How to Film in Latin America for Smooth Production

Latin America is every filmmaker’s dream, thanks to its vibrant locations. From the beautiful architecture to the lush forests and beautiful cities, there’s a spot for every kind of video production.

Film production in Latin America saw significant growth because of this, with countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico becoming popular for global projects.

However, knowing how to film in Latin America means understanding local regulations, working with experienced crews, and adapting to the diverse environments each country offers. This lets you film your project and release it without any delays or setbacks. Thankfully, Latin America has plenty of skilled local crews that can help you get things done.

Film Permits in Latin America: What to Expect

Filming in Latin America is more than just taking your camera and pressing “record.” You’ll have to get the necessary permits.

For example, if you want to shoot a video at a National Park in Mexico, you’ll have to get CONANP three weeks ahead. Similarly, if you want to get footage at an archeological site, you’ll need INAH clearance. It’s better to plan for this at least 4-6 weeks before getting there.

On the other hand, filming in Colombia requires a dedicated film visa. The Colombian Film Commission offers access to all necessary permits. Argentina has INCAA, and Peru has SERNAP.

Each country in Latin America has its own rules, which is why the permits may vary as well. All setups, even small ones (i.e., a camera or a tripod), need to be authorized, so there’s no walking around the red tape.

Brazil requires all projects with foreign personnel to have ANCINE authorization beforehand. The good news is that once you have his authorization, foreign individuals from your crew can apply for a business visa this way.

Keep in mind that if you are bringing gear in, you must submit an electronic declaration for it beforehand. For example, Brazil does not accept ATA carnets.

There’s a lot of paperwork involved, which is why it’s better to hire local producers, and we can help you with this service. We offer easier access to gear, which means you will no longer have to source everything yourself. If there’s any piece of equipment that you must use for your production, our professionals can bring it in without delays.

Why Local Producers Matter

Latin America is a culturally diverse region. They have their own customs, their own business etiquette, and their own language. Unfortunately, that language is not always English. For example, the main language used in Brazil is Portuguese, whereas Argentinians and Mexicans speak Spanish.

This is more important than you think, because not preparing for this could lead to production stereotypes or inaccuracies. Something as simple as the incorrect greeting or an inappropriate representation of the customs can draw criticism.

This is what makes a local producer in Latin America an essential tool. We can offer cultural advice early on and navigate through language, systems, and networks.

Understanding local culture and slang also helps prevent potential miscommunication. It’s important to have native or bilingual production support in the crew, as they can easily engage with locals and explain the steps of the project.

The last thing you want when you shoot a documentary in Brazil is to accidentally insult the locals by eating wrong or gesturing rudely. They’ll not be as keen to work with you again unless you have a professional by your side.

Clementina, our International Production Manager, knows what it takes to pull off complex shoots in challenging environments. Her work in Brazil is a great example of how hands-on experience and local insight can make all the difference.

“The production for Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story in Brazil was a full production service, where we had to provide not only crew and equipment, but location, art department, logistics, and security. Every aspect of the production had to meet the highest quality. For example, during preproduction, the security company went through a thorough background check until approved, and there even was a market war between a couple of production companies to secure the equipment. All these situations require deep local knowledge to be able to navigate the production successfully.”

She also highlights the importance of cultural insight when working in remote or less familiar locations:

“Traveling to small cities or towns in Brazil, and securing talents, contacts, and locations require an understanding of the culture and the place where you are shooting. This was the case with Alisson Becker and our experience with Liverpool FC, where our local producer helped the crew navigate the culture. The crew had an amazing time and was able to bond with the community.”

Locations and Scouting Logistics

Location and scouting logistics are essential when filming in Latin America. You’ll have to choose the right film locations in Latin America and handle the transportation of your crew. Here’s what you should know.

Choosing the Appropriate Destination

You’ll have to choose a country that fits the needs of your production. Filming in Mexico comes with geographic variety, with its landscape featuring everything from beaches to mountains and deserts.

Filming in Argentina might be more appropriate when you want city settings or some natural winter scenery (e.g., the glaciers of Patagonia). For historic sites, you have Peru, and for greenery, you have the Amazon rainforest of Brazil.

You should be mindful of timing when you pick the perfect film destination. For example, filming during Carnaval season in Argentina or Brazil could lead to potential delays, as the area is flocked with tourists. The monsoon season in Brazil could make it more challenging to reach remote destinations, especially by boat or air.

It’s important to have someone such as Storytailors help you choose a suitable location. Our local crew can handle the scouting and find the spots that match your filming needs.

“Thanks to generous rebates, tax credits and equipment‑duty waivers, from Panama’s 25 % cash rebate and Costa Rica’s 90 % VAT refund to Ecuador’s 37 % Audiovisual Investment Certificate, Peru’s co‑production grants, Colombia’s 40 % cash rebate, Barbados’s film incentives, Jamaica’s 30 % employment tax credit, the Bahamas’ customs concessions and Puerto Rico’s Act 60 credits, shooting in these markets can save you millions, letting you reinvest in top‑tier cast, crew and production design. 

And in just a few hours’ drive, you can capture snow‑capped Andean peaks , coastal dunes in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, you can immerse yourself in the Amazon rainforest or Costa Rica’s cloud forests; relax on Barbados’s turquoise beaches; and then step into state‑of‑the‑art LED‑volume stages and cutting‑edge skylines in Bogotá, Panama City or San Juan. Whether you need remote glacial vistas, arid landscapes, dense jungles or cosmopolitan cityscapes, Latin America has the ultimate single‑continent shooting canvas.”

 Diana Ojeda, International Production Manager at Storytailors

Latin America Production Logistics and Transportation

You may have the perfect location on your hands, the permits are done, and the cultural aspect is handled. That said, unless you have the appropriate infrastructure, you may experience delays. Very often, this has nothing to do with talent. Instead, it has to do with roads, phone services, and more.

For example, locations such as Mexico City require little preparation to shoot a film. You have multiple modern facilities, and the Internet connection is reliable day and night. The roads allow for fast transportation, which is essential if you are shooting in multiple locations.

That said, not every spot is blessed with good infrastructure. For example, mountain shoots may be stunning, but they lack cell service and don’t always have power lines. Equipment may also break during transportation or a storm, which makes insurance essential.

If the infrastructure is not ideal, plan for generators and satellite communication. This should help you stay on track while you are filming.

Take Safety Precautions

Safety is important in Latin America, and we’re not just talking about bad weather and poor signal. We’re talking about crime and potential unrest.

For example, while crime dropped by 20% in homicides over a decade, Mexico is rising in terms of violence. Going with your film team unprepared could put you in danger. So, it’s best to work with knowledgeable professionals.

Health is another concern, as some areas in Latin America require vaccination against malaria or yellow fever. Filming at a high-altitude site may also lead to altitude sickness, which makes the acclimatization stage essential. Our local production teams can teach you the ropes, so you don’t accidentally put yourself at risk.

It’s always a good idea to have a plan B. For instance, if civil unrest makes one area unsafe, you should have an alternate site lined up.

Hiring the right production crew is essential for this, as they can use common sense to guide you to the next ideal location. The same level of logistical planning found in commercial video production in the USA should be applied when filming in Latin America, especially in areas with unpredictable conditions.

Good production companies such as Storytailors will have the permits set in advance, just in case you need something to fall back on.

The Bottom Line

Filming in Brazil or Mexico can be quite challenging, whether you are in that region or coming from abroad. You’ll have to research tax rebates, budget the project, select the appropriate location, and get the permits for it.

Doing all this while staying safe can prove challenging. It’s best to work with specialists who know the grounds. This makes our Storytailors experts a great addition to your team if you’re planning a Latin American production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)