BRAZIL

The largest country in Latin America brings vibrant energy and jaw-dropping scenery to any production. Brazil offers everything from the Amazon rainforest and tropical beaches to modern cityscapes in São Paulo and Rio. We know how to navigate Brazil’s unique production landscape – including its requirements to partner with local companies for permits  and the need to register with Brazil’s film authorities. With Mission Control as your local producer, these bureaucratic steps are handled seamlessly. Major Brazilian cities boast world-class studios, equipment rental houses, and bilingual crew, while many areas throughout the country present opportunities for breathtaking shots. Plus, shooting in Brazil can often stretch your budget further – local crews, locations, and services can cost 30–50% less than in the U.S. Our experience across Brazil’s regions means we plan for efficient travel and logistics, whether you’re filming in a remote jungle or a busy metropolis.

• Travel Times: Direct flights from Paris to São Paulo take roughly 12 hours . Rio de Janeiro is similar, around 11–12 hours non-stop from Europe. From North America, flight times are shorter – ~9 hours from New York, and about 11 hours from Los Angeles (often connecting in a hub like Miami). Brazil’s major cities are well-served by international flights, though reaching remote regions (Amazon, Northeast) will require domestic flights.

• Weather: Brazil’s climate spans the tropics to the subtropics. The north (Amazon basin) is hot and humid year-round with frequent rain, whereas the far south (around São Paulo and beyond) has more defined seasons and milder winters . Generally, the dry season (April–September in central/southern Brazil) offers the most reliable weather for filming, especially in the interior and savannah areas. Coastal areas around Rio have a tropical Atlantic climate – warm and humid with a rainy season roughly November–March. In summary, you can find workable weather somewhere in Brazil year-round, but be mindful of the rainy season in each region (and the Amazon’s constant humidity).

• Film Industry Considerations: Brazil has a large domestic film/TV market commensurate with its size – its economy is among the world’s top ten, and the audiovisual sector is accordingly well-developed . Experienced crew and modern equipment are available, particularly in São Paulo (the country’s production powerhouse) and Rio de Janeiro. However, note that foreign productions are legally required to partner with a local Brazilian production company registered with ANCINE (the national film agency) . This local producer will handle permits and ensure legal compliance on behalf of the foreign crew. Brazil has a good reputation for sorting permits relatively quickly once a local partner is in place . Most professional crew in Brazil will have some English speakers (especially heads of department in São Paulo/Rio), but Portuguese is the working language – a bilingual fixer or producer is essential for smooth communication. Major rental houses in São Paulo and Rio can supply everything from Arri Alexa cameras to extensive lighting and grip gear; specialized gear can be imported with the help of your local partner if needed.

• Recommended Shooting Locations: Brazil’s landscapes are iconic and varied. The Amazon rainforest and rivers in the north offer lush jungle settings (although challenging to access, they are unmatched for tropical visuals). Rio de Janeiro provides a mix of urban and natural beauty – think sweeping aerial shots of the city’s coastline with Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer in view, or fashion shoots on its white-sand beaches. For car commercials, Brazil features dramatic terrain like the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain road with hairpin turns and misty vistas, or the endless sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses in the northeast for a surreal, otherworldly backdrop. Don’t overlook colonial-era towns such as Ouro Preto or Salvador for historic architecture, or the futuristic modernism of Brasília’sarchitecture for a high-end modern aesthetic. From waterfalls (the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls) to wetlands (the Pantanal) to palm-lined tropical beaches, Brazil has virtually every scenery a production could want.

• Production Incentives: Brazil’s incentives are typically region-based. The city of São Paulo offers a cash rebate of 20%–30% on eligible expenses for productions that meet a minimum spend (~BRL 2 million, about $360k USD) and work with a local producer . Rio de Janeiro has a municipal “Rio Film Commission” rebate program as well aimed at attracting foreign shoots (including advertising projects) to the city. On a national level, co-production treaties and Ancine’s funding programs can provide support if you partner with Brazilian producers (primarily for feature films or series). It’s important to engage a Brazilian line producer early to navigate these opportunities – they can help with registering the project to qualify for incentives and tax exemptions.

• Logistical Challenges: Bureaucracy in Brazil is notable – beyond the local-producer requirement , expect paperwork for gear importation (carnets) and personnel (visas or work permits if staying long-term, though short-term commercial shoots often use tourist status with the local partner handling formalities). The sheer size of the country means long internal travel times; reaching the Amazon might involve a flight to Manaus and then boat or charter plane to specific jungle locations. Remote areas (jungle interiors, wetlands) have limited infrastructure – you may need generators, satellite communications, and medical/safety planning (for example, the Amazon has wildlife and health considerations). In cities, traffic can be intense (São Paulo and Rio are known for gridlock), so schedule extra transit time for company moves. Also, while Brazil is generally safe for film crews, equipment security and personal safety should be considered, especially if filming in higher-crime areas or at night – hiring security or police escorts is common for shoots in certain urban environments. With a solid local partner and preparation, Brazil’s challenges can be managed, unlocking a wealth of unique locations and vibrant culture for your production.