Vision Works has been a service production house in Sri Lanka since 1995 — not a recent startup. Founded by Michael Magala, on set in broadcast since 1987, we are a member studio of the International Film Producers' Association (IFPA) of Sri Lanka, with 100+ feature films, TV series, commercials and documentaries delivered for local and international crews.
We handle the paperwork most shoots underestimate: National Film Corporation (NFC) filming permits, Department of Archaeology clearances for the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa), Department of Wildlife Conservation access for the national parks, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) drone permissions, and customs / carnet clearance for imported gear — plus fixers, location scouting, crew and owned equipment.
From Sigiriya and Galle Fort to the Ceylon tea country, the Knuckles range, Sinharaja rainforest and the east coast, our crews have recce'd, permitted and shot it — by people who have worked these locations for three decades.
Frequently asked
- Why film in Sri Lanka?
- Sri Lanka packs beaches, ancient fortresses, misty tea highlands, colonial railways, wildlife parks and tropical jungle into a compact, production-friendly island — most of it within a single day's drive, at a fraction of the cost of comparable locations.
- Does Vision Works handle filming permits in Sri Lanka?
- Yes. We manage National Film Corporation (NFC) approvals, Department of Archaeology clearances for heritage sites, Department of Wildlife Conservation national-park access, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) drone permissions, and customs / carnet clearance for imported equipment.
- How long do filming permits take in Sri Lanka?
- Standard NFC processing runs about three working days once the file is complete — budget roughly a week end to end. Archaeological, wildlife and drone clearances run in parallel. We start every approval the moment a shoot is confirmed, so permits are never the bottleneck. (Confirm current timelines and fees with us — government rates change.)
- Do you provide English-speaking crew and fixers in Sri Lanka?
- Yes — English-speaking line producers, fixers, location managers and full crew, plus owned camera, lighting, grip and audio packages. Our team has serviced international features, TV series, commercials and documentaries since 1995.
- Which locations has Vision Works shot in?
- Across the island — Colombo, Sigiriya, Galle Fort, the Ceylon tea country, the Knuckles range, Sinharaja rainforest, the northern provinces and the east coast.