Question 1

What does PAI stand for and which organization developed it?

Accepted Answer

PAI stands for Production Attraction Index, an initiative initiated by the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) to evaluate provincial attractiveness and production readiness for domestic and international film crews.

Question 2

How many provinces and cities are covered by PAI location database?

Accepted Answer

PAI currently features detailed filming location profiles across 34 provinces and cities in Vietnam, with over 300+ verified scenic locations and growing continually.

Question 3

What specific information is included in a PAI location detail page?

Accepted Answer

A location profile details: Location name, address, production-ready status, maximum crew capacity, scene descriptions, average permit lead time, hourly/daily fee rates, drone/flycam rules, utilities, and location maps.

Question 4

What is the PAI Score and what are its 5 evaluation pillars?

Accepted Answer

The PAI Score is a comprehensive metric (max 50 points) evaluating provincial filming attractiveness across 5 pillars (10 pts each): Pillar A (Financial incentives), Pillar B (Information & database), Pillar C (Field support & logistics), Pillar D (Permits & procedures), and Pillar E (Production infrastructure).

Question 5

What permits do foreign film crews require to shoot in Vietnam?

Accepted Answer

Foreign productions require: 1. A filming license issued by the Cinema Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism); 2. Production visas; 3. Aerial flight approval from the Ministry of National Defence for drones/flycams; 4. Local location notices or approvals from provincial Departments of Culture and Sports.

Question 6

What financial incentives and support policies are available across Vietnamese provinces?

Accepted Answer

Many Vietnamese provinces offer tangible incentives including: Full or partial location fee waivers at public heritage sites; Subsidized lodging rates at partnered 3-5 star hotels; Free street parking and logistics permits; Complimentary traffic and security escorts; and expedited customs for temporary camera equipment import/export.

Frequently Asked Questions about Filming in Vietnam

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