Painting Nepal in a Day: Nippon Paint’s Festival of Colors

Some shoots test your creativity. Others test your stamina. This one tested both and then some.

Nippon Paint’s “What Color Are You?” was a vibrant celebration of Holi, the festival of colors, but with the scale of an international feature film production. We had just one day to shoot across two of Nepal’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the morning and Patan Durbar Square in the afternoon and evening. The timeline alone made it intense. The scale made it something else entirely, a full scale commercial film production in Nepal executed under extreme time constraints.

We had more than 200 crew from Nepal, Malaysia, and India. Arri lights, massive grip setups, large generators, and support trucks came in from India along with the key grip, gaffer, and technical specialists. The cast wore a mix of Rajasthani, Nepali, and Newari style costumes, bringing cultural depth into the frame. Around 400 extras filled the streets, and two elephants decorated in full festive attire added to the visual scale. This was not just a shoot. It was a large scale international commercial production setup operating within heritage environments.

Shifting an entire production of this scale in a single day was a feat in itself. We started before sunrise in Bhaktapur, capturing the morning light, and then moved the entire unit to Patan for the afternoon and evening sequences. Every moment was planned to the smallest detail, yet execution demanded constant adjustments on the ground. Weather, light, crowd control, logistics, and timing all had to align. This is what film production in Nepal demands, and this is where experience in line production and fixing becomes critical.

What many people do not see is what happens after the cameras stop rolling. Cleaning and restoring both Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares to their original state took our expert team more than ten days. Every surface, every structure, every detail had to be returned exactly as it was. Filming in UNESCO heritage locations is not just about access. It is about responsibility, preservation, and respect for history and culture.

If you are up for it, watch the final commercial of Nippon Paint “What Color Are You?” and see how large scale commercial filmmaking in Nepal can come together when planning and execution align.

We play a vital role in Nepal’s film production ecosystem. In fact, we were among the first to make it possible for international productions to shoot here at this scale with precision and reliability. From Films & Adfilms to Location Nepal and Gautam Dhimal, the approach has always been the same, to handle every stage of film and photography production from initial planning, permits, and logistics to execution and final wrap.

Whether it is heritage sites like Bhaktapur and Patan, remote Himalayan regions, or complex urban environments, the system is built to handle projects of any magnitude.

WORKING IN UNESCO HERITAGE LOCATIONS IN NEPAL

Filming in locations such as Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square requires detailed coordination with authorities, strict adherence to preservation guidelines, and experienced production management. These are protected cultural sites, and every production must ensure that no damage, alteration, or lasting impact is left behind. From permits and crowd management to restoration and cleanup, every step is controlled and monitored.

COMMERCIAL FILM PRODUCTION IN NEPAL

Nepal has become a powerful destination for international commercial shoots, brand films, and advertising campaigns. With the right line production team, projects can be executed efficiently across diverse environments, from heritage architecture and cityscapes to mountains and remote landscapes. Production services include crew hiring, equipment logistics, permits, location scouting, casting, and full on ground execution.

PLANNING A FILM OR COMMERCIAL SHOOT IN NEPAL

Every successful production begins with the right questions. How do you secure filming permits in Nepal. Who manages large scale crew coordination. How do you execute shoots in heritage or restricted locations. What does it take to move equipment and teams across multiple locations in a limited time frame. How do you ensure safety, timing, and restoration after filming. These are the decisions that shape the entire production long before the shoot begins.

START YOUR PROJECT

If you are planning a commercial, brand film, television production, or large scale shoot in Nepal, the process begins with understanding your vision and translating it into a workable production plan.

From international advertising campaigns to high end visual storytelling, projects are executed with precision, efficiency, and complete production support.

Get in touch to begin your project. Email to mail@GautamDhimal.com

QUESTIONS THAT OFTEN COME UP

Can you film in Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square
Yes, filming is possible with proper permits and strict compliance with heritage conservation guidelines.

How do you manage large scale commercial shoots in Nepal
Through detailed pre production planning, experienced line production, and coordination across crew, equipment, locations, and logistics.

Do international brands shoot commercials in Nepal
Yes. Nepal is increasingly used for international advertising, brand films, and large scale commercial productions.

What permits are required for filming in Nepal
Permits vary depending on location, scale, and equipment, especially for heritage sites, public areas, and drone usage.

How are heritage locations protected after filming
Production teams are responsible for full restoration, ensuring the location is returned to its original condition.

Can you bring international crew and equipment into Nepal
Yes. International productions regularly operate in Nepal with combined local and foreign crew and equipment.