Filming in Brazil - English

Publicado em 27/07/2011 13h56 Atualizado em 25/02/2021 15h40

ANCINE’S NORMATIVE INSTRUCTION No. 79 OF OCTOBER 15, 2008 regulates the shooting of foreign audiovisual productions in Brazil.

1. What film/video categories are subject to mandatory prior notification to ANCINE?
With the exception of journalistic productions, all foreign audiovisual productions must comply with this requirement.

2. Is the foreign producer required to make this prior notification?
No. The foreign producer must enter into partnership with a Brazilian producer registered with ANCINE, who will report to our Agency on behalf of the foreign producer.

3. What actions is the Brazilian producer asked to perform?
In addition to acting as a channel of communication with ANCINE, the Brazilian producer is responsible for ensuring compliance to the legislation and for providing assistance for customs clearance of equipment as well as other forms of assistance.

4. How is the advance notice given?
The Brazilian producer informs ANCINE of their interest and responsibilities in such shooting/recording trough the Brazilian Government Services Portal.

5. What documents should the Brazilian producer submit to ANCINE?
The following documents are required (documents need not be certified):
a) a copy of the contract between the foreign production company - or their legal representative for the purposes of shooting/recording in Brazil - and the Brazilian producer, specifying mutual responsibilities, agreed form of remuneration and the duration of the contract;
b) a copy of the translation into Portuguese of the contract referred to above, when not originally written in Portuguese;
c) an initial shooting / recording plan specifying locations (town or city / state in Brazil) and dates;
d) a copy of the passport identification page for each foreign professional entering the country.

6. Who has the authority to issue entry visas for Brazil?
Visas are issued by Brazilian diplomatic representations abroad. Once eligibility requirements are met, ANCINE will issue a notification to the diplomatic representation concerned, which will then grant entry visas for foreign professionals. A copy of the notification is sent to the Brazilian producer.

7. Who determines the period of validity of the visa?
The period of validity of the visa is determined by the relevant Brazilian diplomatic authority in accordance with the shooting/recording schedule presented on application.

8. How long does it take for ANCINE to respond to prior notification?
ANCINE will respond to the request within five (5) business days, provided that the documentation is complete.

9. What should be done in the event of modifications to the shooting plan submitted to ANCINE?

Any later modification should be reported to ANCINE trough the Brazilian Government Services Portal. Listed below are the most significant modifications:

a) change of Brazilian diplomatic representation office;

b) changing of technicians or artists;

c) extension and / or change of the technicians’ or artists’ period of stay;

d) change in locations;

e) cancelation of the shooting/filming.

10. What agency should one contact in Brazil for customs related matters?

The Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil (“Receita Federal do Brasil”).

11. What other official sources of information for foreign producers are there?

For information on locations, contacts with the private sector, among other topics, please contact regional Film Commissions.

Send further doubts to the following e-mail adress: filmagem.estrangeira@ancine.gov.br

Address and telephone for contact:

ANCINE – Agência Nacional do Cinema

Assessoria Internacional

Avenida Graça Aranha nº 35 – Sala 305

Centro - Rio de Janeiro - RJ

CEP 20.030-002

Tel: (55) (21) 3037-6032