Puerto Rico’s Cinematic Surge: Ready for the Global Stage

As the 78th Cannes Film Festival (May 13-24, 2025) wrapped with dazzling premieres and global acclaim, the world’s eyes were on bold storytelling and fresh voices. While Puerto Rico didn’t have films in this year’s Cannes lineup, the island’s cinematic scene is buzzing with energy, ready to take center stage. At CereProds, Puerto Rico’s leading film production services company and creative studio, we’re here to champion the island’s unique voices and autistic vision, inviting filmmakers worldwide to create with us in this vibrant hub.

Puerto Rico: A Cinematic Gem Waiting to Shine

Puerto Rico is a stroytellers paradise, blending rich cultural heritage - Taíno, African, Spanish and modern influences - with stunning landscapes, from Old San Juans histroic charm to El Yunque’s lush rainforests. This diverse ecosystem fuels narratives that resonate globally, offering filmmakers a canvas for bold, authentic stories. At CereProds, based in Guaynabo, we’re passionate about bringing those visions to life. Our full-service team handles everything from location scouting to casting to post-production, with a brand new 20’x40’ L shaped cyclorama wall and large studio spaces ready for your next project.

A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence

Puerto Rico’s film history is packed with iconic moments. The island starred in GoldenEye (1995), where the Arecibo Observatory became a thrilling backdrop for James Bond. Independent gems like Blood In, Blood Out (1993) captured Latino grit and earned a cult following, while The Rum Diary (2011) and West Side Story (2021) showcased Puerto Rico’s versatility for both blockbusters and prestige projects. Puerto Rican talent shines bright, too, with Oscar-winner Benicio del Toro (Traffic, 2000), Joaquín Phoenix, born in Puerto Rico (Joker, 2019), and emerging directors like Gabriela Díaz Arp, whose short Matininó recently turned heads at festivals. These achievements prove Puerto Rico’s cinematic prowess.

Tax Incentives: Your Budget’s Best Friend

Puerto Rico isn’t just creatively inspiring—it’s a financial win for filmmakers. The island offers up to 40% transferable tax credits on qualified local spending, covering crew, equipment, and post-production. With no state income tax for certain projects and streamlined permitting through partners like CereProds, filming here is cost-effective and seamless. These incentives make Puerto Rico a top destination for projects of all sizes, from indie shorts to major features, letting you focus on storytelling while maximizing your budget.

A New Wave of Filmmakers Ready to Roar

Puerto Rico’s next generation of filmmakers is bursting with creativity, eager to share stories of identity, resilience, and cultural pride. From experimental shorts exploring Indigenous roots to modern narratives with global appeal, these artists are chomping at the bit to make their mark. At CereProds, we’re proud to support this wave, offering world-class production services to local and international creators. Our team, with decades of experience across the US, UK, and beyond, is ready to bring your vision to life with precision and passion.

Why CereProds?

As Puerto Rico’s go-to film and video production company, CereProds delivers end-to-end support for documentaries, commercials, music videos (like our recent project for Triple Charm in Aguadilla), and narrative films. Our local expertise, paired with deep knowledge of Puerto Rico’s tax incentives and logistics, ensures your production is smooth, sustainable, and stunning. We’re always on the hunt for the next big project—let’s create something unforgettable together.

Join Us in Puerto Rico’s Cinematic Future

While Cannes 2025 celebrated global cinema, Puerto Rico is poised to steal the spotlight soon. With its unique voices, autistic vision, and unbeatable production advantages, the island is a filmmaker’s dream. At CereProds, we’re ready to partner with you to craft stories that resonate worldwide. Visit cereprods.com to start your next project in Puerto Rico, where creativity knows no bounds.

Let’s make movie magic!

Connect with CereProds: Follow Us on Social Media!

At CereProds, we’re passionate about creating exceptional content and providing top-tier studio space for photo and video shoots in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. But we’re more than just a studio—we’re a community of creators, innovators, and storytellers. Want to stay in the loop with everything we’re up to? Follow us on our social media platforms to get the latest updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and tips for your next big project. Here’s where you can find us:

𝕏 @CereProds

Join us on 𝕏 for real-time updates and conversations! We’re sharing quick tips for photographers and videographers, announcing studio availability, and engaging with the creative community. Have a question or want to collaborate? Drop us a tweet—we’d love to hear from you.

Instagram @CereProds

Our Instagram is a visual feast! Check out stunning shots from projects filmed in our Guaynabo studio, explore reels of behind-the-scenes action, and get inspired by the incredible work our clients produce. Follow us for a steady stream of creative eye candy and studio highlights.

TikTok @CereProds

Short, snappy, and packed with personality—our TikTok is where we have some fun! From quick tutorials on lighting setups to time-lapses of shoots in progress, we’re bringing the CereProds vibe to your For You page. Follow us for bite-sized inspiration you can’t scroll past.

Threads @CereProds

Looking for a deeper dive into the creative process? Threads is where we share thoughts, ideas, and stories about life at CereProds. It’s the perfect spot to connect with us on a more personal level and join the conversation about all things content creation.

YouTube CereProds Studio

Our YouTube channel is your go-to for longer-form content. Watch studio tours, client testimonials, and in-depth breakdowns of photo and video techniques you can use in our space. Subscribe now to never miss a video and see what makes CereProds the ultimate creative hub in Puerto Rico.

LinkedIn CereProds

For the professionals out there, connect with us on LinkedIn! We’re sharing industry insights, networking opportunities, and updates on how CereProds is supporting businesses and creators in Guaynabo and beyond. Let’s build something amazing together.

Facebook (CereProds Studio)

On Facebook, we’re building a community of creatives! Follow our page for event announcements, live Q&A sessions, and a showcase of the amazing projects coming out of our Guaynabo studio. Like and follow us to stay connected and join the discussion.

No matter which platform you prefer, we’re excited to share our journey with you. Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or just a creative soul looking for inspiration, there’s something for everyone across our social media accounts. Follow us today, tag us in your projects, and let’s create something extraordinary together at CereProds!

Ready to book our studio for your next shoot? Contact us through any of our social channels or visit our website for more details. See you online—and hopefully in Guaynabo soon!

#CereProds #StudioLife #PuertoRicoCreatives #SocialMediaConnect

Puerto Rico Film Commission Raises Tax Credits Cap

HUGE news out of Puerto Rico as Governor Pedro R. P. Pierluisi raises the Film Tax incentives cap from $34m to $100m. This can encourage a growth of new investment in qualified film and media projects up to half a billion dollars!

“The film industry has great potential on our island. We have seen it in action over the past few years through highly renowned and successful local and national productions,” Pierluisi said. “The film industry has generated thousands of jobs and positively impacted the island’s economy. I support this industry and have provided more incentives to increase film production in Puerto Rico, which in addition to having a positive effect on economic development, promotes tourism on our island.” - Gov. Pierluisi

The new law will allow the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its Spanish acronym) to distribute $100 million among all eligible film projects. At least 10% of the total incentive is for local productions and documentaries.

Reach out to us at CereProds LLC if you’d like to discuss your next film project in Puerto Rico.

Netflix Friendly Camera Solutions - Puerto Rico

One streaming service to rule them all. Netflix is the undisputed King of Video-on-Demand (VOD), the first to break ground on its own studios creation of IP and winning prestigious awards including dozens of Academy Awards as far back as 2014.

Although many competitor have risen since then (looking at you, Mr. Bezos) no one compares to Netflix in terms of original content and global impact. Thanks, in part to this, Netflix has a very specific and considered requirement for its camera technology needs that no producer can afford to ignore.

Netflix Originals - the flourish of sound, that instantly familiar ident which could be compared to the Windows 95 chime in terms of memorability and adoption, the prelude to in house productions of the streaming giant. However, just like members only clubs there is a strict "dress code” in respect of camera specifications that the platform will carry and award the title “Netflix approved”.

Let’s take a deep dive.

Image credit: Netflix

“Netflix approved” means that cameras have the minimum specs required to ensure the expected quality of a Netflix Original. While it shouldn’t be your only guide when purchasing a camera, seeing Netflix’s approval as a feature on a certain model might be something to consider, especially since many cinema cameras are a serious investment.

The Devil is in the Details

With a myriad of camera options out there it can be daunting to decide which unit to invest in. Fortunately, Netflix publishes the key specifications it requires for a camera to gain its approval. However, Netflix also states that just because a camera meets the minimum requirements doesn’t mean it will be approved (make your mind up, Netflix!).

In short, Netflix takes a more holistic look at each camera, examining aspects such as dynamic range, form factor, workflow, and more.

In any case, here are the minimum requirements for approval.

• True UHD 4K sensor with a minimum of 3840 photosites across

• High-quality capture format, such as raw or an intra-frame compressed codec

• 16-bit linear or 10-bit log processing

• Capture transfer function (e.g., S-Log3, Canon Log 2)

• Capture color science (e.g., S-Gamut3.cine, RED Wide Gamut RGB)

• No looks or corrections baked into the original files

• Files maintain all metadata (i.e., tape name, timecode, frame rate, ISO, etc.)

Netflix also makes some optional, operational requests for using the cameras. These include:

• Daily black balancing of camera sensor

• Avoiding spanned clips (i.e., single takes spread out on multiple cards) -

• Extra resolution for anamorphic imaging

• Use of aspect ratios less than or equal to 2:1

Again, these are just the baseline specs and I could easily find a dozen cameras that appear to meet them that don’t make the cut. Netflix also doesn’t seem to consider features unlocked through optional third-party accessories, such as raw via an external recorder. That is a solid list of requirements if you are shopping for your next cinema camera. Adhering to Netflix’s conditions ensures your camera is up to spec for contemporary productions.

Why Being Netflix Approved Matters

Among the more obvious reasons is that Netflix serves as a third-party verification for a camera’s quality. If Netflix says it’s a good camera, it must be a good camera. This is supported by Netflix’s reputation for demanding high-quality original footage to create its own original content. And despite what you may think about any story, the movies and shows Netflix has created look good.

A second part of the equation is that many of these cameras are an investment for owners or operators. The last thing you want is to be close to snagging a job and then realize the equipment you use and are comfortable with isn’t going to cut it for a potential Netflix gig. If you are working with an independent production, Netflix approval helps futureproof the work so that if you are hoping for an acquisition, you are at least fulfilling the expectations of the distributor.

Finally, if you aren’t a super techie producer or cinematographer, having a basic list of solid cameras to choose from simplifies a part of the process. Instead of spending time researching all the different features of video cameras and codecs and sensors and aspect ratios, you can head over to Netflix and just select what makes sense for your production.

Should You Buy Only Netflix-Approved Cameras?

No. Netflix-approved is a good start, especially if you are a professional. However, there are tons of amazing cameras capable of producing images that are as good, if not better, than many on the list.

Netflix’s approval process assumes there will be some form of production happening and, therefore, demands certain capabilities that not everyone needs, like very specific metadata requirements. If you are working mostly for yourself or on small YouTube projects, you don’t need all those extras.

Image credit: Mario Anzouni/Reuters

Get to the point already

Ok, here are a few popular units approved by Netflix and popular at time of publication (December 2022)

• Canon EOS C70

• Sony FX6

• Sony FX9

• Panasonic S1H

• Sony FX3

• Arri Alexa Mini LF

• Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2

• RED Komodo 6K

Another simple reason not to worry about Netflix approval is if you are looking for a B camera. Sometimes, this may need to be a crash cam or another sort of weird form factor. It can be hard to find something that hits the Netflix requirements and the needs of the shoot. GoPros aren’t approved, for example, but many films still use them for an odd take or two. Netflix even allows limited use of unapproved cameras in these circumstances.

CereProds hold a variety of camera types and within its local network has access to a wide array of digital and film units for production. Contact us today and let’s discuss your next project.