First steps: producing in Rio
The Rio Film Commission (RFC) is the municipal government office of Rio de Janeiro dedicated to supporting audiovisual production in all formats, providing relevant information, assistance in obtaining permits, location scouting and all necessary support for on-location filming. The RFC also maintains a database of production companies, technicians, audiovisual equipment and service providers.
If you, dear producer, have plans to bring your production to Rio, please contact us. We will be pleased to give you fundamental guidelines from the beginning of your project. Solicitação de apoio
Filming in Rio is… easy!
The permitting process for the City of Rio de Janeiro is 100% digital, by completing a single form online. The information included in the form is sent to municipal departments, exempting the producer from presenting physical documentation or even going to service desks.
Since 2021, Brazil is no longer a signatory of the Istanbul Convention, which validated the use of ATA Carnet, the customs passport for cinematographic equipment.
Currently, the declaration of cinematographic equipment is done through the Declaração Eletrônica dos Bens do Viajante (e-DBV).
Filming in Rio is… expedited!
Filming at public locations takes from 7 to 15 work days to gather permits from municipal departments. Since the film permitting process is 100% digital, the producer can remotely keep track of the progress of the requests and receive the necessary permits for the production on computer, phone or tablet.
Some permits can be issued in seconds! If the production has a small crew, no need of equipment that requires assembly or installation, and takes place on public streets without interfering in traffic or sidewalks, the Rio Film Commission is ablet to provide a film permit in 24h.
Filming in Rio is… cost-effective!
The Rio Film Commission simplifies the filming requests at public locations free of charge, serving as a liaison between municipal offices and public services.
Did you know that there are no municipal fees for filming on streets? The only regulated production expenses are related to the green spaces, such as beaches, parks and environmental reserves.
Another advantage of Rio de Janeiro City as a film destination is the favorable exchange rate: in practice, the budget of a foreign production – in dollar or euro – can double or even triple the power of hiring local services and professionals.