Costa Rica Seeks to Attract Film and Television Productions with Incentives. Costa Rica is considering granting incentives to attract international film and television productions, which are currently seeking other destinations in the region where they do receive economic benefits. The Legislative Assembly (parliament) is discussing an initiative supported by the government of President Carlos Alvarado to promote investment and development of international productions of films, documentaries, series, commercials and music videos. The country intends to compete with others such as Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, which offer tax incentives or cash refunds in exchange for investments in audiovisual productions. The initiative seeks to exempt taxes on income, as well as on the temporary importation of equipment and materials used in filming. It also plans to expedite the granting of visas to the personnel involved and facilities to process the required permits. The film commissioner said that Costa Rica hopes to initially attract projects of 3 to 5 million dollars, and in a few years, with more experience, to receive larger productions.
