Name: Gale Anne Hurd, producer

Production: The Incredible Hulk

This loose follow-up to 2003's Hulk shot in Rio de Janeiro in November (10 days in Tavares Bastos, three days in Bhering, one day in Lapa and one day in the Tijuca Forest) after 14 weeks in Canada

- Why did you shoot in Brazil'

The story takes place partly in Brazil. Rather than try to use Toronto, where we filmed the rest of the picture - which would have significantly reduced the scope of the Brazil sequence - we chose to shoot on location in Rio de Janeiro.

- What were your cost savings'

It was less expensive, even bringing our cast and crew from Toronto, than it would have been to recreate the location elsewhere. We required a favela built on a hillside, a jungle and waterfall, as well as a factory location. We filmed some of our interiors on stages and factories in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, but our exteriors were all filmed in Brazil - the factory in Bhering, and Tavares Bastos for the favela, and the waterfall and jungle in the Tijuca Forest just outside Rio.

- How did you find working with local crew'

They were terrific, and our keys were delighted with their skill levels and commitment. We shot long hours, and in very demanding circumstances, carrying equipment up and down steep favela steps, including a Technocrane. Yet our Rio crew had a terrific 'can-do' attitude.

- What advice would you give a non-Brazilian producer working for the first time in Brazil'

Rely on your local production-services company for guidance. We relied on Zohar International, our Brazilian production services partner, and its advice was essential to a successful shoot that exceeded our expectations.

- Which person or company on the ground was indispensable'

Roberto Bakker and his team at Zohar International helped us find our locations, crew, equipment, office space and booked hotels for our cast and crew.

- What does Brazil need to bolster its status as a first-class international shooting location' Is there anything it lacks'

All of the ingredients are there, including a lab. Some equipment needs to be brought in, but that's often the case. Sound stages closer to town would be very helpful, especially since the Rio traffic can be a real challenge.

- What do you wish you had known before you started shooting'

I was under the impression Rio was incredibly dangerous, even in the day. Instead, I found it vibrant, and the people welcoming and helpful. As with any large city, there are unsafe areas but the locals will tell you where to avoid.

- Are you doing any post-production work in Brazil'

No. Post-production is in Los Angeles.

- Would you shoot in Brazil again'

Yes, absolutely.