Costa Rica Emerges as a Top Global Content Hub with Tax Incentives and Talent

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Known for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica is making a strong case in the global marketplace. It offers attractive film incentives, a skilled bilingual workforce, political and economic stability, and a solid history from recent international film shoots. This makes it an appealing choice for producers looking for visual appeal and trustworthiness.

Under the leadership of producer Marysela Zamora, the Costa Rica Film Commission is driving innovative projects such as the Costa Rica Channel on Filmin and the Costa Rica Media Market. They have also assisted local filmmakers in significant events, created six cinematography-friendly regions, and established international collaborations.

Everything is aligned with a comprehensive plan titled “Costa Rica on Every Screen,” which aims to transform the nation into a versatile global content provider.

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Each item contributes to the larger goal of the strategy, “Costa Rica on Every Screen,” which strives to make the country a complete global content supplier.

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Everything you see is part of a broader plan called “Costa Rica on Every Screen,” designed to convert the country into a full-service global content provider.

(The aim is to present variations that convey the same meaning while sounding different and natural.)

Over the past four months, we’ve almost reached half of the permits we handled in total during last year,” remarked Zamora. He further stressed, “This surge indicates a rapid expansion of the industry, implying that Costa Rica should continue to be open, efficient, and welcoming towards film productions. With more top-tier projects on the horizon, it’s crucial for local experts to be well-equipped and ready to adapt to these rising expectations.

She expresses her intention of advocating for a larger tax refund and finding collaborators to establish a production studio. Director Hernán Jiménez shares that when he initially made films in Costa Rica, there was minimal government assistance, but this has significantly improved in recent years. After returning home to film his latest project, “April,” he reflects on this change.

Antonella Sudasassi, author of “Memories of a Burning Body,” noted: “Being small makes navigating Costa Rica straightforward, which is definitely beneficial. Enlarging our national film fund, El Fauno, and offering tax incentives to private film investors could boost the industry even more.” She also mentioned that international collaborative productions have been crucial in advancing her own projects.

Law 10071 of Costa Rica, known as the Film Investment Attraction Law, grants a 90% refund on local taxes, which equates to approximately 11.7% of the total production costs, for international film projects that invest $500,000 USD or more. This attractive incentive applies to various formats such as films, television series, advertisements, video games, and animation.

Despite increasing competition from countries like the Dominican Republic, boasting a horizon water tank facility, and Panama, actively wooing foreign investors to establish studios, Zamora remains optimistic about Costa Rica’s unique benefits.

Over the last few months, it’s been evident that film producers prefer Costa Rica not only for its beautiful landscapes and safety, but also because of our exceptionally skilled workforce. Our crews are often compared to those in Mexico or Colombia, thanks to their consistent involvement in significant productions. The unique blend of our talent, the country’s natural allure, and cultural richness sets us apart,” she noted, further stating: “Given this, I strongly believe that if we swiftly invest in studio construction and enhance our incentives, Costa Rica could ascend to become a leading destination for film production.

More recent film productions encompass Netflix’s “Celebrity Bear Hunt” and the Mexico-U.S collaboration titled “Dulce Colibri,” which were both filmed in the Chorotega area.

Approximately 120 audiovisual firms exist within the country, with around 10 to 15 of these focusing on large-scale productions. According to Zamora, they are anticipating a significant reality show that will employ roughly 300 production staff members, with approximately one-third being local hires. Moreover, some animation companies in this nation have supplied services to Marvel, Cartoon Network, and Tim Burton, she notes.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the allure of Costa Rica’s northwestern region, specifically the Guanacaste province. This region, graced with an international airport, has become a magnet for film production. Last year alone, film investment in Costa Rica reached $12 million, with a staggering $8 million being poured into Guanacaste. That’s quite the spotlight, wouldn’t you agree?

She mentions that we’re studying permit procedures, speed, and efficiency from different nations. In Costa Rica, filmmakers can trust that the film commission will assist them throughout their entire journey.

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2025-05-16 20:23