I plan and organise shoots of every size, from small intimate sets to productions with more than 50 people, including luxury private jet shoots. Singapore is a great place to shoot: compact, efficient, safe and visually varied, from the Marina Bay skyline to shophouse streets and tropical greenery. It also has rules, weather and logistics that can derail a production if you plan as you would elsewhere. This is my checklist for a large shoot in Singapore.
Start with the brief and the number of people
The size of the crew drives almost every other decision. A five-person shoot can move between locations by car in an hour. A shoot with fifty people needs a holding area, toilets, catering, a call sheet down to the minute, transport and a clear plan for where everyone stands when they are not working. Write down the final deliverables first (how many images, which video formats, which aspect ratios for social), then work backwards to the crew and the schedule.
Locations and permissions
Most iconic locations in Singapore are owned or managed by someone, and filming there usually needs permission.
- Private venues such as hotels, malls and attractions around Marina Bay and Orchard Road have their own filming policies and fees. Ask early; popular venues book out.
- Public parks and gardens generally require permission for commercial shoots. Check with the managing agency for the specific park.
- HDB estates, MRT stations and other public infrastructure have their own managing bodies and approval processes.
- Shophouse streets are often lined with private businesses. Get consent from the shop owners whose frontages you use, and do not block walkways.
Allow several weeks for approvals and keep written confirmation on set. Requirements change, so check the current rules for each location rather than relying on old information.
Drones
Drone shots of the skyline are tempting, but Singapore's airspace is tightly controlled, with airports and restricted areas across a small island. Commercial drone use typically requires permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and a qualified operator, and many central areas are restricted. Hire a licensed local drone operator who handles the permits, and build the drone shots into the plan only once approval is in hand.
Weather and light
Singapore's weather is warm and humid all year, with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon during the monsoon seasons. Practical consequences:
- Schedule outdoor work for early morning, when light is soft and rain less likely.
- Always have a covered backup location within a few minutes' walk.
- Lightning alerts can stop outdoor work. Know where the crew will shelter.
- Protect equipment from humidity: silica gel, time to acclimatise lenses when moving out of air-conditioned rooms to avoid fogging.
- Heat is a real risk for talent and crew. Plan shade, water, rest breaks and cooling for wardrobe changes.
Crew, talent and paperwork
Singapore has experienced crews for photo, film and commercial work. Book key roles early during busy periods such as year-end and the weeks before major events.
- Use written agreements with every crew member and talent, including usage rights for the images and video.
- Get model releases for anyone identifiable, including members of the public if they are featured.
- If crew or talent come from overseas, check the current rules on working in Singapore with your adviser before they travel.
- Arrange insurance for equipment and public liability; many venues require it.
Crew from Malaysia and the Causeway
Many productions draw on talent and crew from Johor Bahru and the wider Malaysian market. The Causeway and Second Link can have long queues at peak times, so schedule call times with border delays in mind, and have a backup plan for late arrivals. Kit crossing the border may need documentation; check customs requirements well in advance. When the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link opens, cross-border travel for crew should become more predictable, but plan with current conditions.
Transport and logistics
- Plan vehicle access and parking at each location; central areas have limited loading bays.
- Use a production base with power, air-conditioning, toilets and secure storage.
- Plan catering that respects dietary needs. Halal, vegetarian and other requirements are common in a multicultural crew.
- Build buffer time between locations. Even short distances can take longer during peak hours or rain.
The private jet shoot as an example
A private jet shoot shows how every detail compounds. Access to the aircraft and the airport apron involves security clearances, strict time windows and safety briefings. The number of people allowed airside is limited. Every minute counts, so the shot list, wardrobe changes and lighting setups must be planned before anyone arrives. The same discipline applies to any high-value location: plan everything you can, so the time on site goes into creating.
Call sheets and communication
For large crews, the call sheet is the backbone of the day: call times, locations with maps, contact numbers, weather, nearest hospital, parking and the schedule. Share it the evening before, and use a messaging group for live updates. Assign one person to handle venue contacts so the director and photographer can focus.
After the shoot
Back up all files on two separate drives before leaving the location. Agree on delivery timelines and file formats in advance, and keep model releases and permits with the project files.
If you are planning a production in Singapore, around Marina Bay or Orchard, or across the border in Johor Bahru, see my shoot production page.