Spain’s Audiovisual Bureau, the Ultimate Resource for Producers, Domestic and Foreign, Looking to Shoot in Spain

Spain’s emergence as one of Europe’s most desirable shooting locations was no coincidence or stroke of luck. The country has made a concerted effort to build its industry into the powerhouse it is today, courting domestic and international producers to the Iberian peninsula.

One of the newest tools available to producers interested in working, setting up a business, or shooting in Spain is the Audiovisual Bureau. Backed by the Spanish trade and investment body ICEX-Invest, the Audiovisual Bureau is a catchall service for foreign or domestic producers looking for information on any part of the filmmaking process in Spain, setting up a business in Spain, or looking for help networking in the country. The free service is open to any interested industry professional and promises a reply within 48 hours.

For foreign companies, the Bureau has a team of consultants to help them understand how the Spanish industry functions and what advantages it offers to foreign producers. For local entities already experienced with shooting in Spain, the Bureau handles more specific requests and can act as an intermediary between local and foreign agencies.

Although the Bureau’s offerings are many, Elisa Garcia Grande, executive director of ICEX-Invest in Spain, says one of its greatest virtues is the specific nature of its services.

“One of the main values of this service is that it offers tailor-made solutions to specific, real-life challenges,” she says. “It is this personalized approach that makes our service truly invaluable. The value of this service has been directly demonstrated by almost a thousand companies, 50% of which are from other countries.

“Both in terms of the volume and content of inquiries and their origin, we have a real daily input into what the market is looking for in our country. And it is also through the application of these insights that we can evolve and become an even more indispensable tool for the people and businesses we seek to support,” she adds.

Common requests fielded by Bureau representatives include information about shooting locations, financial incentives, and how best to network in Spain as foreign producers look to partner with the most appropriate co-producers and service companies. Other common questions often relate to work visas, tax information and, increasingly, how to set up permanent offices in Spain.

“Since 2022, the office has been providing direct support to both national and foreign companies,” said Garcia Grande. “In these first years, we have learned that it is a much-needed tool to raise awareness of the advantages of the Spanish industry and that awareness is the key. Both Spanish and foreign companies need to be aware of the existence of the Bureau in order to fully benefit from it.”

In fielding 1,000 calls, emails and messages over two years, the Bureau has come to know exactly what it is that producers are most keen to know about the Spanish system.

“During these two years, we have identified that, in addition to financing, there is a great interest in working with Spanish companies, filming in Spain, and, increasingly, setting up in our country,” Garcia Grande says. “Thus, we are also continuing to promote the Spain Audiovisual Bureau as a key point of contact. Our aim is to continue in this direction, providing services to international companies interested in investing in our country, as well as to Spanish companies involved in international filming.”

Although the program is still in its infancy, the Bureau has already seen positive returns. The organization is also fielding many inquiries from returning parties, suggesting a high level of user satisfaction.

“The impact of the Bureau has been significant in two main areas. Firstly, it has managed to bring together all the ministries and government agencies involved in the audiovisual sector, creating a single window for coordination,” Garcia Grande says of the organization’s early impact.

“As a result, it has improved the international perception of the Spanish audiovisual industry, positioning it as a strategic sector for the country. Despite only being in operation for two years, the Office has already supported a thousand companies and answered their queries, both for filming and for investment opportunities in Spain.”

As Spain continues to court foreign and domestic shoots, producers are sure to make greater use of the Bureau and its network of industry experts, stimulating the country’s already robust screen industries.