Filming in Brazil

Brazil’s official language is Portuguese and unlike many other countries in Latin America, Brazilians do not typically speak Spanish.

You should also not expect most locals, especially in smaller towns or remote locations, to be fluent in English. This language gap can present a challenge when coordinating with local crew, vendors, or authorities.

To bridge this gap, it’s essential to work with bilingual fixers and crew members who can facilitate communication and ensure that your production will run smoothly. At Brazil Production Services, we provide experienced, bilingual professionals who can successfully manage your project from start to finish.

The Brazilian currency is the Real (R$), and it’s essential to understand how financial transactions work in the country. Your crew will have access to ATMs in most major cities, and international credit cards are widely accepted.

However, cash or PIX transactions might be the only viable payment options in more remote areas. Transferring money internationally to Brazil can also be complicated and cause production delays due to local banking regulations.

Brazil Production Services simplifies this process by handling all local transactions and payroll through our corporate entities, ensuring you avoid costly delays or complications. We also advise budgeting for local taxes, which typically range between 6% to 17% of the total production cost depending on several factors. Working with us, given our financial structure, will save you money on taxes as well.

Depending on your production, you may need specific permits or visas, particularly if you plan to bring in foreign equipment or crew into the country. The processes to get your production to be compliant with local rules can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with Brazil’s bureaucratic way of doing things.

We recommend working with a local production company that can handle all of these processes on your behalf. Brazil Production Services is well-versed in the relevant Brazilian regulations and can obtain all necessary permits and approvals for you, keeping your production compliant and on schedule.

Safety concerns in Brazil can vary widely depending on where and what you are filming. While cosmopolitan cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have developed infrastructure, they also pose security risks, particularly for outdoor shoots in areas where production teams don’t have total control of a perimeter.

At Brazil Production Services, we assess the risks of every shoot and, if necessary, hire professional security details and special equipment (such as bullet proof cars) to ensure the safety of your cast, crew and equipment.

Security may be less of a concern in more remote areas, but planning ahead is crucial. Always ensure you understand the location's specific needs and risks before filming. We recommend that a thorough risk assessment is done prior to filming (something we can absolutely help you with).

While Brazil’s audiovisual industry is highly developed, most of its resources are concentrated in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

If you are planning to shoot in remote locations, you will likely need to bring in crew and equipment from these cities, which can increase your budget with travel and/or shipping expenses.

Hiring experienced local crew members and equipment providers is critical to a successful production. Although costs in Brazil may be lower than in the U.S. or most countries in Europe, the difference is less significant than some people may expect.

Plan for an average of 20% to 25% lower costs than in the U.S., but always factor in extra travel and accommodation expenses if your shoot is outside urban centers.

Each state of Brazil has its own unique culture, and understanding these cultural nuances is essential for a good production experience. Some processes in Brazil may move at a slightly different pace than in your home country.

For example, some tasks might take longer due to local customs or slower bureaucratic procedures, while others may happen faster than expected due to local expedient ways of doing business.

The best approach is to be flexible and adaptable. With years of experience working with foreign crews, Brazil Production Services can help you deal with these cultural differences and ensure that your project meets deadlines while respecting local customs.

Certain vaccinations may be required or recommended depending on where you plan to shoot. You likely won't need special precautions for productions in urban centers such as the cities of Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

However, if you’re heading to jungle regions, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) may recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, and other diseases.

Stay informed about the health requirements for your location to ensure your crew is fully protected. As with other points on this list, we can assist you in lining up any medical requirements needed for your shoot.

Keep in mind that Brazil is a very large country and so, oftentimes, are the distances between locations.

Additionally, large vehicles such as vans and trucks require drivers with special licenses. Unlike in some other countries, you won’t be able to have your local producer or PA drive large production vehicles such as a Sprinter van or a cube truck. Instead, you must hire a properly licensed driver arranged through bonded rental companies, which is the way we prefer to work.

Finally, Brazil’s traffic, especially in major cities, can be chaotic. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use local drivers familiar with the traffic patterns and local rules and requirements to ensure safety.