Spain is undeniably having its moment in the global film and TV industry. The nation’s ongoing boom started with the launch of the Spain Audiovisual Hub in 2021, which brought a massive €1.6 billion ($1.73 billion) investment to the sector. This initiative is part of Spain’s strategy to attract international productions, enhance financial and tax instruments, train talent, and streamline regulatory frameworks.
In just three years, Spain has made significant strides in all these areas. The Audiovisual Hub has been a catalyst for international investments and productions, improving the nation’s financial incentives and tax rebates, while also boosting local talent development—particularly focusing on women in the industry.
Spain’s 2024 designation as MIPCOM’s Country of Honor further reflects the country’s growing global stature. The government has launched an ambitious campaign called “Spain, Where Talent Ignites,” aiming to elevate the international visibility and marketability of Spanish productions. This effort highlights Spain’s creativity, talent, and professional excellence while focusing on expanding business opportunities in a highly competitive global landscape.
According to Elisa Carbonell, CEO of ICEX Spain Trade & Investment, the campaign is designed to position Spain as a top destination for global productions. “The aim is to associate the Spanish audiovisual industry with talent, creativity, expertise, professionalism, and excellence,” Carbonell said.
Adding to Spain’s list of achievements, the country was also named the Country in Focus for the European Film Market (EFM) at the 75th Berlin Film Festival in 2025. Spain’s film and media industry has become a European powerhouse, thanks to targeted investments, creative excellence, and cutting-edge technological innovations. According to Tanja Meissner, Berlinale Pro and EFM Director, Spain’s international presence is backed by high-quality content and originality, which continue to set it apart.
A Global Powerhouse of Content
Spain’s audiovisual industry has gained global recognition with shows like Money Heist, Elite, and The Platform dominating international streaming platforms. Four of Netflix’s top 10 most-watched non-English series are from Spain, and the Spanish film Society of the Snow was the second-most impactful film in subscriber renewals on the platform during the first quarter of 2024.
Netflix isn’t the only platform where Spain is excelling. Spain-U.S. co-productions like Land of Women on Apple TV Plus and Red Queen on Amazon Prime have also proven successful in driving subscriber growth.
According to Parrot Analytics, Spain-originated content generated $5.1 billion over the past four years, with an estimated $1.4 billion in global revenue projected for 2024. Spanish productions are in high demand, particularly in genres such as crime thrillers, historical dramas, and suspense-filled mysteries.
Incentives and Investments: Spain’s Competitive Edge
The Spanish government has recognized that tax incentives play a pivotal role in attracting global productions. The country’s 30% tax rebate, with higher rates in the Canary Islands, has made it one of the most attractive filming destinations in Europe. Between 2019 and 2022, incentivized international productions in Spain spent at least €1.3 billion ($1.41 billion) and generated approximately €1.8 billion ($1.95 billion) in economic value.
Despite this success, local industry leaders are pushing for further enhancements to these incentives, hoping to remain competitive with other global locations that offer more attractive rebate structures. Duncan Muggoch, a producer on Netflix’s The 3 Body Problem and Game of Thrones, praised Spain’s diverse filming locations and favorable climate but noted that improvements in studio space and crew availability could further enhance its appeal to large-scale productions.
Infrastructure investments are also underway, with projects such as Madrid Content City and the reopening of Alicante’s Ciudad de la Luz bolstering Spain’s capacity to host international productions.
As Spain’s audiovisual sector continues to grow, challenges remain, including workforce development and streamlining administrative processes. However, these hurdles are also seen as opportunities to ensure Spain’s position as a leading hub for global film and TV production.
