Explore South America

“On my first trip to Rio I remember sitting in a café people watching and thinking to myself this might be the most beautiful city in the world, and these are definitely the world’s sexiest people,” says Karen Watts, founder of Shoot Latin America. “It’s not their looks, it’s the way they carry themselves, the way they move.  They ooze sensuality and confidence.”

South America’s countries are some of the most unique countries in the world, as are their people and cultures. An artist’s palette of closely situated locations, low production costs, and infinite casting options, “faces you won’t find anywhere else,” are a magnet.  You can find every imaginable look in each country.

Brazil is like a whole world in one country and its approximate 5,000 miles of coastline has beaches that rival Hawaii’s and Australia’s.  The state of Minas Gerais boasts magnificent mountain regions that rival the Pyrenees and contrast with deep and winding canyons in Brazil’s central region.  The Northeast’s desert plains contrast with the magic of the Rain Forest and the never-ending meadows in the south.  And then there are the cities.  Some have achieved worldwide recognition—São Paulo, third largest in the world; exotic, erotic Rio de Janeiro, and futuristic Brasilia, the capital city.

For several years now Argentina has been the number one destination for foreign commercial producers, especially from Europe. Since the seasons are switched, producers can easily duplicate cities in Europe and surrounding areas while enjoying warm weather and excellent production values.  The capital city of Buenos Aires stands in for so many European cities. Yet, other cities with such incredible, unique landscapes are a short and easy flight from the capital city. Picture red seas of salt and deserts in the northwest, glaciers and ski resorts in the south, wineries dotting the mid section, pampas throughout, and the magnificent Iquazu Falls that border Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay in the north.”

Chile has been awakening its possibility for international film production, especially since the country is so economically vital. The urban energy of Santiago is stunning and the reverse seasons from the northern hemisphere are a strong draw for North American and European production. And travel is easier than, say, going to New Zealand or somewhere like that for snow in the US summertime.

The cost effectiveness of Colombia along with the locations, the professionalism, the excellent availability of equipment, not to mention some of the most beautiful women in the world for casting, makes Colombia a great place to shoot.  Colombia’s reputation as a dangerous country had changed drastically and is now considered as safe as any other Latin American country.

Venezuela has the longest Caribbean coastline in the world, spectacular locations of anything imaginable and summer all year round, but it is a country in transition politically.

Uruguay is starting to come into its own as a mecca for foreign film productions.  More and more foreign production companies are discovering the cost effectiveness and professionalism that Uruguay has to offer, as well as the gracious hospitality of the Uruguayan people.

Peru is one country that has been waiting in the wings for their turn to be truly discovered. Locations in this magical country are so unique; you cannot duplicate the historical sites such as Machu Pichu.

The remaining countries of South America have yet to be mined for their film production possibilities.  However, Ecuador has been trying to open itself up to more worldwide production.  Bolivia and Paraguay, as well as the rest of the countries of South America as enigmatic.