FOCUS talks to Gabriel Padilla of the Panama Film Commission

The Panama Film Commission will be exhibiting at FOCUS and also giving a special presentation Panama – The Easy Way to Shoot.  FOCUS talked to Gabriel Padilla, International Project Manager with the Panama Film Commission.

What was the most common question you got from producers at FOCUS last year about Panama as a filming destination?

Producers are interested in the ease of obtaining film permits, logistics and how film friendly is the country. Panama is very film friendly as our film commission is part of the ministry of commerce, therefore we facilitate any permit required in any other public office done through our office.

You are one of the 19 countries that form the IBERMEDIA program and coproduction fund. Could you tell us more about IBERMEDIA and will you be promoting the fund at FOCUS this year?

Yes, we do encourage Producers to co-produce with Panamanian filmmakers. Every year around 10 projects get funded with IBERMEDIA. It is very positive for us to have productions with more than one nationality for distribution purposes.

Can a foreign producer from outside of the 19 countries access the fund if coproducing with a IberoAmerican production company?
No, it needs to be 2 countries from the iberoamerican group. I understand Italy is being incorporated too.

In a sentence, how would you describe FOCUS to a producer friend thinking of attending FOCUS for the first time?
Great place to find different opportunities to do business from different countries.

How do you like the FOCUS venue, exhibition layout, organisation and facilities?
The venues are interesting and fun, lots of opportunities to network, and as for the exhibition layout and organization, its great given the fact that we do not need to worry about setting up our booths as in other expos. It is very nicely organized so you can go straight to business.

Many thanks Gabriel. Looking forward to seeing you and the Panama Film Commission team at FOCUS 2017 on the 5th & 6th of December.

Register for your free delegate badge to meet the Panama Film Commission and attend their special presentation Panama – The Easy Way to Shoot