Location Spotlight: Uncovering Uruguay
Meet Magda, a seasoned professional with a background in communication and cultural management, making her a leading authority in the audiovisual realm. With extensive experience spanning agencies, media outlets, advertisers, and production companies, Magda possesses a holistic understanding of the industry, viewing it through multiple lenses.
Her career has taken her across borders, from Uruguay and Argentina to Costa Rica and Spain, enriching her perspective and enhancing her expertise. As a founding partner of Flehner Films Uruguay, El Clubfilms, and Zurfilms, Magda has spent over a decade shaping the market landscape, both domestically and internationally, crafting compelling content for television, advertising, and cinema.
Magdalena's portfolio speaks volumes, having produced global campaigns for esteemed brands such as Pringles, Gillette, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Orange, and Johnson & Johnson. With her visionary approach and unwavering dedication, Magda consistently delivers impactful results, setting the standard for excellence in the industry.
LBB> How would you pitch Uruguay to any production companies looking to shoot in your region?
Magda> Diverse and picturesque landscapes: Uruguay offers a wide range of landscapes, from white sandy beaches to quaint colonial towns and vast rural plains. These environments are perfect for a variety of cinematic scenes.
Political stability and safety: Uruguay is known for its political stability and safety, providing a peaceful and secure environment for filming.
Tax incentives and government support: The Uruguayan government offers tax incentives and support for the film industry, helping to reduce production costs for filming companies.
Filming infrastructure: Uruguay boasts a well-developed filming infrastructure, including production studios, technical equipment, and experienced industry professionals.
Access to local talent: Uruguay has a thriving artistic and filmmaking community, providing access to local talent in areas such as acting, directing, production, and production design.
Competitive costs: Compared to other filming destinations, Uruguay offers competitive costs in terms of production, accommodation, and logistics.
Rich and diverse culture: Uruguayan culture is rich and diverse, adding depth and authenticity to film productions shot in the country.
In summary, Uruguay as an ideal filming destination due to its beautiful landscapes, safety, government support, developed filming infrastructure, available local talent, competitive costs, and rich culture.
LBB> What are the main qualities of your region?
Magda> The region has a unique advantage of experiencing opposite seasons compared to the Northern Hemisphere. This allows for filming exteriors during times when it may be impractical to do so in the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, thanks to the Mercosur treaty, it is very easy to bring equipment, crew, and products seamlessly between Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
LBB> What would you say are the top locations in Uruguay?
Magda> In Uruguay, there are several attractive filming locations:
Punta del Este: With its white sandy beaches, modern buildings, and vibrant nightlife, Punta del Este provides a spectacular backdrop for ocean-related scenes and luxurious lifestyles.
Colonia del Sacramento: This historic colonial city features cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial buildings, and a charming atmosphere that can transport viewers to past eras.
Montevideo: The Uruguayan capital offers a blend of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and a rich cultural life. Locations such as the Ciudad Vieja, the Mercado del Puerto, and the Teatro Solís could be ideal for various scenes.
Valle Edén: Located in the Tacuarembó department, this valley offers landscapes of rolling hills, winding rivers, and picturesque forests that could be perfect for filming rural and natural settings.
Estancias and countryside: Uruguay is known for its extensive plains and rural estates. These landscapes are ideal for filming countryside scenes, gaucho activities, or any production requiring an authentic rural environment.
Termas del Daymán: Situated in the Salto department, these hot springs offer natural thermal pools, lush landscapes, and a relaxing atmosphere that could be ideal for filming spa or wellness scenes.
These are just a few of the many attractive locations that Uruguay has to offer for filming. The country's geographical and cultural diversity provides a wide range of options to meet the needs of various film productions.
LBB> What location would you say is most popular?
Magda> Montevideo and Punta del Este
LBB> Which location would you describe as the biggest attribute to local production?
Magda> Uruguay's greatest attribute isn't confined to a single location; rather, being a small country with minimal traffic and good road access allows for filming across multiple locations in less time compared to other countries in the region. This significantly optimizes budgets.
LBB> Explain the climate and the best/worst times to shoot in Uruguay?
Magda> The best time to film is from September to May, but it's worth noting that while the rest of the year may be cooler, Uruguay doesn't experience snow, heavy rainfall, or extreme weather conditions, and there are sunny days throughout all twelve months, making it favourable for filming. If filming indoors, every season is suitable.
LBB> What specific work permits/Visas are required to shoot in Uruguay?
Magda> Uruguay offers a relatively open visa policy compared to many other countries. Visitors from many nations, particularly those from Europe, North America, and neighbouring South American countries, often do not need a visa for short stays (typically up to 90 days).
For longer stays or specific purposes such as work or study, there are various visa categories available, each with its own requirements and application process. Generally, the visa application process is straightforward, and the Uruguayan government provides clear guidelines and assistance to applicants
LBB> How is the infrastructure in Uruguay for supporting large productions?
Magda> Uruguay boasts ample experience and support for long-term productions. With a well-established film industry and a range of skilled professionals, from crew members to production companies, filmmakers can rely on local expertise to facilitate smooth and successful shoots.
Additionally, the government provides support and guidance throughout the production process, offering incentives and resources to encourage long-term filming projects in the country.
During the pandemic, major platforms such as Amazon, Netflix, and HBO chose Uruguay for the majority of their Latin American productions and services. This decision was largely due to the rapid implementation of COVID protocols.
As a result, a solid foundation was established for subsequent productions, ensuring a safe and efficient filming environment for all projects. This was reflected in the consolidation of more studio space, increased equipment availability, and a larger, more specialized crew.
LBB> What have been your biggest/most successful production in Uruguay to date?
Magda> One of the most notable international productions filmed in Uruguay that garnered international attention was 'The Society of Snow' (La Sociedad de la Nieve). This film, based on the gripping real-life survival tale of the Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes in 1972.
The production drew interest for its deeply human story and dramatic backdrop. Although the bulk of the story unfolds in the Andes, part of the production took place in Uruguay, utilising its technical and human capacities to recreate some of the narrative's most intimate moments.
This film serves as an example of the kind of international projects that have sought out Uruguay as a location, benefiting from both its natural scenery and its developed and adaptable film industry.
It's worth noting that Uruguay has positioned itself as an attractive destination for international productions, thanks to its stability, infrastructure, and local talent in the film industry.
Additionally, the country has hosted several other international productions, although 'The Society of Snow' stands out particularly for its scope and the media attention it received.
LBB> As an outsider, what would you say are the biggest Dos and Don’ts in the region?
Magda> While the majority of the crew speaks English, we often face the challenge that there is a shortage of actors who speak English as their native language. In some productions, this can be a problem
LBB> What would be your number one tip to any coming to Uruguay to shoot a campaign/film?
Magda> For many producers, Uruguay may seem remote and often unfamiliar. My recommendation is that if it's the first time they consider Uruguay as an option, they consult with colleagues who have already had the experience. The majority have left very satisfied and surprised to find that such a small and distant country offers high standards of quality comparable to countries with highly developed audiovisual industries.
LBB> Where would you suggest a foreign production stay while they are in Uruguay?
Magda> Montevideo (the capital) and Punta del Este are the places that offer the most hotel options, restaurants, and are where the international airports are located
LBB> Where are the best bars/restaurants? Any hidden gems you could suggest?
Magda> Montevideo, Colonia and Punta del Este
LBB> Any other tourist recommendations?
Magda> If they have the time, I recommend exploring the entire Uruguayan coast. There are countless beaches and very picturesque towns with a wide variety of landscapes, accommodations, and gastronomy offerings. Montevideo is also a very unique and welcoming city with a culture that is distinct and unlike any other in Latin America.
