Funding bodies
Fund Goal
Doctv Latinamerica is dedicated to the production and distribution of Latin-American documentaries. It is an initiative of CAACI and is officially run by the DOCTV RED, a strategic structure composed of seventeen audiovisual entities and twenty-two public broadcasters in the Latin-American region. Currently...
Fund Goal
IBERMEDIA's goals are to promote the development of audiovisual productions destined to the Iberoamerican market and their co-productions, to promote the integration of Iberoamerican companies in supranational audiovisual networks. To create a positive environment for the development, training and exchange...
Fund Goal
The Panama Film Commission is a division under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DICINE), created to promote and facilitate the filming industry to be developed in this country by giving the producers and directors of movies and tv programs the support and benefits in order to open new opportunities...
Regulation
Work permits can be obtained free of charge and temporary Residency Visas can be arranged for film industry projects.
Since Panama’s government is keen to develop their film and television industry, officials are often found to be accommodating to filmmakers’ needs. For instance, public city locations require permits, but these can be obtained free of charge and usually only take around 48 hours to secure. It should be noted that permits for private locations or national parks can often be more costly and negotiations for access can take longer to secure. It is important to register your projects with the Panama Film Commission, as their representatives will be able to advise you on the necessary official documentation such as visas and employment permits.
Since 1 July 2010, the standard VAT rate is 7 percent of the amount of the professional fees or of the value of the transfer of the personal property or commodities except for the import, wholesale, and retail sale of alcoholic beverages whose rate is 10 percent and, for the import, wholesale, and retail of all kinds of cigarettes and cigars for which the tax rate is 15 percent of the taxable base.
Film Commissions
Ciudad de Panama
The Panama Film Commission is a division under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, created to promote and facilitate the filming industry in this country by providing the producers and directors of films and television programs the support and benefits needed in order to establish new opportunities...
