Written by Kianna Best on Nov 29, 2023. Posted in Production News

APU on production in Peru

Peru saw one its highest moment in production with the filming of Transformers: The Rise of the Beast in 2021. But whilst its release this year keeps that light alive, some things still stand in the way of the country’s feature film potential. With Paddington in Peru barely stepping foot in the beloved characters home, and a hesitation to commit to an incentive, APU Productions executive producer Bruno Canale sheds light on the local sentiments.

For Bruno Canale and APU productions, Transformers: Rise of the Beast was a true learning experience. Appointed by Paramount Pictures as the local production company on the project, APU assisted with scouting, pre-production, customs, visas, SFX and pyro permits and importation, transportation, and organising of local crew. One of the largest productions to film in Peru, the recent Transformers flick brought the franchise magic to the South American country, along with a team to match. With huge stunt scenes shot is Cusco, Canale remarks on the impressive sprawl of 1500 to 1800 people involved. Filmed amongst many emblematic settings in Peru, the recent Transformers release, also shot against the backdrop of Machu Picchu.

Image courtesy of STUDIOCANAL

Canale stated: “Of course we've done a couple movies, but this is kind of the first time we got to experience a real first unit coming in and second unit of that size, because even for big movies, this was big.”

However, Peru’s recent filming success is not reflective in all larger scale productions that come to the country, or in fact feature them in title. With a love for his home country, and constant references to his time there, fuzzy character Paddington is proud to be Peruvian. But unfortunately for the film which captures his return home, the behind the scenes are not quite as authentic. Whilst Peru was used for filming for partial scenes of the film, Colombia came out the top choice, with a competitive 40% cash rebate irresistible for international producers.

“For the first time we were able to assemble a local team to shoot plates with a local drone and camera unit, which was great,” commented Canale. “And then we had a second unit with a director who came and did the more complex shots. 3/4 was shot in Colombia and 1/4 in Peru, but it's definitely a shame because we would like to have it all for the first time Paddington comes to Peru.”

Image courtesy of Eddie Kiszka by Unsplash

With no incentive of their own, against neighbouring nations such as Columbia or Brazil, Peru remains uncompetitive. Even with the filming of Transformers, Canadian crew were brought in for production, so as to make use of their local incentive, taking away from the extensive use of local Peruvian talents.

“We currently have a board appointed by the Ministry of Economics, which is basically trying to create a film Commission and an incentive programme,” Canale added. “We use the example of  Transformers versus Paddington in Peru to show that the country really needs a film Commission and incentive programme to draw in all projects.”

Learn more about production in Peru at this year’s FOCUS, held at the Islington Business Centre from 5-6 December. Register HERE for FREE to meet Film in Peru and attend their FILM IN PERU: Unexpected locations where all stories are possible, followed by a networking session.