hong Kong, and a short gap to Australia.
- A deep talent pool for Asian and multicultural casting.
Incentives for film and series
Film and series projects shooting here can look at the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP). Eligibility is set by the FDCP, so check its current guidelines for your project.
How remote and hybrid productions work
- Brief and quote. We turn your treatment or brief into a local production plan, budget and schedule, quoted in USD.
- Pre-production sign-off. Casting, locations, styling and the shot list are shared for your approval before the shoot.
- Shoot. Your team joins us on set, or follows along remotely with selects shared as the day runs.
- Post and delivery. We edit and grade in Manila and version for each market, or hand organised rushes to your post house.
Because MKD Films works alongside MK Digital’s media team, we can also cut the content for social and paid placements in the same job.
What it costs to shoot in the Philippines
Costs depend on the size of the unit, the number of shoot days, talent and usage, locations and permits, travel outside Metro Manila, equipment and post-production. Most international clients find crew, talent and location costs noticeably lower than in Singapore, Hong Kong or Australia for a comparable production.
We quote in USD against your brief or treatment, usually within 48 hours, with every line visible.
Selected productions
A brand film for RAION, campaign stills for MODO, behind-the-scenes production stills for La Cabrera, event coverage for Provenance, and brand content and art direction for Txoko Asador. See more on our video production page.
Content and media from the same team
Many international clients start with a shoot and stay for what comes after: outsourced social media management, paid media and ongoing content production, run from Manila.
Production services FAQs
Do foreign crews need permits to film in the Philippines?
It depends on the project, where you shoot and who is travelling. Foreign crews generally need the right visas as well as location permits, and the FDCP publishes guidance for international productions. We coordinate local permits and point you to the right agencies for the rest.
How much does it cost to shoot a commercial in the Philippines?
It depends on unit size, shoot days, talent and usage, locations, travel and post. For a comparable production, crew, talent and location costs are usually lower than in Singapore, Hong Kong or Australia. We quote in USD against your brief.
Can you provide a full local crew?
Yes. We scale the crew to the job, from a lean content team to a full commercial unit with art department and styling.
Can you shoot outside Manila?
Yes. We shoot across the Philippines, including resorts, beaches, provinces and heritage locations, and plan the travel and logistics.
Do you handle post-production?
Yes. We edit, grade, mix and version in Manila, or deliver organised rushes to your post house.
Can we pay in USD?
Yes. We quote and invoice international clients in USD.
How far ahead should we book?
For a commercial with casting and permits, allow several weeks of pre-production. Smaller content shoots can come together in a couple of weeks. Send your dates and we will confirm what is realistic.
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Metro Manila, Philippines
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