40-60%
Lower Production Costs
Compared to US and Latin American markets for crew and locations.
Production Support 2025 Guide
Peru Film Production: DAFO Grants & Incentives Guide
DAFO Grants — 40-60% Lower Costs — Extraordinary Locations
Peru's Competitive Film Incentive Program
100+
International Productions
Major film and TV projects filmed in Peru in recent years.
24/7
Production Support
Full-service fixer support from pre-production through wrap.
Peru offers exceptional value for international productions through competitive costs, experienced crews, and one of the world's most diverse filming landscapes - from ancient Inca citadels to Amazon rainforest.
DAFO Grant Programs & Production Support
Estímulos Económicos
Peru's Ministry of Culture administers Estímulos Económicos for film and audiovisual projects through DAFO (Dirección del Audiovisual, la Fonografía y los Nuevos Medios). The grant-based system offers funding across 17 categories through annual competitive applications under Decreto de Urgencia 022-2019, Peru's 2019 Film Law.
- Minority co-production grants: S/355,000 (~$95K) fiction, S/190,000 (~$50K) documentary.
- 17 grant categories through annual competitive applications.
- 40-60% lower crew and location costs vs US and Latin American markets.
- Regional film commissions in Lima, Cusco, and other areas provide additional support.
Eligible Productions
- Feature films (fiction, documentary, animation) and streaming content.
- TV series, limited series, and factual programming.
- Commercials and advertising campaigns.
- Music videos and branded content.
- Reality TV and travel programming.
- Corporate and industrial productions.
All production types are welcome in Peru. Our team provides full-service production support tailored to your project's needs and budget.
Non-Eligible Productions
- Projects requiring restricted military locations
- Productions involving protected archaeological sites without permits
- Content that violates Peruvian law
- Unauthorized drone operations in restricted zones
- Productions in protected natural areas without environmental permits
- Filming at certain government facilities without prior approval
Cost Advantages by Production Type
Peru offers competitive production costs across all categories. Here's what you can expect compared to US and Latin American markets:
Crew Rates
Experienced local crews at 40-60% of US rates. Bilingual coordinators, DPs, gaffers, and support staff available nationwide.
Location Fees
Historic sites, natural locations, and urban settings at competitive rates. Many public locations require only permit fees.
Equipment Rental
Lima-based rental houses offer professional camera, lighting, and grip packages. ATA Carnet accepted for temporary equipment import.
Post-Production
Editing, color grading, and VFX services available in Lima at competitive rates for projects requiring local post work.
Contact us for detailed budget estimates tailored to your specific production requirements.
Eligible Expenses
What Your Budget Covers in Peru
Maximize your production value with Peru's competitive rates across all spending categories.
Budget estimates provided within 48 hours of inquiry
Above the Line
Creative Talent
Access to experienced Peruvian directors, producers, and creative talent for local projects or as local hires on international productions.
Local producer fees
Assistant director fees
Local casting director
Production coordinator
Below the Line
Production & Craft
Comprehensive crew, services, and production costs at competitive Peruvian rates.
Local crew wages
Equipment rental
Location fees
Location scouting
Permit acquisition
Transportation
Accommodation
Catering
Post-production in Peru
Full Transparency
Detailed line-item budgets provided for all production elements. No hidden fees or surprise costs.
Flexible Payment
Multiple payment structures available including milestone-based payments for larger productions.
Currency Advantage
Favorable exchange rates with US dollar and Euro provide additional budget benefits.
DAFO & Regional Film Commission Support
DAFO (Dirección del Audiovisual, la Fonografía y los Nuevos Medios) under Peru's Ministry of Culture administers national film incentives. Regional film commissions and PromPeru provide additional location and permit support for international productions.
Available Support Services
- DAFO Grants: Annual Estímulos Económicos competition with 17 funding categories for film and audiovisual projects.
- Lima Film Commission: Location database, permit assistance, and crew referrals for productions in the capital region.
- Cusco Regional Support: Coordination with Ministry of Culture for archaeological site filming permits (4-8 weeks lead time).
- PromPeru Partnership: Film tourism initiatives supporting productions showcasing Peru's destinations.
Application Process
Initial Consultation
Contact Fixers in Peru with your project details. We'll provide initial location recommendations, budget estimates, and production timeline.
Location Scouting
Virtual or in-person scout of potential locations. We provide photos, videos, and logistical assessments for your consideration.
Budget Development
Detailed line-item budget covering crew, equipment, locations, permits, transportation, and all production elements.
Pre-Production
Permit applications, crew hiring, equipment booking, and logistics coordination. All arrangements confirmed before your arrival.
Production Support
On-ground production management, daily coordination, problem-solving, and full fixer services throughout your shoot.
Expert Incentive Navigation with Fixers in Peru
Production Services
- Complete pre-production planning
- Location scouting and management
- Permit acquisition and liaison
- Crew hiring and coordination
Budget Management
- Detailed budget development
- Cost tracking and reporting
- Vendor management
- Currency and payment handling
Our experienced team has supported dozens of international productions, from indie documentaries to major streaming series. We provide turnkey solutions tailored to your production needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peru offer film production grants?
Yes. DAFO (Dirección del Audiovisual, la Fonografía y los Nuevos Medios) administers Estímulos Económicos through annual competitive applications. Minority co-production grants reach S/355,000 (~$95K) for fiction and S/190,000 (~$50K) for documentaries across 17 categories.
Is there a tax rebate program like Colombia or Dominican Republic?
Peru uses a grant-based system rather than tax rebates. However, production costs are 40-60% lower than US and Latin American markets, often providing greater net value than rebate programs elsewhere.
How do I get permits for Machu Picchu and archaeological sites?
Permits for archaeological sites require coordination with Peru's Ministry of Culture through DAFO. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. We handle all documentation, applications, and government liaison for your production.
Do I need a local production company for DAFO grants?
DAFO grants require a Peruvian legal entity as applicant. For international productions not seeking grants, a local fixer significantly streamlines permitting, crew hiring, equipment access, and logistics.
Plan Your Peru Production
From the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu to the Amazon rainforest, Peru offers extraordinary locations at competitive prices. Our team provides full-service production support to make your project a success.
Contact us for a free consultation and budget estimate. We'll help you maximize your production value while capturing Peru's incredible landscapes and culture.
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