Want to Film in Brazil? FilmBrazil Shows You How
With a growing economy and a population of over 203 million, Brazil is one of Latin America’s most dynamic and attractive advertising markets. In 2024, the country registered over 11,100 independent production companies with ANCINE, which together produced nearly 40,000 commercials and generated around R$ 25 billion in the audiovisual sector.
However, before you book your flights and roll the cameras, it’s essential to understand local regulations. One of the key points to consider is CONDECINE – the Contribution to the Development of the National Film Industry.
CONDECINE is a mandatory tax applied only to audiovisual works broadcast within Brazil. It does not apply when the country is used solely as a filming location without local exhibition, nor to projects distributed exclusively online.
The tax amounts, which are reinvested into Brazil’s audiovisual industry to support independent production, vary according to the origin and production location of the work:
- Foreign commercials: R$ 250,210.57 (≈ USD 41,701)
- Brazilian commercials filmed abroad: R$ 64,949.75 (≈ USD 10,824)
- Brazilian commercials filmed in Brazil: R$ 4,466.26 (≈ USD 745)
For foreign companies, the good news is that productions carried out in partnership with Brazilian production companies benefit from significantly reduced fees. And that’s where FilmBrazil comes in, connecting international agencies and producers to top local talent, streamlining processes, reducing costs, and ensuring your project complies with all local regulations.
Requirements for a production to be classified as 'Brazilian work' and qualify for the lower CONDECINE rate:
1 – Brazilian production company registered with ANCINE: The work must be produced by a qualified Brazilian company.
2 – Director residing in Brazil: The director must be Brazilian or a foreigner who has lived in Brazil for more than three years.
3 – Production team composition: At least two-thirds of the technical team must be Brazilian or foreigners residing in Brazil for more than five years. Only one-third can be foreign — and this does not include the director or the director of photography.
Exception: Co-directing with a Brazilian Director
Foreign directors may co-direct projects in Brazil, provided they are accompanied by a Brazilian director who is actively involved in the production. This includes: presence on set, receiving a fee, and signing the clapperboard together. This exception only applies to Brazilian production companies with more than five years of experience and at least 240 commercials registered with ANCINE.
Registering Works with ANCINE
- Commercials: Must register a master copy plus five variations (total: 6 versions)
- Institutional films (retail): Require a master copy plus 50 variations (total: 51 versions)
- Registration fee: R$ 4,570 (≈ USD 761), valid for 12 months and covering all media
In addition to ensuring legal compliance, Brazilian partner production companies offer essential practical support: they act as cultural and logistical facilitators, bridge language and context gaps, and optimize production resources, resulting in more effective, authentic, and cost-efficient campaigns.
