If you’re planning a shoot in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or any major city, knowing how to rent film equipment in China is essential for a smooth production. China’s production ecosystem is well-developed, offering ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon, DJI, Aputure, Nanlux, and full grip packages. However, international crews often face challenges with logistics, communication, and local procedures.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right rental house to paperwork, insurance, deposits, and production support.
Why Renting Film Equipment in China Is Different
Filming in China offers many advantages—large rental houses, experienced crews, and competitive pricing—but the process works slightly differently compared to the US, UK, or Europe.
✔ Language & Communication
Most rental houses operate in Chinese. A bilingual fixer or producer is extremely helpful.
✔ Reservation Systems
Equipment often needs to be reserved 7–14 days in advance, especially ARRI and high-end lenses.
✔ Deposit Requirements
Some vendors ask for deposit, passport copy, or company guarantee, depending on the gear type.
✔ Travel & Transport Rules
Battery transport, drone permits, and shipping gear across cities require planning.
This is why many foreign productions prefer to work with a local production partner in China.
Step-by-Step: How to Rent Film Equipment in China
1. Plan Your Equipment List Early
Before contacting rental houses, prepare a clear list including:
- Camera body (ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon)
- Lens set (Sigma, Zeiss, Cooke, Angénieux)
- Lighting (Aputure, ARRI, Nanlux)
- Grip (tripod, slider, jib, dolly)
- Sound gear (boom, wireless, recorder)
- Drone or specialty gear
Having a complete list saves time and helps local teams check availability faster.
2. Contact a China Rental House or Production Partner
Most international productions choose one of two options:
Option A: Book directly with a Chinese rental house
Pros: lower rates, great inventory
Cons: mostly Chinese-speaking staff, limited support for foreign crews
Option B: Work with a production service company (recommended)
Pros:
- English communication
- No deposit required in most cases
- Coordinated transport
- Flexible last-minute changes
- Crew hiring and equipment in one place
This option is better for fast-moving corporate shoots, documentaries, events, or projects with tight schedules.
3. Understand Deposit & Insurance Requirements
Depending on equipment value:
| Equipment Type | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| DSLR / Prosumer | No deposit |
| Sony FX6/FX9 | No deposit with crew / small deposit without crew |
| RED / ARRI Cameras | Company guarantee or deposit |
| Cine Lenses | Deposit or must hire with technician |
| Drones | Operator license + no deposit if using local pilot |
Most rental houses prefer that gear leaves with a local cameraman or AC, especially for high-value kits.
4. Arrange Transport and Travel Logistics
China is large, and each region has different rules.
Your support team should handle:
- Local van with driver
- Battery transport limitations
- City-to-city gear shipping
- Airport/flight restrictions for Li-ion batteries
- Factory/shipyard access rules
This step prevents delays—especially when shooting in industrial or government-regulated locations.
5. Hire Local Crew for Efficiency
Hiring a China cameraman, AC, gaffer, grip, or drone operator often eliminates the need for deposits and speeds up equipment handling.
Local crew also provides:
- Faster setup
- Knowledge of Chinese locations & rules
- Easier communication with rental vendors
- Lower risk and better efficiency
International directors often choose:
- Chinese DP + your director
- Local AC + your DP
- Local gaffer + lighting package
- Full bilingual camera crew
6. Confirm Gear Before Pickup
Before shooting day, do a full check:
- Camera firmware
- Lens condition
- Batteries charging
- Matching accessories (SDI cables, plates, adapters)
- Lighting modifiers included
- Backup options
A local producer or AC normally handles this for you.
7. Return Equipment According to Local Rules
Rental houses in China check gear very carefully upon return. Allow extra 45–60 minutes for:
- Cleaning
- Lens inspection
- Accessory inventory
- Payment and invoice processing
If using a production partner, they usually handle the return for you.
What Equipment Is Commonly Rented in China?
✔ Camera Bodies
- ARRI Alexa Mini / Mini LF
- RED Komodo, Gemini, V-Raptor
- Sony FX6, FX9, A7SIII
- Canon C300, C70
✔ Lenses
- Zeiss CP.3
- Sigma FF
- Canon CN-E
- Cooke S4 / Panchro
- Angénieux EZ/Optimo
✔ Lighting
- Aputure 600D/1200D
- Nanlux 1200B
- ARRI Skypanel
- Tungsten/HMI options
✔ Grip Equipment
- Tripods, sliders, jibs
- Dolly tracks
- Gimbals (RS3 Pro, Ronin 2)
- Car rigs
✔ Aerial Filming
- DJI Inspire 3
- Mavic 3 Cine
- FPV options
Tips for Smooth Film Equipment Rental in China
- Book early during peak seasons (March–June, Sept–Nov)
- Confirm plug types, power distribution, and voltage needs
- Use bilingual crew for fast communication
- Avoid shipping gear internationally—Chinese options are cheaper and easier
- Always prepare a backup camera or lens
- Know local permit rules before flying drones or filming in public areas
Conclusion: Renting Film Equipment in China Made Simple
Understanding how to rent film equipment in China can save time, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth production experience. With the right local partner—providing crew, logistics, and bilingual support—you can focus entirely on the creative process while leaving the operational details to professionals.
If you need help with equipment rental, crew booking, permits, or multi-city logistics, feel free to reach out.
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We’re here to support your next production in China.