Co-Production Spotlight | Brazil

by Kiley Woods & Melissa Lahti

If you were to journey into the heart of Brazil's film industry, you would find yourself amidst a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and stories. The country's natural beauty and diverse landscapes provide a unique backdrop for filmmakers to weave their tales, while its rich cultural heritage and talented crews offer a wealth of inspiration and creativity.?

As you venture deeper into this world, you will encounter a complex regulatory environment, with rules and regulations governing every aspect of the film industry. You’ll need the guidance of local experts and the support of co-production agreements, to navigate these challenges and bring your vision to life.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Brazil's vibrant cities and tranquil countryside, you will find a community of passionate filmmakers, dedicated to creating stories that captivate and inspire audiences around the world. With careful planning, preparation, and a healthy dose of creativity, you too can become a part of this vibrant and dynamic industry, weaving your own tales amidst the tapestry of Brazil's film scene.

The audiovisual industry in Brazil encompasses a wide range of creative and technical professionals involved in film, television, video, and digital content production. Brazil has a rich history of cinema, with the first Brazilian film, "Os Estranguladores" ("The Stranglers"), being released in 1908. Today, Brazil's film and television industry is one of the largest and most developed in Latin America, with a growing focus on producing high-quality content that reflects Brazil's diversity and cultural richness.

Incentives are provided by the Brazilian government through the Audiovisual Sector Fund (FSA), which offers funding for Brazilian and international co-productions. The FSA provides financing for up to 70% of the production costs for Brazilian co-productions, and up to 40% for international co-productions.

To qualify for FSA funding, co-productions must meet certain criteria, such as having a Brazilian production company as a partner, using Brazilian locations, hiring Brazilian crew members, and having a distribution agreement with a Brazilian company. Additionally, the Brazilian government provides tax incentives to co-productions, such as exemption from import taxes on film equipment and tax rebates for production costs incurred in Brazil.

Co-producing a film in Brazil can be a great way to access the Brazilian market and take advantage of the country's diverse locations and talented crew members. Brazil has a well-established film industry, with many talented directors, producers, and actors. Additionally, the Brazilian government provides incentives for foreign productions to shoot in the country, making it an attractive destination for international co-productions.

To co-produce a film in Brazil, you will need to find a local production company to partner with. This company should have experience working with foreign productions and navigating the local regulations and bureaucracy. They can help you with the necessary permits, visas, and other logistical details.

Here are some films that have recently been successfully co produced in Brazil.?

"The Two Popes" (2019) Co-produced between Brazil, the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom, this film was nominated for four Academy Awards and won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and the BAFTA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

"Bacurau" (2019) - Co-produced between Brazil and France, this film won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was Brazil's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards.

It's also important to be aware of the co-production agreements that Brazil has signed with other countries. These agreements establish the terms and conditions for co-productions between Brazil and other countries, including the division of revenues and other financial matters. You'll need to ensure that your co-production conforms to the terms of these agreements.

Overall, co-producing a film in Brazil can be a rewarding experience, both creatively and financially. With the right partners and a solid plan, you can tap into the country's vibrant film industry and bring your vision to life on the big screen.

Apex-Brasil https://www.apexbrasil.com.br/

Cinema do Brasil https://cinemadobrasil.org.br/

Brazilian Film Commission Network https://www.brasilfilmcommission.org.br/

Rio Film Commission https://www.riofilmcommission.com/

Rio Film Commission https://www.riofilmcommission.com/