Madrid reaffirmed its first audiovisual status in Spain at the 73rd San Sebastián Film Festival on September 21, presenting key data, strategic initiatives and future plans to support the continuous growth of industry.
Speaking in turn inmaculada Sánchez Cervera, general coordinator of the mayor’s office of Madrid, Carlo d’Ursi, audiovisual vice-president of Madrid and Luis Martín Izquierdo, Vice-Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Madrid community-the Madrid region.
Now on its fifth year, the event – organized by the audiovisual cluster of Madrid with the support of the Municipal Council and the Madrid community – has brought together industry professionals, investors and public institutions to highlight the robust infrastructure of the region, the talent basin and the growing international attraction.
A strategic sector supported by investment
Audiovisual industry is considered strategic by urban and regional authorities – not only for its cultural impact, but for its substantial economic contribution. According to a recent study by AFI (Internacional Financial Analystas):
- The sector contributes to 2.6% of GDP and 2.8% of employment in the Madrid community – well above the national average.
- It generates 2.3 billion euros ($ 2.7 billion) in direct GVA, with a total economic impact of more than 7.2 billion euros (8.45 billion dollars)
- The region represents 28.9% of all active audiovisual companies in Spain, but generates 74.7% of income in the sector and 47.2% of its employment.
“Madrid is undoubtedly – and Increasingly – A Reference Point in the Global Audiovisual Landscape,” Said Martín Izquierdo, Adding: “It is also Becoming an Increasingly significant production hub, Thanks to A Combination of Key Factors for the Industry: The Exceptional Level of Development of the ecosystem, Made Up of More Than 3.500 Companies and the High Level of Qualification and Specialization of the Over 30,000 Professionals Who Work in the audiovisual sector in Madrid.
“Madrid is home to the greatest concentration of the audiovisual sector in Spain – this includes both independent cinema and major streamers. Movistar Plus +, Netflix, Disney, Amazon – all operate through Spain, but they do it from Madrid. The same goes for public and private television companies such as Mediset, Ursired and Televisión Española ”, from Ursi.
Carlo d’Ursi, vice-president of Madrid Audiovisual Cluster
“The call for production subsidies of feature films has 2 million euros ($ 2.34 million), extensible by an additional 2 million euros, and is currently in resolution phase. The call for promotion and distribution subsidies has 1 million euros (1.17 million dollars) potentially expandable by 2 million euros,” said Sánchez Severa.
She added: “The results of this effort, I believe, are well known and more than obvious. During the 2024-2025 award season, the films supported by the municipal council really shone. We have productions like `Saturn Return ” (` `Segundo Premio ”), which, as you know, won three Goya Awards; ‘Buscando A Croque Awards, Award Ibero-Abreo “Ciudad Sin Sueño” and “Anoche conquered Tebas”, both born from the residence program and awarded in Cannes and Venice, respectively. »»
Public support and momentum of policies
The city of Madrid invests more than 6 million euros ($ 7.04 million) in the audiovisual sector, supporting the entire value chain – development and production to distribution and exhibition. “Since the training of the current administration, we have invested more than 11 million euros (12.9 m) – for example by the general coordination of the mayor’s office – in the promotion of the audiovisual industry,” said Sánchez Cervera.
The Madrid community is now developing a new strategic plan for audiovisual industry, which will include:
- Double production grants
- New programs to attract investments
- Initiatives to support the development of talents, innovation and sustainability
- An accent renewed on the promotion of all the municipalities of the region as filming destinations
AI and innovation at IBERSERIES
As part of its commitment to innovation, the cluster will organize a workshop on the AI on October 1 during the Iberseries of Madrid Confab, presenting seven case studies – including VFX applications, scripted workflows, the creation of sporting content and marketing, the speakers of main companies such as El Ranchito, Brandominus, Pendular and the Film Agency.
“Madrid offers a set of competitive advantages that are difficult to match – world -class professionals and various places in institutional support and legal certainty,” said Martin Izquierdo, “our challenge is now to continue to present these forces to the world”.
