Filming in Brazil: A Practical Guide for US and Canadian Brands

Brazil offers huge cities, beaches, rainforest and farmland, a deep pool of film crews and a favorable exchange rate. For a brand or agency from the US or Canada, the paperwork is simpler than it looks, as long as you start with the right local partner.

Here is what you need to know, from a production company that runs shoots in Brazil for international clients.

1. You need a Brazilian production partner

Every foreign audiovisual production filming in Brazil must give prior notice to ANCINE, the national film agency. Journalism is the only exception.

You cannot file that notice yourself. A Brazilian production company registered with ANCINE files it for you, acts as your contact with the agency and helps clear your equipment through customs.

2. The ANCINE notice, step by step

Your Brazilian partner files the notice online. It includes:

• The contract between your company and the Brazilian producer, with responsibilities, fees and duration
• A Portuguese translation of that contract, if it is in English
• A shooting plan with cities, states and dates
• The passport ID page of every foreign crew member

With complete documents, ANCINE replies within five business days. Changes to crew, dates or locations after approval are reported through the same portal.

3. Crew visas

Once ANCINE approves the notice, it informs the Brazilian consulate you chose. The consulate then issues visas to your foreign crew, valid for the period in your shooting plan. Build a few weeks into your schedule for this step.

4. Equipment: bring it or rent it

Bringing your own gear means clearing it through Brazilian customs, which is regulated by the Receita Federal. Your local partner helps with that process. Many productions skip it and rent cameras, lighting and grip in São Paulo, which also saves on baggage and insurance.

5. Location permits

Filming on streets, in parks or in public buildings requires a permit from the city. In São Paulo, the city's film commission handles these requests. Private locations need a signed agreement with the owner.

6. Time zones and communication

São Paulo is 1 to 2 hours ahead of New York and Toronto, depending on the season. Your team can join pre-production calls and watch the shoot live during normal business hours.

7. A realistic timeline

1. Week 1: brief, quote and contract
2. Weeks 1–2: ANCINE notice and approval
3. Weeks 2–4: visas, scouting, casting and permits
4. Shoot
5. Post-production and delivery

If your team does not need to travel, the local crew can shoot while you supervise remotely, and the timeline gets shorter.

Planning a shoot in Brazil?

APeter Filmes is a São Paulo production company founded in 2018 and registered with ANCINE. We have produced work for brands such as Scania and Petronas and filmed projects with Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Durval "Duzão" Queiroz Neto. We file the ANCINE notice and handle crew, gear, locations and post-production for international clients.

Already have footage? We also edit remotely for companies and agencies in the US and Canada.

Tell us about your project and get a quote within one business day: Request a quote

Cover photo: Agustin Diaz Gargiulo on Unsplash