Video production in Brazil for foreign brands.
To film in Brazil, a foreign production must work under a Brazilian production company registered with ANCINE, the national film agency, which files a filming notice before the shoot. ANCINE estimates up to 5 business days to reply, and the service is free. APeter Filmes is registered with ANCINE and runs the shoot from São Paulo.
What ANCINE asks for
The Brazilian production company submits the notice online with:
- The contract between the foreign and the Brazilian company, with responsibilities, payment and validity period.
- A translation of the contract, if it is in a foreign language.
- A provisional shooting schedule with dates and locations (city and state) in Brazil.
- A copy of the passport identification page of each foreign crew member.
The procedure follows ANCINE Normative Instruction No. 79 (2008), and journalistic productions are excluded. Source: gov.br.
What we handle
- The ANCINE notice and contact with the agency.
- Local crew and cinema equipment, including steadicam and drones (also FPV).
- Locations and city filming permits.
- Post-production: editing, color, sound and captions.
- Remote supervision when your team cannot travel.
Visas and equipment
Foreign crew members need the appropriate visa from a Brazilian consulate, so check the current requirements early. Equipment you bring goes through Brazilian customs (Receita Federal) as a temporary import. Many productions rent cameras, lighting and grip in São Paulo instead.
A typical timeline
- Brief, quote and contract.
- ANCINE notice: up to 5 business days after complete documents.
- Visas, location scouting and permits.
- Shoot.
- Post-production and delivery.
Our work includes films for Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Casas Bahia, Tirolez, Levitare and the Cargill Foundation, and the documentary Duzão: Back to Brazil, shot in Brazil about a Brazilian player with the Miami Dolphins. See our work.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a Brazilian production company to film in Brazil?
Yes. Foreign audiovisual productions must be carried out under the responsibility of a Brazilian production company registered with ANCINE, which files the filming notice with the agency. APeter Filmes is registered with ANCINE.
How long does the ANCINE notice take?
ANCINE estimates up to 5 business days, counted from the submission of complete documents.
Does the ANCINE notice cost anything?
No. The government lists the service as free.
Does this apply to news crews?
No. Journalistic productions are excluded from this procedure.
Can our team supervise the shoot remotely?
Yes. São Paulo is 1 to 2 hours ahead of New York and Toronto, so your team can join calls and follow the shoot during normal business hours.
Can you also edit the footage?
Yes. We handle post-production in house. See remote video editing.
Source: Obter autorização para realizar filmagem estrangeira no Brasil — gov.br (ANCINE).