Now is the Time to Film in São Paulo, Brazil

UPDATE: As of January 1, 2022, Brazil Officially Left ATA Carnet System - No Longer Accepts or Issues ATA Carnets. More Info.

A program to encourage international film production in the city of São Paulo, Brazil has been launched by Spcine, the state agency formed in 2015 to promote the development of the audiovisual industry.  They are now offering 20 to 30 percent cash refunds for local production expenditures by international productions that choose the city of São Paulo as a destination for production. Feature films (either live action or animation), series, or commercial campaigns filmed in whole or in part of the city will be taken into consideration for the program meeting their budgetary requirements.

Projects considered should have a minimum local expenditure of R$2 million. International productions that qualify for the cash rebate will be required to get authorization to film in Brazil from the Brazilian Film Agency Spcine and to partner with a local production company, which is responsible for obtaining the Spcine authorization.  Story Productions organizes the Spcine authorizations for many international clients, ranging from Fortune 500 to independent production companies.  More information on the specifics of project qualifications can be found at Story Productions or at Spcine. 

Add those savings to those from using an ATA Carnet to temporarily import your equipment into Brazil.  The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document and valuable tool for the temporary import/export of goods and equipment.  ATA Carnets are well known and utilized with great regularity by production companies filming internationally.  Their benefits include acceptance by foreign customs services, security, and the avoidance of import-duty and -tax on your temporarily imported production and filming equipment.

Did you know Brazil is the 85th country/territory to join the ATA Carnet system and it is only the third Latin American member country after Chile and Mexico? Brazil accepts ATA Carnets for professional equipment and exhibitions and fairs which covers most equipment needed for production though a few special considerations are required.

To find out more about ATA Carnets call our Carnet Helpline® (800) ATA-2900/ (800) 282-2900 or email one of our customer service representatives. We are here to help you get started.