How to Film in Mexico as a US Production Company

More and more US production companies are choosing Mexico for commercials, documentaries, TV series, and branded content. The reasons are clear: lower production costs, world-class crews, and highly versatile locations.

However, filming in Mexico as a US production company requires proper planning, local knowledge, and legal compliance. Without the right support, productions can face delays, fines, or unexpected costs.

This guide explains how to film in Mexico as a US production company, step by step, and why working with experienced fixers in Mexico and producers in Mexico is essential for a successful production.

Step 1: Define Your Production Scope

Before contacting local partners, US productions should clearly define:

• Type of project (commercial, documentary, TV, film)

• Shooting dates and duration

• Number of locations

• Crew size

• Equipment requirements

This information allows local producers in Mexico to build accurate budgets and timelines.

Step 2: Hire a Local Fixer or Producer in Mexico

This is the most important step.

Why You Need Fixers in Mexico

Fixers act as your local production backbone. For US productions, they handle:

• Film permits and government approvals

• Location scouting and negotiations

• Local crew hiring

• Equipment rentals

• Logistics and transportation

• On-set problem solving

Attempting to produce remotely without a fixer is one of the most common mistakes US companies make.

Step 3: Understand Film Permits in Mexico

Do US Productions Need Permits?

Yes. Most professional shoots require permits, especially when filming in:

• Public streets and sidewalks

• Government buildings

• Parks and public spaces

• Historic locations

Local fixers and producers manage the entire permit process, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Permit Timelines

• Simple permits: 3–5 business days

• Complex locations: 1–3 weeks

Planning ahead is critical.

Step 4: Build a Local Crew

Mexico offers highly skilled, bilingual film crews with extensive experience working with US productions.

Common Local Crew Roles

• Director of Photography (DP)

• Camera operators

• Gaffers and grips

• Sound mixers

• Production assistants

• Line producers and fixers

Hiring local crews significantly reduces costs while maintaining high production quality.

Step 5: Equipment Rentals and Technical Support

Mexico City and other major hubs offer professional rental houses with:

• ARRI, RED, and Sony cameras

• Lighting and grip packages

• Drones and stabilization systems

Local producers coordinate equipment logistics, ensuring compatibility with US workflows.

Step 6: Budgeting and Production Costs

Why Film Production in Mexico Is Cost-Effective

Compared to the USA, film production in Mexico offers:

• Lower crew rates

• Affordable permit fees

• Negotiable location costs

• Flexible labor structures

US productions typically save 30%–50% compared to filming domestically.

Step 7: Legal, Insurance, and Compliance

US production companies must ensure:

• Proper permits for all locations

• Insurance coverage valid in Mexico

• Legal work agreements for local crews

Experienced producers in Mexico ensure all legal and administrative requirements are handled correctly.

Step 8: Logistics, Transportation, and Scheduling

Mexico’s major cities are large and dynamic.

Local fixers manage:

• Transportation and vehicles

• Equipment movement

• Traffic planning

• Security when needed

This local knowledge keeps productions on schedule and on budget.

Step 9: On-Set Execution and Local Support

During production, fixers and producers act as real-time problem solvers.

They handle:

• Last-minute location issues

• Schedule adjustments

• Authority coordination

• Cultural and language differences

This allows US producers to focus on creative execution.

Common Mistakes US Production Companies Should Avoid

• Filming without permits

• Hiring inexperienced fixers

• Underestimating permit timelines

• Ignoring local regulations

• Poor communication with local crews

Working with trusted fixers in Mexico eliminates these risks.

Why US Production Companies Work with Vista Motion Productions

Vista Motion Productions specializes in supporting US-based productions filming in Mexico.

We provide:

• Experienced fixers in Mexico

• Full production and line production services

• Local crews and equipment

• Transparent budgets

• International production standards

We act as your local partner from pre-production to wrap.

Conclusion

Filming in Mexico as a US production company is highly efficient when done correctly. With the right planning, professional local partners, and experienced fixers in Mexico, productions can achieve outstanding results at a lower cost.

Mexico is not just an alternative — it’s a strategic production advantage.