State of São Paulo Launches Audiovisual Industry Development Plan
The State of São Paulo in Brazil is making strides to establish itself as a powerhouse in South American film and TV production with the launch of an Audiovisual Industry Development Plan. This initiative includes grants for movies that will be produced in international co-productions and the inaugural São Paulo Audiovisual Hub event scheduled for early July, aiming to become one of the largest film and TV markets in South America.
São Paulo-based companies such as RT Features and Gullane have been gaining recognition on the global stage for producing acclaimed Brazilian content. RT Features produced “I’m Still Here,” which received a best picture Oscar nomination, while Gullane produced “Senna,” the largest Latin American production to date. These achievements highlight the growing influence of São Paulo in the film and TV industry.
The Audiovisual Industry Development Plan, led by Marília Marton, São Paulo State’s secretary of culture, economy, and creative industries, aims to further support and enhance the local audiovisual sector. This plan follows the Paulo Gustavo Law, a post-COVID recovery initiative that injected $66 million into cultural activities, including film and TV production.
The São Paulo Audiovisual Hub event in July will showcase works funded by the Paulo Gustavo Law, featuring projects like “100 Days” directed by Carlos Saldanha and “Technically Sweet” by André Ristum. The event will also include lectures, workshops, masterclasses, and screenings of various films, as well as restored and digitized works.
Moving forward, São Paulo State plans to provide grants totaling $700,000 to 13 film projects, with four of them being international co-productions. The goal is to produce fewer films with higher budgets to ensure quality and impact in the industry. Additionally, a film commission and screenplay competition will be launched to support producers and screenwriters.
Under Marton’s leadership, audiovisual funding in the State of São Paulo is set to triple by 2025 compared to 2022. With the cultural economy and creative industries in Brazil experiencing significant growth, São Paulo’s contribution to this sector is substantial, representing 61% of the total industry.
