A Planet Within A Country
Ecuador is one of Latin America’s most versatile film locations. With a compact and diverse geography, it offers a stunning variety of settings within short distances—ideal for filmmakers creating commercials, feature films, television series and shows as well as documentaries.
From tropical beaches to snow-capped volcanoes, from colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador provides natural and urban backdrops that can stand in for locations around the world. This diversity helps productions maximize shoot days, reduce logistics, and stay creatively flexible. In a single day, you can film in a modern city, a remote beach, and a historic town.
Cinematic Potential
Ecuador is a “a continent in a country” where consistent weather and natural light allow for year-round filming:
- The Coast offers beaches, cliffs, dry forests, and fishing villages that can double as Caribbean or Southeast Asian settings.
- The Highlands feature volcanoes, markets, Inca ruins, and colonial cities like Quito (a UNESCO site) and Cuenca—ideal for period films, fantasy, or ethnographic stories.
- The Amazon river and tributaries running through dense jungle are the lifeline of indigenous communities and unmatched biodiversity—a place perfect for adventure or documentary work.
- The Galápagos are surreal volcanic landscapes populated by unique wildlife, ideal for sci-fi, nature, or premium travel content so long as you plan permits well ahead.
Talent and Technical Expertise
Ecuador has a growing, professional film and advertising industry. Producers, directors, cinematographers, and editors are skilled and experienced in both local and international projects. Their creativity and adaptability make them valuable collaborators.
Many have worked with global brands and streamers, blending cultural awareness with technical precision.
Equipment and Infrastructure
Filmmakers have access to top-tier gear like ARRI Alexa, RED, Sony Venice, drones, cine lenses, lighting, and audio equipment. Most rentals are based in Quito and Guayaquil, with fast nationwide transport. Studios, green screens, sound stages, and post-production facilities are also available.
On-Screen Cultural Diversity
Ecuador adds narrative depth with its rich cultural and ethnic mix—indigenous groups, Afro-Ecuadorians, mestizos, and more. This diversity is reflected in local architecture, clothing, and a worldview. Communities are generally receptive to working with film crews when approached with respect.
Accessibility and Support
Ecuador is visa-friendly for most countries, uses the U.S. dollar, and is well connected via direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Panama, and Madrid. Security is favorable in most filming zones, and permits are obtainable within reasonable timelines. The government has shown support for the industry through recent legislation which prioritizes the audiovisual sector.
Why Ecuador?
Ecuador offers variety without complication, professionalism with heart, and landscapes that can transport your audience anywhere. Every kilometer showcases a new visual world, and every production finds not just locations—but a team ready to bring your vision to life.
We look forward to welcoming your team to Ecuador. Please feel free to contact us to begin planning your shoot.
PSN Ecuador delivers experience working with
- Production houses and Studios like Media Monks, Catatonia, GoodLife
- Directors like Diego Fried, Juan Gamba, Joaquin Cambre, Oliver Garland, Pepe Garrido, Gina Medina and more
Jeff Karram
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Jeff Karram is the Canadian Partner and Executive Director at the PSN Ecuador Partner company. He’s led the team’s work with clients including Pepsi, Gatorade, Unilever, Nestlé and L’Oréal. They’re winners of Ecuador’s Gran Condor de Oro for a Budweiser viral “Budclock” campaign.
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Together with Adrian Castro and David Pimentel since 2009, Jeff has overseen company revenue growth and enjoyed award recognition. They executed a 2021 campaign that brought the region’s top soccer tournament to Guayaquil, earning two Effie Awards—a rare feat for a production house. Jeff and his team have won Production Company of the Year three times at the Lux Awards with standout documentary work like Galapagos Evolution and From Core to Sun—the latter distributed worldwide by Gravitas Ventures and available on Amazon and iTunes.
Jeff manages a staff of 20 and 40–60 freelancers. He’s developing a feature film with Hollywood writers and co-producer Phoenix Pictures (Black Swan, Shutter Island). Originally from Toronto, he partnered with Frantic Films on a prime-time Canadian documentary about global surfing, later sold via National Geographic.
David Pimentel
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David developed a strong visual connection to nature through surfing. He’s passionate about helping foreign productions capture Ecuador’s rich, diverse landscapes. His experience from creative development to final delivery shines in the post-production and color work he led for acclaimed documentaries Galápagos Evolution and From Core to Sun, filmed in Ecuador’s most iconic locations.
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David’s early career included hands-on work as an editor and motion graphics artist for major TV networks, followed by four years as a university lecturer in editing—an experience that sharpened leadership and technical skills.
He now heads post-production at the PSN Ecuador Partner company and coordinates with freelance talent for large-scale projects. David has directed fully animated ad campaigns using advanced 2D and 3D techniques and produced educational and marketing content to support Ecuador’s creative community.
