The Dirección General de Cine (DGCINE), the Film Commission of the Dominican Republic, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Stage 32 Certification—an initiative aimed at strengthening the professional development of the local audiovisual workforce.

This collaboration will provide broader access to internationally recognized, industry-endorsed training for Dominican talent. Individuals who complete Stage 32’s certification programs will be included in a global database of qualified professionals, streamlining the hiring process for international productions and ensuring that projects filming in the Dominican Republic can connect with job-ready, certified crew members.

By expanding workforce capabilities, this alliance supports DGCINE’s commitment to increasing employment opportunities in the sector while maximizing the benefits of the country’s 25% transferable tax credit. It reinforces the Dominican Republic’s position as a competitive, production-friendly destination—not only for its diverse locations and strong incentives, but also for its growing, well-prepared talent base.

This initiative aligns with DGCINE’s broader mission to promote the sustainable growth of the local film and television industry by investing in human capital and aligning with international best practices.

What Has Filmed in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its global positioning as a preferred filming destination with its landscapes, architecture, and production infrastructure attracting major international projects.

Iconic productions filmed in the country include The Godfather Part II, which used Santo Domingo’s colonial district to double for Havana, Cuba, and won multiple Oscars including Best Picture. Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park filmed its iconic amber museum scenes in Puerto Plata, while the lush jungles and beaches of Samaná and Miches were featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Godzilla vs. Kong. The Dominican Republic has also hosted productions like Rambo II along the Chavón River, The Good Shepherd with Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie in Santo Domingo, and recent hits such as Shotgun Wedding starring Jennifer Lopez and Old by M. Night Shyamalan, both shot on the country’s stunning northeast coast. Even James Bond’s Quantum of Solace and the Fast & Furious franchise have filmed memorable scenes here, cementing the Dominican Republic’s status as a top international filming location.

These titles, among many others, reflect the country’s growing relevance as a hub for world-class film and television production.

The Two Types of Stage 32 Certification

Master Certifications: These are a group of courses that make up a master's knowledge of a particular discipline. You will need to take all of the courses in a Master Certification track and pass a test in each course in order to be Master Certified.

Current Master Certifications Include:

• Production Accounting Master Certification
• TV Production Management Master Certification
• Feature Film Production Management Master Certification
• Line Producing Master Certification
• Producer Key Legal Agreements Master Certification
• Script Supervising Master Certification
• Location Management Master Certification
• Production Coordinator Master Certification
• Production Assistant Master Certification
• Assistant Director Master Certification

Individual Certifications: These are individual courses that focus on a particular skill set in which you will watch the course and then be tested at the end to receive your certificate.

Current Individual Certifications Include:

• Budget Creation
• Production Scheduling
• Call Sheets
• Production Accounting 101
• Payroll Accounting and Management for Film & TV
• Cost Reporting
• US Tax Incentive Management
• Script Supervision 101
• Script Supervision: Script Timing & Page Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Continuity Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Script Notes & Lined Script Pages
• Script Supervision: On Set Continuity
• Script Supervision: Progress Reports & Work Flow
• Production Wrap Deliverables
• Final Delivery Elements Of A TV Show
• Final Delivery Elements Of A Feature Film
• Option/Purchase/Shopping Agreements
• Feature Film Financing Agreements
• Investor Agreements
• International Co-Production Agreements
• Crew Agreements
• Talent Agreements
• Distribution & Sales Agency Agreements
• Fundamentals Of Location Management
• Location Scouting
• Location Management: Budgeting & Scheduling
• Location Management: Contracts, Risk Management & Negotiating
• The Fundamentals of Production Coordinating
• Production Coordinator: Logistics
• Fundamentals Of Production Assisting
• Production Assistant: On Set Protocols
• Production Assistant: Paperwork & Department Interaction
• Fundamentals Of Assistant Directing
• Assistant Director Scheduling
• First Assistant Director On Set Protocols
• Key 2nd Assistant Director Protocols & Call Sheets
• 2nd 2nd Assistant Director Protocols

Once you become certified in any of Stage 32's subjects or take a full track of courses and become Master Certified, you will:

• Be entered into a global database searchable by film commissions, streamers, studios, production companies, independent producers, and financiers.
• Receive a certification badge on your Stage 32 account present and searchable by over 1 million Stage 32 members.
• Receive credentials to be displayed on all social media channels and resumes.
• Be recognized industry-wide as someone qualified to be hired and work in your area of certification.

Get Certified. Get To Work. Start By Tapping Here!

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