WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA
The stunning capital of Colombia, Bogota has a rich cultural history and cosmopolitan feel. Its undiscovered and unspoilt filming locations allow filmmakers to screen beautiful sights and magnificent landscapes, with plenty to do and see, it is easy to see why it is one of the more popular filming locations.
One of the most diverse countries in the world, friendly locals are always willing to show you around. The best time to go to Colombia is in December to March, when the Andes are drier. September to October are the wettest months. The rainforest can be wet all year round, and the coast is hot.
The Colombian peso is the country’s legal tender.
Cinema of Colombia refers to the film industry based in Colombia, Colombian cinema began in 1897 and has included silent films, animated films and internationally acclaimed films such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA
The mix of locations covers urban cities, Caribbean coast and Andean mountains. There is a wide variety of landscapes in Colombia, most urban areas are well-connected with good roads. Close to urban centres mountains, lagoons, waterfalls, deserts and Amazon rainforests can be found. Cartagena is a good place to base productions that are looking to film in the Caribbean coastline, while Ville de Levya offers Spanish colonial style settings.
TAX INCENTIVES & CREDITS
There are two streams for incentives which have been effective at bringing in productions of all types. The CINA tax credit provides up to 35% on expenses. The two streams provide options for TV, film, advertising, music videos, post-production and animation work that exceeds USD450,000 local spend. There is also a VAT exemption on audio visual production services for international productions.
Safety and travel
Higher levels of caution must be taken in certain areas due to high levels of crime and terrorism. Do not travel to areas within 20km of the Venezuela border, within 20km of the Ecuador border (except the Pan American Highway border crossing of Ipiales and the Santuario de las Lajas), the cities of Buenaventura and Tumaco and the Darien Gap (except the town of Capurgana).
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PERMIT ,VISAS AND WORK PERMITS WHEN FILMING IN COLUMBIA
Visas & Work Permits
Filming permits in large cities usually take around two weeks to process, it is relatively simple to obtain a visa. Visitors to Colombia can stay for up to 180 days, but there may be restrictions if you are planning to work there. It is relatively easy to obtain longer permits in Columbia that will allow you to continue filming.
Film Location Permits for Colombia
Film projects can apply for an authorization to shoot in Colombia issued by the Film Directorate at the Ministry of Culture.