In the competitive world of audiovisual productions, finding the perfect location for filming can make the difference between the success and failure of a project. It is within this context that the Portugal Film Commission stands out as one of the most attractive destinations for filmmakers and television creators from all over the world. With an unrivalled combination of landscapes, economic incentives, and highly experienced professional teams, Portugal has firmly established itself as a dream location for multiple high-level productions.

Diverse landscapes and locations

One of Portugal’s most outstanding features is undoubtedly its extraordinary diversity of landscapes. The country offers a wide range of natural environments, perfect for almost any kind of audiovisual production. From stunning beaches to mountain ranges, and from forests, plains, rocky cliffs, caves and rivers, Portugal provides settings that suit all types of visual narratives. Adding to this is the rich historical value of its locations: castles, monuments, churches, and walled cities that have witnessed centuries of history.

Besides its diversity of landscapes, easy accessibility is another great advantage. It is possible to travel from the north to the south of the country in less than five hours by car, allowing productions to access multiple locations in a single day. In addition, the country boasts a robust infrastructure, with six international airports, five international ports, and an efficient rail network, which greatly facilitates the logistics and transportation of equipment and personnel.

State-of-the-art technology and equipment

Portugal not only offers unique settings but also has modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology for audiovisual productions. The country continues to invest in the development of new filming areas and studios. Moreover, the local production teams are highly skilled and have extensive experience collaborating with international productions, ranging from films to commercials. Most of the staff are fluent in English, with many also proficient in Spanish and French, making communication and integration with international crews seamless.

A competitive incentive system

One of the most attractive factors for international productions choosing Portugal as a destination is its competitive economic incentive system, known as the Pic Portugal – Cash Rebate Incentive. This programme offers a support rate that ranges from 25% to 30%, depending on the results of the Cultural Test, with the possibility of increasing up to 40% in regions such as the Azores, Madeira, and other areas with low population density.

The investment requirements are accessible, with a minimum spend of €200,000 for documentaries and post-production, and €500,000 for fiction and animation. This incentive is available during two annual application stages, and it allows for advanced payments in instalments, making it easier for productions to finance their projects throughout the process. Additionally, the Portugal Film Commission provides continuous support to productions, offering all necessary information and contacts, while promoting strategic partnerships to enhance the production process.

International productions in Portugal

The success of these incentives has attracted major international productions. Portugal has been the setting for world-renowned series and films, including titles such as The Acolyte (a Star Wars original series), Damsel, Heart of Stone, Fast X, House of the Dragon and Rambo: Last Blood, to name just a few. Additionally, the country has hosted numerous Bollywood productions, showcasing Portugal’s versatility to adapt to different cinematic styles and genres.

A skilled workforce

Another factor that positions Portugal as a prime destination for audiovisual productions is the quality of its local crews. The Portugal Film Commission’s production guide includes hundreds of Portuguese professionals, such as screenwriters, cinematographers, cameramen, producers and directors, all with extensive experience in film and audiovisual productions. These professionals are not only skilled in the technical aspects of filming but also provide in-depth knowledge of the territory and the particularities of each location.