Many clients call me asking to clarify the process to secure filming visas for Brazil. There are a number of steps involved and it's quite simple. The whole process takes from 5 to 10 days.
To film in Brazil you need to sign an agreement with a Brazilian production company. The Brazilian company must be registered with Ancine (Ministry of Culture).
Steps:
Steps:
1. Find a Brazilian production company that suits your budget and needs, check if they are registered with Ancine.
2. Once you're ready to go ahead with the job have them send you their production agreement. That agreement (signed by both parties), with a copy of the passports of your technician(s) traveling to Brazil, specifics of the job, equipment list (if applicable), will be sent to Ancine. Ancine will issue a letter to your local consulate authorizing the visa(s). Ancine portion can take from 1 - 5 days.
3. Your passports can now be dropped off at your local Brazilian consulate with the applicable forms/fees (these can vary from country to country). The consulate time frame probably will depend on how many vitally important drinks parties they have scheduled that week. If the visa is urgent the shedding of a few tears and gentle cries of persuasion come in handy.
Reasons for above? There are several including your country requiring Brazilians to have visas, Brazilian labor laws (number of Brazilians hired vs foreigners), general filming permit from Ancine, temporary import of equipment, and ensuring you are connected with a qualified local production service provider. The primary reason, however, is customs. Getting equipment, wardrobe, and any bulky production items through customs in Brazil can be a major pain if you don’t have the correct paperwork. A filming visa eliminates the pain. With the filming visa you can temporarily import equipment and related items (without customs duties) by bringing them as accompanied baggage. And/or your production service company in Brazil can do a temporary import of your equipment via shipment to Brazil on your behalf. See customs below.
Client and agency personnel qualify for regular business visas, no need to include with the Ancine authorization. UK and European passport holders (as well as some other countries) do not require visas for Brazil, in which case clients and agency do not need to apply for the visa. They travel on their passports and get a 90 day stamp on entry. Working film crew from these countries do, however, need to get the visa as outlined above. Visa rules change so always best to double check with the local Brazilian consulate.
Photo Shoots - Ancine does not authorize visas for photo shoots. Your production service provider can send a letter to your local Brazilian consulate stating that they will be responsible for your production in Brazil, and list the names and passport numbers of crew requiring visas. Take the letter to the consulate along with passports, application and fees.
Customs
Equipment or production items imported as accompanied baggage:
1. Your Brazilian production service provider pre-files your equipment with customs through their customs broker. The Ancine authorization is proof that the import is temporary. You arrive in Brazil and pass through customs usually without hold-ups. If you have a lot of items customs may verify the items, and customs broker will accompany the entry and verification. When leaving Brazil customs may verify the items again. If anything is missing you or your local production service provider will be charged import duties on items left in Brazil (since they are no longer temporary), unless you can prove they were lost or stolen. Note that custom broker fees will apply for this service.
Or
2. Upon arrival in Brazil your technician declares the equipment on form DBA, shows the visa and equipment list with serial numbers, values etc. The DBA process can be time consuming. If it’s a large equipment package go with option 1. More costly but ensures entry without hold-ups or problems.
Equipment or production items imported via shipment:
Your Brazilian production service provider files your equipment list with customs through their customs broker. The Ancine authorization is proof that the import is temporary. Once the shipment arrives in Brazil it usually takes from 3 - 5 days to clear customs. It is vital, however, that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. If there are mistakes in the filing there will very likely be hold-ups. Brazil has a reputation for bureaucratic customs issues, though in recent years it has improved considerably. Make sure your service provider and their customs broker have experience with the import/export process for productions. To be safe it is best to allow a minimum of 1 week to 10 days for clearance. Certain items such as cosmetics and certain liquids may have entry restrictions, so check these with the customs broker in advance. Some items may need to be transported as accompanied baggage to avoid hold-ups. Customs broker fees will apply as well as possible transport, storage, and port fees.
A foreign production company can do all the above (legally no less) – but unless you’re doing a major production, which includes opening a local production company in Brazil to handle all your local requirements – save yourself the headache. Contact a qualified local production service company or fixer who speaks your language. These companies are structured within the local laws, can apply for all your permits, make all your local payments. They have established relationships with local vendors enabling them to secure the best rates on equipment, locations, transport, hotels etc.
Brazilian production companies:
Utopia Films, my company, is based in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo and works throughout Brazil. We do the above on a regular basis – www.utopiafilms.com. There are many other qualified companies, check Film Brazil www.filmbrazil.com, or Ancine www.ancine.gov.br for a full listing.
