Uruguay: A Rising Star in Film and Television Production
In December 2024, Uruguay solidified its position as a major player in the film and television industry by co-hosting Ventana Sur, Latin America's largest film and television market, alongside the prestigious Cannes Film Market. This milestone showcased Uruguay's growing capabilities and contributions to the sector.
Uruguay's film and television industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, offering both production services for foreign shoots and opportunities for international co-productions. According to Marcio Migliorisi, head of international affairs at Uruguay's film-audiovisual agency ACAU, this dual focus has transformed Uruguay into a hub for film and television production in a volatile Latin American market.
One driving force behind Uruguay's success has been its skyrocketing international shoot scene. Since 2019, the country has hosted a wide range of productions, including Keanu Reeves' "The Conquest" and Bill Condon's prison scenes for "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Cimarrón, a pan-Latin American company based in Montevideo, played a pivotal role in the production of "The Society of the Snow," providing services that allowed director J.A. Bayona to accurately capture the mountain backgrounds and recreate Montevideo's old Carrasco Airport for the film's early scenes.
In addition to international shoots, Uruguay has also established itself as a destination for sizable international co-productions. The country's Uruguay Audiovisual Program (PUA) offers attractive cash rebates of up to 20%-25% for foreign shoots and co-productions, as well as a waiver of 22% VAT payments. These incentives have attracted global streamers and production companies to Uruguay, despite the rebate being capped at $1 million per title.
Uruguay's rise as a film and television destination is attributed to several factors beyond its financial incentives. The country's political and economic stability, coupled with its low production costs by international standards, make it a safe and attractive location for filmmakers. Additionally, Montevideo's diverse architecture and stunning landscapes offer a wide range of backdrops for productions.
Uruguay's local talent pool has also played a crucial role in the industry's growth. Over the last 15 years, universities in Uruguay have trained generations of highly skilled technicians, writers, and directors. This has kept shooting costs low and allowed the industry to develop specialized technical expertise.
As of December 2024, Uruguay has hosted over 48 international productions and is well-positioned to continue attracting major shoots from overseas. The industry's long-term goal is to leverage these opportunities to develop Uruguayan talent and further strengthen the country's role as a leading film and television production hub.