The ATS team have created international sets for major UK productions such as SAS Who Dares Wins, Ninja Warrior‘s Global Franchise, The Titan Games, Big Brother and The Amazing Race in several different locations around the world.
Danny Sanz, Managing Director & COO of ATS explains how UK producers can best use international production locations.
From Jungle Trails to Island Shores: A Producer’s Guide to Choosing International Locations for UK Productions – Danny Sanz
When it comes to choosing the right international location for a production, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. At ATS, we’ve filmed everything from obstacle-based game shows on the remote beaches of Vietnam, to high-energy formats under the blazing sun of Cannes. Our work has taken us across continents, climates, and cultures, and over time we’ve learned that the right location is as much about strategy and logistics as it is about scenery and story.
We often describe ourselves as the international plug adapter of production. Wherever we go, we slot in seamlessly – bridging cultural gaps, translating expectations, and connecting UK productions to the right local networks. Whether you need a fixer in Bangkok, a gaffer in Malaysia, or a drone pilot in Myanmar, chances are we already know who to call – and more importantly, who to avoid. We understand how each country operates, how pricing works, and how to protect productions from costly mistakes, delays, or bluntly put – getting scammed.
Start With Your Format – Then Let the Location Work for You
Begin with what your production needs: Are you building multi-level obstacle courses over water? Do you need vast natural landscapes, dense jungle, rolling desert, or just a stable urban base? Some locations have offered us both coastal and forest environments within a 20-minute drive, allowing for quick company moves without sacrificing visual diversity. Others have provided immediate access to resort infrastructure, making them ideal for shows involving celebrity talent and nightlife energy.
Our rule of thumb? Let the location elevate your concept – not constrain it.
At ATS, we optimise what each country naturally offers to fit the format, whether it’s terrain, crew skillsets, or available equipment, so we don’t have to ship everything from our own workshop.Local Crews Can Make (or Break) the Schedule
A seasoned local crew isn’t just helpful, they can save your production. We’ve seen firsthand how invaluable local knowledge can be. In Vietnam, our lighting teams knew how to rig safely during fast-moving monsoon windows. In Costa Rica, our local ops navigated logistics with ease and worked in perfect sync with our English-speaking heads of department.
ATS productions benefit from having an international team at the core, with producers, directors, and technical leads from around the world. This diversity eliminates cultural misunderstandings and speeds up communication. We act as a production interpreter between UK standards and local customs, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
We always recommend:
- Vetting crews through trusted international production networks
- Hiring a bilingual fixer or local producer from the start
- Building in a crew onboarding period, especially for safety protocols
The difference between a smooth shoot and a costly delay often comes down to local know-how. One missed day can cost thousands. That’s why having a global-minded team with boots-on-the-ground expertise is non-negotiable. We know how to get things done, and how to get them done right.
Permits and Permissions: Start Sooner Than You Think
Permits can be one of the biggest hidden hazards in international production. Lead times vary wildly. In some countries, a beach permit can be granted in 48 hours. In others, you may wait weeks for approvals from environmental agencies, local councils, or, if drones are involved, even the military.
We’ve worked in regions where bureaucracy becomes a full-blown antagonist. Delays can be significant, and every day lost is money lost. That’s why we engage local authorities early, and we stay on top of ever-changing regulations, particularly airspace and drone laws, which evolve quickly across Europe and Asia.
Weather: Your Unseen Producer
Weather can be your biggest ally – or your most unpredictable challenge. We’ve had shoots blessed with golden-hour light, only to be forced into shelter by a tropical downpour hours later. Other locations provided dry, reliable climates but introduced midday heat risks for crews and cast.
Our golden rule? Plan for flexibility. Know your climate and build a schedule that breathes.
Financial Incentives: Understand the True Value
Cost isn’t just about currency exchange. Some countries offer cash rebates or tax credits that can transform your budget.
But beware hidden costs: gear shipping, hotel surges in tourist season, and customs duties can quickly eat into savings. Always budget for Carnets and import/export taxes, Local transport, fuel, and accommodation inflation, Delays in customs or unclear port regulations.
Sometimes it’s cheaper and easier to just go to certain countries that don’t offer tax incentives but are very cost-efficient and facilitate permits.
Top Challenges to Watch For
From our global work, here are a few common pitfalls to watch like Cultural norms, Power supplies and kit compatibility, Language barriers, Remote locations. Plan your logistics accordingly.
International shoots aren’t for the faint-hearted, but when done right, they elevate your content to a global standard. The key is combining UK production values with local insight, strategic prep, and cultural fluency.
At ATS, we believe the right location doesn’t just set the scene, it becomes part of the story. And with the right team, the world becomes your set.
Staff Reporter
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