Anna Marie de la Fuente Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is launching a cash rebate incentive of up to 35% for the first time. Run by government agency RioFilme, the new program is aimed to benefit international productions that spend at least R$15 million ($3 million) in the picturesque beach city.The incentive makes it among the most attractive offers in the region, led by Colombia’s 40% cash rebate on local qualified spend and a 20% cash rebate on logistical expenses such as hotels, catering and transportation.
Rio’s neighboring city of Sao Paulo offers cash rebates of 20% to 30%. Uruguay, a popular shooting location in recent years, offers a 20% to 25% cash rebate for eligible expenses.Rio has already been luring big productions even before the new incentive existed.
Most recently, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” shot there. It has also been the site for “Fast Five” in 2011 and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” among many others.
The incentive encompasses films, television, advertising and animation. Music videos and video game shoots are not included.
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