Variety promotes São Paulo as a filming destination

We're delighted that the publication is highlighting a few of the many reasons to film in São Paulo (which we explore in more detail here). Diversity is the first reason and they quote Spcine president Viviane Ferreira describing this diversity as "the variety of locations — urbanistic and architectonic — but also the diversity of cultures, of histories that cross our city every day.” São Paulo state also gets a mention with its forests, beaches, waterfalls and mountains, all within a 2 to 3 hour drive from the city.

São Paulo's architecture is another draw, spanning colonial to Modernist and a dozen styles in between but the skyline is dominated by recently built high rises which Variety says "capture like few skylines the sense of a modern megalopolis."

Experienced, professional crews is another selling point they pick up on. "We have the biggest concentration in the country of production companies, highly qualified technicians and high-end equipment," says Ferreira. São Paulo attracts talented researchers, producers, videographers, set designers, editors and many more skillsets from all across Brazil and abroad.

Story Productions is delighted to count some of them amongst our core staff and wider network of collaborators. The need for reliable and talented local crews has become more acute in recent months as travel to Brazil has been restricted due to Covid-19. Remote directing documentaries, corporate films and other productions has been a solution that has enabled Story Production's clients to continue filming in Brazil during the pandemic.

Brazil is cheaper than it was, is another message that comes through in the article, stating that the Brazilian real has lost some 60 per cent of its value against the dollar since 2019. This obviously brings down shoot costs for clients spending in dollars, sterling or euros. Add to that the launch of the city's first cash rebate scheme on 6 October and São Paulo has become a more attractive destination to film in financial terms.

Last but not least, the success of the vaccination programme in São Paulo is highlighted by Variety. Numbers of new Covid-19 cases in São Paulo state are now down to their lowest point this year. Meanwhile, vaccinations are rolling out fast; all adults have had their first dose and 70 per cent of adults have had their second dose, with City Hall expecting that the process will be complete by November. For the latest updates on vaccinations and filming restrictions in Brazil during the pandemic go to our Covid-19 update page.

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