Creative Industries

Ignite the Spark Through Film, Design, Arts, Media, and Creative Services

A Highly Inventive Island

For decades, Puerto Rican talents have helped shape the modern musical landscape in jazz, salsa, pop, and urban music. Creative professionals are also making their mark, accelerating the island’s vibrant creative industries economy in advertising, TV, film, media, web, and software design, among others.  

$376M
of combined investment from a total of 72 productions and post-production events between FY 2020 and 2022
1,590+
Companies on the island directly involved in Creative Industries
100
filmed productions on the island between 2020 and 2022

Where Do You Fit In?

Of the companies in Puerto Rico directly involved in the creative industries, the following subsectors boast the highest number of jobs:  

  • 2

    ,

    6
    4
    1
    Information Technology
  • 2

    ,

    6
    2
    3
    Advertising and Public Relations
  • 2

    ,

    4
    0
    8
    Publishing and Editing
  • 1

    ,

    7
    6
    8
    Movie and Video Production

What Is Inside Puerto Rico’s Creative Industries?

CreativeIndustries_ChartV2 Music, Performing, & Visual Arts Publishing Software Development & IT Services Film, TV, Radio, Photography Crafts Advertising & Marketing Design, Graphic, Fashion
Music, Peforming, & Visual Arts

Experience the wonder of the island’s vibrant art scene and immerse yourself in a diverse range of cultural events filled with unique performances, music, and dance.

Design, Graphic, Fashion

A well-rounded creative industry is alive in Puerto Rico. These industries contribute to the larger local talent pool, particularly in the knowledge services for design, architecture, planning, and other aspects of business development.

Advertising & Marketing

Accounting for 19% of the creative industries ecosystem, a variety of cutting-edge advertising and marketing agencies call Puerto Rico home.

Crafts

With more than 80 world-class museums, Puerto Rico has become a destination for a solid artistic community that creates and celebrates the arts. Visit Old San Juan, one of the best repositories of Puerto Rican arts and crafts, or the Museo de Arte de Ponce featuring works from local artists and more.

Film, TV, Radio, Photography

Puerto Rico has served as a backdrop for many famous movies, TV shows, and creative inspiration due to its convenient proximity to the US, film industry tax incentives, diverse landscape, and versatile locations.

Software Development & IT Services

With the 6th highest concentration of engineers and scientists globally, the island offers a bustling industry comprised of highly skilled talent that answers the strong demand for professionals in this space.

Publishing

A lively culture, rich historic landscape, and ideal tropical environment allow experienced businesses in the publishing space to offer valuable services for their clients.

The Advantages of Creating In Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Incentives Code (Act 60) provides generous support for creative industries. Eligible activities include:

  • Film projects: documentaries, short films, and series 
  • TV projects: reality shows, game shows, children’s shows, interviews, comedy, and general entertainment
  • Film projects for commercial distribution or exhibition outside of Puerto Rico
  • Video games, music videos, and film festivals

Tax credits for film productions include:

  • Up to 40% for production expenses paid to Puerto Rico residents
  • Up to 20% for production expenses, related to payments to non-resident workers
  • Up to 15% of production expenses paid to Puerto Rico residents (with a $4.0 million maximum) for co-productions with local producers

Why Film In Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico provides proximity to the United States, film industry tax incentives, a diverse landscape, and versatile locations. The list of advantages on set and backstage keeps growing. 

  • The Department of Economic Development and Commerce, and its Puerto Rico Film Program helps facilitate production in Puerto Rico 
  • Specialized and highly trained available workforce, and fully bilingual 
  • Major Hollywood unions have presence in Puerto Rico (DGA, SAG, IATSE) 
  • Puerto Rico has played the part of more than 20 different counties and cities from all over the world: Cuba, Brazil, Bolivia, Qatar, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Miami, Africa, Los Angeles, Dubai, Mumbai, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahamas, Colombia, Chile, Hawaii, New Mexico, Grenada, New York City 

Local Connections

Puerto Rico’s Creative Industries sector is supported by a variety of local and federal organizations.

Single Business Portal

Entrepreneurs and innovators that are ready to invest and transform their businesses in Puerto Rico can access the Single Business Portal (SBP). The Single Business Portal helps you navigate the ins and outs of getting your project off the ground, offering information, documents, permits, and licenses – all in a streamlined and efficient tool.

Companies already doing business in Puerto Rico

Download Sector Sheet

Ready to Invest in Creative Industries?

Collaborate with entrepreneurs and innovators and transform your business in Puerto Rico.

Alan Taveras

Business Development Director
+1 787-966-7642, ext. 327
ataveras@investpr.org