Hello fellow filmmakers I am a Canadian indie filmmaker and am planning to make a low budget indie film in the US next year. I am wondering if anyone knows what the visa requirement will be for me to make my own film in the US? I’m not getting paid by any production company and will be the one paying the cast and crew in the US to bring this project to life. Any info is greatly appreciated
Filmmaking / Directing : US Visa for Volunteer Filmmaking by Steven Merlo
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Why take the production to the US? Usually it's the US that takes their productions to BC. We have budget-saving Tax credits and so many locations that easily double for just about any other location.
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There are reasons that I can’t get into with this post! Filming it in BC is NOT an option!
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Being an indie filmmaker makes it a tad more difficult in your situation. Although the U.S is normally pretty lenient on Canadians, the pandemic has complicated things. Most Film Crew are required to obtain a temporary stay media visa, requiring proof that it's essential to your countries media, with a home office to be contactable.
If you can work with a union or secure a distributor ahead of filming, that would certainly help your chances. Their Travel.Gov website should clear things up.
Thanks. I appreciate that
There are a couple distinct visas for creatives/artists.
P-1 is for an artists coming to perform. Usain Bolt and Adele would need one.
A P-3 is for a cultural event - say if you were First Nations or going World Music festival.
An O-1B visa is specific for Motion Picture and the Arts - people coming to continue their work
A immigration attorney can surely fit you in one of those.
* Melania got a genius visa*
That' is my recollection, but get advice from someone qualified.
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Have you checked out Bambadjan Bamba's webinar about working in the U.S.? It has a lot of information about VISAs and it's free: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Pursue-a-Career-in-Acting-in-Ame...
Thanks, I’ll definitely check it out
If you're not hiring anyone here, it's just a visitor's visa. If in doubt, call US authorities at your border crossing, they'll clarify it for you an a couple minutes. You're not working or doing business, in truth. You may have challenges with Canada Customs in bringing equipment back and forth over the border and need to file some documentation with them to show it's not being imported back when you return.