Written by Murray Ashton on Oct 18, 2011. Posted in Interviews

Filming in Chile with Location Manager Felix Hadad Rivas

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After completing a degree in Photography and Film, Felix started in the industry in 1998 and has been a Producer and Location Manager since 2001. 

Felix runs Mundo Locaciones and is based in Santiago, but works across the whole of Chile as well as in Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Brazil.

What locations are most commonly used by film and TV crews in Chile?

The two types of locations most used are our deserts (the driest in the world) and our snowscapes - we have snow all year round in Chile.

What are the more unusual locations that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with Chile?

Well, icebergs; we have a lot of ice in Chile especially in the south as you are getting closer to the Antarctic.

What has been your most difficult location assignment to date and why?

On a mountain peak in the Los Andes mountains. It took a day to get there... by horse.

What types of production do you work on in Chile?

We have a good all-round industry in Chile but we produce more commercials than anything else. My most important job to date was for National Geographic. It was three months of solid work across Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. I have also worked with Vodafone, Afflelou, Coca Cola and ATMT.

Is there anything else you would like to share about filming in Chile?

The most important thing to remember is that weather conditions change very quickly in Chile. It might be 30 degrees at your hotel in Santiago, but two hours away in the mountains it could be ten degrees below zero.

Which are the best airports to use to film in your region?

The main airport in Chile is Arturo Merino Benitez in Santiago.

What are the most film-crew-friendly hotels in your region and where is your favourite wrap party venue?

The best hotel is the W hotel, but the Hyatt and Sheraton are also very good. As for wrap parties, there are many, many places to have a good party!

There are usually set costs for Public Liability cover for film units and costs for insuring locations. Can you tell us about location insurance and possibly examples of costs in your region?

The usual rate is between USD40 and USD150 per day.

When you are not location scouting or shooting what do you do when you have time off and what would you recommend film crew and cast to do to relax in Chile?

One of the most traditional places in Chile is Valparaiso. It's about an hour from Santiago and has excellent beaches and seafood. You can get to most places quite easily from Santiago.

Thank you.

Click here to contact Felix.