Madrid reaffirmed its position as Spain’s leading audiovisual power at the 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival on September 21, and presented key data, strategic initiatives and future plans to support the continued growth of the industry.
Speaking in turn was Inmacrada Sanchez Cervera, general coordinator of the Mayor of Madrid’s office, Audiovisual Audiovisual Clusters of Madrid and Luis Martin Izquierdo, Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports in Madrid, and Deputy Minister of Madrid Regional Affairs.
In its fifth year, hosted by Madrid Audiovisual Clusters with support from the city council and the Madrid community, the event brought together industry experts, investors and public institutions to highlight the region’s robust infrastructure, talent pools and growing international appeal.
Strategic sector supported by investment
The audiovisual industry is considered strategic by both urban and local authorities. Not only for its cultural influence, but also for its economic contribution. A recent survey by AFI (Analistas Financieos Internacionales):
The sector contributes to 2.6% of GDP and 2.8% of employment in the Madrid community. This is above the national average. It generates 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) directly in GVA, and earns a total economic impact of over 7.2 billion euros ($8.45 billion), accounting for 28.9% of all active audiovisual companies in Spain, but generating 74.7% of sector revenue and 47.2% of employment.
“Madrid is undoubtedly and increasingly – the reference point for the global audiovisual landscape,” added Martín Izquierdo, “Thanks to the combination of key factors in the industry, it is becoming an increasingly important production hub. Madrid’s audiovisual sector.”
“Madrid has the largest concentration of Spanish audiovisual sector, which includes both independent films and major streamers. MovistarPlus+, Netflix, Disney, Amazon – all operating from Madrid, but the same can be said for both public and private television companies like Mediaset and Aptismisionmedimedimedimedimedimedimedia.
Carlo D’Ursi, VP of Madrid Audiovisual Cluster
“The call to the feature film production grant will be awarded 2 million euros ($2.34 million), and an additional 2 million euros extended, and is currently in the resolution phase. The call to the promotion and distribution grant will potentially be expanded by an additional 1 million euros ($1.17 million).
She added: “We believe that the results of this effort are well known and obvious. In the 2024-2025 award season, the films supported by the city council really shine. “Ciudad Sin Sueño” and “Anoche Conquisté Tebas” were born from the residency programme, respectively, and were awarded in Cannes and Venice. ”
Public support and policy momentum
The city of Madrid supports the entire value chain, from development and production to distribution and exhibition, investing more than 6 million euros ($7.04 million) per year in the audiovisual sector. “Since the formation of the current administration, we have invested more than 11 million euros (12.9 m) in promoting the audiovisual industry through general coordination of the mayor’s office,” Sánchez Cervera said.
The Madrid community is currently developing a new strategic plan for the audiovisual industry.
The new program, which doubles production, offers new programs to attract investment initiatives to support talent development, innovation and sustainability.
Iberseries’ AI and innovation
As part of its commitment to innovation, the cluster will be holding an AI workshop on October 1st, featuring seven case studies including VFX applications, sports content creation, and marketing, as well as seven case studies featuring speakers from major companies such as Ellanchit, Brand Minus, Brand Minus, Pendula and film agency.
“Madrid offers a set of competitive advantages that are difficult to match, from world-class experts and diverse locations to institutional support and legal certainty,” says Martin Izquierdo.
