The Audiovisual District was created by law in 2009, and it aims to promote and provide sustainability to this activity, to position Buenos Aires internationally as a hub of creation and production, and to provide tax benefits to the companies set up there. It covers the neighborhoods of Chacarita, Villa Ortúzar, La Paternal and part of Palermo and Colegiales.
The district has three programs for the industry: BASet (Buenos Aires Set), Audiovisual Option and Buenos Aires Film Commission. BASet is the admissions office responsible for filming and photograph permits in Buenos Aires City. BASet works with an online system that allows interested parties to process their permits in a fast and convenient way. Audiovisual Option develops different actions that are aimed to train; to collaborate on assuring the presence of local companies at the major events of the Industry worldwide; and to identify lines of funding and circulation of useful documents and reports on the economic impact of the activity in the city. Buenos Aires Film Commission is responsible for promoting international audiovisual productions in Buenos Aires City. The BACF provides free access to a location database, advice on the expedition and process of filming permits, contact with other government agencies and assistance in all travel issues. It also works as a strategic link between the production companies in Buenos Aires and the foreign production companies. It was created under the quality standards of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI).
Overview of the audiovisual productions (feature films, documentaries, short films, TV series and commercials) in Buenos Aires:
- During 2012-2013, BASet has assisted a total of 1046 productions, with 1765 processed sets.
- Time management for BASet shooting permits are 4 working days. Baset procedures are certified ISO 9001 since 2013 (International Quality Standard).
- From a total of 490 audiovisual companies located in the city, 25% are now established in the Audiovisual District.
- Box Office: throughout 2013 more than 7 million tickets were sold, the highest figure since 1986.
- Only in Buenos Aires City there are 73 film auditoriums and 5 open TV channels.
- Argentina is the 4th England and Netherlands. More than 80 countries worldwide air in the screens programs produced locally.
- Argentina‘s films are multi-rewarded: 5 times Oscar nominee as Best Foreign Language Film, and twice the winner. Several awards were obtained at the Cannes International Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, Guadalajara International Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival and San Sebastian International Film Festival among others.
