Renowned for its stunning landscapes and biodiversity, Costa Rica is emerging as a serious contender in the global production arena. With competitive film incentives, a skilled bilingual crew base, political and economic stability and a proven track record from recent international shoots, the country is positioning itself as a viable alternative for producers seeking visual richness and reliability.
The Costa Rica Film Commission, led by producer Marysela Zamora, has been spearheading new initiatives, including the Costa Rica Channel on Filmin and the Costa Rica Media Market. It has also facilitated Costa Rican filmmakers at key events, established six film-friendly zones, and forge international partnerships.
All these are part of a broader strategy, Costa Rica on Every Screen, geared toward turning the country into a full-service global content hub.
“In just four months, we’ve issued nearly half the number of permits we processed in all of last year—a clear sign that the industry is growing rapidly,” noted Zamora, adding: “This underscores the need for Costa Rica to remain accessible, efficient, and film-friendly. As higher-quality productions continue to arrive, it’s essential that local professionals are well-trained and prepared to meet the increasing demands.”
“We’re pushing for a bigger tax cash rebate and are seeking partners to build a studio facility,” she says. “When I first made films in Costa Rica, I didn’t get much state support, but that has dramatically changed in recent times,” says director Hernán Jiménez, who went back home to shoot his latest film, “April.”
Antonella Sudasassi (“Memories of a Burning Body”) remarked: “Costa Rica’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, which is a real advantage. Expanding our national film fund, El Fauno, and introducing fiscal incentives for private film investors could further strengthen the industry.” She added that international co-productions have been a key strategy in moving her projects forward.
Arenal Volcano Film Friendly Zone Huetar Norte
Costa Rica’s Film Investment Attraction Law (Law 10071) offers a 90% tax reimbursement on in-country taxes – about 11.7% of total production costs – for international projects investing $500,000 USD or more. This incentive covers all formats, including films, series, commercials, games and animation.
Despite growing competition from the likes of the Dominican Republic, which has a horizon water tank facility, Lantica Studios, and Panama, which has been courting foreign investors to build a studio, Zamora is confident of Costa Rica’s advantages.
“Over the past months, I’ve seen that producers keep choosing Costa Rica not just for its stunning locations and safety, but because of our highly skilled professionals. Many compare our crew quality to that of Mexico or Colombia, thanks to consistent experience on major productions. Our talent, combined with the country’s natural appeal and culture, makes us stand out,” she observed, adding: “That’s why I believe if we move quickly on building studios and strengthening our incentives, Costa Rica could truly become a top-tier production destination.”
Recent shoots include Netflix’s “Celebrity Bear Hunt” and Mexico-U.S. feature “Dulce Colibri,” both shot in the Chorotega region.
The country has about 120 audiovisual companies, among which 10 to 15 support large-scale productions, said Zamora who said that they were expecting a major reality show with some 300 production personnel, of which a third will be local hires. Some of its animation companies have provided service to Marvel, Cartoon Network and Tim Burton, she adds.
Costa Rica’s northwestern region, particularly the Guanacaste province, which boasts an international airport, has attracted the bulk of the location shoots. “Film investment in Costa Rica was about $12 million last year, and from that $12 million, $8 million was spent in Guanacaste,” Zamora pointed out.
“We’ve been learning from other countries about permit processes, speed, and efficiency,” she says. “In Costa Rica, visitors can be confident that the film commission will support them every step of the way.”
