The project came alight in 2007, when Joaquim de Almeida, a successful Portuguese actor/producer, had the idea to make the Algarve a centre for film making in Europe. It may sound quite odd, but in reality Portimão is as close to Hollywood as New York is; making Portugal a definite place of interest for mega film producers, for reasons such as its climate and luminosity, a variety of locations (beach, sea, rivers, mountains, forests) within a small area, good accessibility, the Portuguese population’s good interaction with foreigners, competitive wages for qualified labourers, and the country’s social/economic/political stability.

The initial €200 million for the construction of the film studios in Portimão is seen as a cultural and financial investment, as having international films made in Portugal will put the country in the limelight, attracting more tourists all year round, as well as creating thousands of jobs.

To ensure every measure has been taken whilst creating the project, the Algarve Film Commission (AFC) and Picture Portugal has made direct contact with Los Angeles to see what interest they have in the region, what are the best infrastructures to build and what type of studios would suit the region best. For this, the AFC made great use of their international contacts, of which names such as Warner Brothers and Disney are part of, and plans for the first phase of the film studios were made. These include the construction of five soundstages, a small backlot, an enormous water tank, an administrative building and a small projection cinema near the Portimão Arena, in Portimão. The construction of a very large backlot is to be built in Mexilhoeira Grande later, in the second stage of the project.

The Picture Portugal project will boast top of the range equipment for production and post-production of films, television shows and national/international advertising.

One of Picture Portugal’s main priorities of this project is for film producers to source local technicians for the making of movies, which will generate thousands of jobs in the region and promote new opportunities.

At the presentation of Picture Portugal’s plans were renowned names in the movie industry, such as Anthony Waye (Executive producer of many Hollywood blockbusters, such as the James Bond films Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale), Matt Cimber (Hollywood Director and Producer), Richard McGuire (Art Director), Sanford Hampton (Producer) and Lynn Fero (Vice-Chairman of CBS). “This complex will be very good. It is a good asset for Portimão, Algarve and Portugal” said Anthony Waye, supported by Richard McGuire “This is a wonderful new future for Portugal.” Matt Cimber admitted “This will generate more jobs than you can imagine.”

Lynn Fero, Vice-Chairman of CBS, had a nostalgic look back at Hollywood’s past, and believes Portimão can also be a major success, if the cards are played right.

Algarve Car Hire