Fueled by a rapidly expanding eco-tourism industry, Costa Rica boasts an infrastructure that few countries in the region can claim. The Central American country, which claims 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity, reported an estimated 2.6 million visitors in 2024, a 10% increase over 2023.
“It’s taken Costa Rica decades, some 30 years, to develop an infrastructure that covers every corner of this small country. So now that doesn’t mean that all our destinations, which we have many, are suitable for large-scale projects, some destinations we only use for photoshoots, others for commercials,” says Sergio Miranda, producer-owner of Costa Rica Production Services, who points out that in contrast to many similar countries in the region, 90% of its hotel rooms are located outside of the capital. Tourism has also spurred locals to speak and learn English, among other languages.
Miranda pointed out that Costa Rica’s neighbors “don’t even come close” to the diverse mix of beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and volcanoes in the same location.
When Mel Gibson couldn’t find infinite jungle and ocean vistas for his Mexico-set “Apocalypto,” he turned to Medina. “He called me one day and he said, ‘Look I can’t get these shots in Mexico. I remember all that beautiful scenery in Costa Rica.’ So, he hired me to lead the second unit here,” Medina recalls.
The consensus is that the current 11.7% cash rebate (for investments of $500,000 or more) needs to be increased to make Costa Rica even more alluring, especially for independent projects.
But the Film Commission, run by Marysela Zamora, prides itself on a quick return of the taxes in 90 days, which not many territories can claim they can do. In her speech at the Costa Rica Media Market gala, Zamora pointed out that they have been working closely with the national treasury, customs and natural parks to make Costa Rica even more film-friendly.
“What will bring studios to Costa Rica? Word of mouth from people who have been here would certainly help but security is paramount for them,” says Arnon Manor, CEO of Chemical Soup who was a Sony Pictures executive for 14 years.
Fortunately, the country’s decision to abolish its military in 1948 and to focus its resources instead on healthcare, education and environmental conservation has reaped invaluable benefits. It’s one of the most stable and safe countries in the region as a result.
Notes production designer Olga Madrigal: “I’ve been fortunate enough to work in different parts of the world, which always means adapting at extreme speeds. And one of the things that always catches my attention is team structure. Typically, in countries with more developed industries, teams tend to be proportionally larger. In Costa Rica, the crews are smaller but very effective and highly competitive. So, I think it’s a benefit to be able to deliver a high level of professionalism and effectiveness.”
“Crews here are more agile, faster. And most beaches are public so it’s easier to get shooting permits,” observes Chile-based Felipe Jimenez, COO of production company Twentyfour Seven, which has offices in eight different countries.
Recent years have brought more reality shows than feature films to the country, a reflection of the current state of the U.S. film industry, with most studios, even the once-generous streaming platforms, cutting back on costs. But some of these reality shows are just as demanding as any feature film, with hundreds of local and international talents involved.
“There’s a contagious sense of passion in Costa Rica – of belief in cinema, and in filmmakers– that’s rare to find. The warmth, attentiveness, and generosity of the people made me feel supported and seen. It gave me not just confidence in developing my next film there, but a genuine emotional boost as an independent filmmaker working without an agent or distributor. That’s the kind of creative energy I will carry forward,” says Puerto Rican filmmaker Rolando Gil Rosario, who’s hoping to find a festival berth for his recently completed debut feature “Ma, Despíerta.”
variety.com
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