Filming in the Amazon
What you need to know
THE AMAZON IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST BREATHTAKING YET CHALLENGING REGIONS FOR FILM SHOOTS
With its vast rivers, lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and indigenous cultures, the gigantic swath of jungle known as “the Amazon” attracts productions from around the globe eager to capture the uniqueness of its environment.
However, successfully filming in the Amazon Rainforest requires careful planning, specialized knowledge, and a highly experienced crew.
Filming in the Amazon can be complex due to adverse conditions such as extreme heat, great distances, necessity of boat or chartered plane travel, high humidity, intense periods of rains and droughts, and the lack of infrastructure in many areas.
BRAZIL PRODUCTION SERVICES IS AN AMAZON EXPERT
Despite the challenges it presents, Brazil Production Services has extensive experience coordinating productions in the Amazon region, including documentaries, survival shows, commercials and feature films, many of which with highly complicated logistics, famous talent and difficult shoot schedules. Some of the projects we shot in the region include Netflix's Chef's Table, Amazon’s Road to a Million, and Discovery Channel's The Wheel.
Our teams of jungle guides, local boat captains and ex-Brazilian military jungle unit operators know how to navigate the obstacles the region presents so as to turn your Amazon project into a productive and safe experience.
A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT OUR AMAZON SHOOTS
Weather conditions in the Amazon
The weather in the Amazon is hot and humid for most of the year, with temperatures ranging between 23°C (73°F) and 33°C (91°F) year-round.
Rainy Season (December to June)
Crews should expect for it to rain everyday during this period. Peak rainfall happens between February and April. As a result, river levels rise significantly and submerge some locations.
Dry Season (July to November)
In this period, water levels drop significantly (several meters in some locations), revealing areas that are typically submerged earlier in the year and making other areas inaccessible by boat due to dry waterways.
The “monsoon” type of weather and seasonal changes that the region experiences directly impacts production logistics, making it essential for a production to plan its shoot according to the climate so as to maximize the shooting opportunities provided by the unique Amazonian environment.
Experienced local support and logistics
Although Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state, is a large city, it lacks the extensive equipment rental infrastructure found in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that foreign productions bring as much of their gear as possible when shooting in the Amazon. If this is not feasible, Brazil Production Services can facilitate equipment transport from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to Manaus, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful shoot.
Working with the right local crew is the key ingredient to a smooth production in the Amazon. At Brazil Production Services, we have highly experienced, English-speaking fixers and local producers in Manaus who are veterans at handling the challenges of filming in the rainforest and who can arrange for transportation and logistics needs by air, road or boat, which can be difficult to execute in the region.
These professionals include former members of the Brazilian Army’s elite Jungle Battalion, jungle guides who have lived in the area all of their lives, seasoned producers with extensive experience filming in the region, and biologists deeply connected to local conservation efforts — all bringing invaluable expertise to your project.
CHALLENGING SHOOTS BRAZIL PRODUCTION SERVICES
PULLED OFF IN THE AMAZON REGION
Safety IN THE AMAZON
Safety is a top priority when planning to film near Manaus or deep in the Amazon rainforest.
While in the city, it’s essential to be vigilant about urban safety concerns, similar to what you’d expect in towns like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. In the jungle, the natural environment poses unique challenges, from insects to the extreme climate, all of which require thorough preparation.
We recommend selecting crew members with experience working in harsh environments and taking essential precautions such as keeping vaccinations up to date (primarily for yellow fever), applying sunscreen, using insect repellent, and ensuring that your crew is covered by international health insurance.
Let’s shoot a project together in the Amazon
Reach out to us for more information on how to successfully film in the Amazon and to take advantage of our expertise in local logistics and support in the region. We’ll make sure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.