Powerhouse for Filming in South America
In the cinematic world, where location is everything, Chile stands as a Powerhouse for filming in South America, among Latin American destinations for audiovisual production. Since the early 2000s, this South American powerhouse has transformed itself into a premier filming destination, offering filmmakers an unparalleled combination of cost-effectiveness, production excellence, and a diverse landscape crafted by a master cinematographer's imagination.
This blog explores the advantages of filming in Chile, including the robust capabilities of its studios, and other compelling factors that position the country as an attractive choice for international production companies.
Location Scouting: A Diverse Range of Filming Settings
Chile's geographical diversity offers a wide array of filming locations, making it an ideal choice for commercial ad productions. Spanning approximately 4,270 kilometers from north to south, the country encompasses deserts like the Atacama, alpine regions in the Andes, coastal areas along 6,435 kilometers of Pacific coastline, temperate forests, and modern urban centers. Santiago, the capital, serves as a logistical hub with first-class infrastructure, including access to international airports and a well-maintained highway network connecting major regions. This diversity allows production teams to capture multiple settings such as desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and oceanfront scenes in a single day, minimizing travel time and costs.
The stable climate across much of Chile, particularly in central regions like Santiago, further enhances production planning. With predictable weather patterns, producers can schedule shoots with greater confidence, reducing the risk of weather-related delays and optimizing budgets for commercial projects with tight timelines.
Cost-Effective Production Excellence
Chile provides a cost-effective alternative for filming commercial ads without compromising quality. Production costs in Santiago, the primary production hub, are significantly lower than in many North American or European markets, offering savings on crew, equipment, and logistics. Local production services, including crew and equipment rental, are priced competitively, with rates often 30–50% below those in the United States, according to industry estimates.
Santiago's studios and production facilities deliver professional-grade infrastructure at Latin American rates, making them accessible for international brands and advertising agencies. These facilities regularly support global commercial productions, ensuring access to world-class technology, such as advanced lighting, sound, and editing equipment, tailored to meet the demands of high-budget ad campaigns.
Strength and Capabilities of Studios
Santiago is home to a robust network of production studios, with over 15 professional sound stages catering to film, television, and commercial projects. These facilities feature advanced amenities, including state-of-the-art lighting systems, climate control, construction workshops, wardrobe departments, and extensive storage spaces. While most sound stages in Chile are primarily used for television production, larger industrial spaces can be converted into studios to accommodate the needs of commercial shoots.
Although backlots are not currently available, the flexibility of Chile's studio infrastructure, combined with its proximity to diverse natural locations, allows for seamless integration of indoor and outdoor filming. Post-production services are also available locally, with facilities offering editing, color grading, sound mixing, and visual effects, ensuring a complete production pipeline for commercial ads.
Chile's pool of local talent further strengthens its production capabilities. The country has a small but highly skilled workforce of English-speaking directors, directors of photography, and crew members experienced in servicing international productions. Crew members, often part of professional associations, negotiate competitive rates while maintaining international standards, making Chile an efficient choice for ad campaigns requiring specialized skills.
Additional Competitive Advantages
Chile's production logistics are streamlined by its modern infrastructure and film-friendly policies. The country's well-developed road network and domestic flight options facilitate travel across its vast geography, enabling rapid transitions between filming locations. Additionally, Chile's safety record is a notable advantage, with the country recognized as a secure destination for international crews, minimizing risks during production.
The Chilean government and film commissions, such as CinemaChile, actively promote the country as a filming destination, offering support services like location scouting, permit assistance, and coordination with local authorities. These resources ensure smooth production processes, allowing advertisers to focus on creative execution rather than logistical challenges.
Why Choose Chile for Audiovisual Production with VGBND?
For brands and advertising agencies, Chile combines diverse locations, cost-effective production, financial incentives, and professional infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for filming commercial ads. Whether capturing the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert, the urban sophistication of Santiago, or the dramatic Pacific coastline, Chile provides the tools and environment to bring advertising visions to life efficiently and economically.
As the demand for visually striking and cost-effective commercial content continues to grow, Chile stands out as a strategic hub in South America, offering a compelling package of resources and incentives for production companies seeking to maximize their impact on a global stage.
Get in touch for more information about Production Services in Chile and Latin America here.
