Valencia is positioning itself as a premier global destination for audiovisual production, as highlighted during a recent presentation at the San Sebastian Film Festival. The event was organized by the Valencian Audiovisual Cluster in partnership with the Generalitat’s Department of Education, Culture, Universities, and Employment. Key figures from both public and private sectors participated, including Culture Secretary Pilar Tébar and Alfred Costa, general manager of regional broadcaster A Punt Media.
The discussion centered on the current state of the audiovisual industry in Valencia and strategies for future growth. Cortés emphasized that innovation is crucial for distinguishing the region in a competitive market. He argued that merely offering tax incentives would lead to a “race to the bottom,” while innovation could provide unique advantages.
The panel introduced the “Audiovisual Mediterranean Hub Region of Valencia” brand, which aims to strengthen the sector’s value chain across Valencia’s three provinces. Sergio Gómez Trillo, manager of the Valencian Audiovisual Cluster, outlined a strategic plan focused on industry development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Key players in this initiative include Ciudad de la Luz film studios, the Institut Valencià de Cultura (IVC), and pubcaster À Punt. Many private companies are also contributing their expertise.
Following the roundtable discussion, Nuria Montes de Diego, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, stressed the need for the central government to recognize Valencia as a strategic hub for Spain’s audiovisual sector. She expressed concern that local companies might not benefit from the €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) allocated by the government for the national film industry. Montes pointed out that a recent report from the Spain Film Commission overlooked Valencia despite its significant contributions, including hosting 13 productions at Ciudad de la Luz that generated €60 million ($67 million) in spending over 14 months.
Montes highlighted Valencia’s logistical advantages during an interview with Variety. “We’re two hours from Madrid by high-speed rail and only three kilometers from Alicante airport, which is Spain’s best-connected airport,” she said.
A standout asset for Valencia is Ciudad de la Luz film studios, which reopened last year. The facility boasts over 120,000 square feet of soundstages, workshops, storage space, a 36.5-acre backlot, and Europe’s largest water tank equipped with wave-generating machines and an extendable green screen. This tank has been used for productions like Netflix’s “Under Paris” and J.A. Bayona’s film “The Impossible.”
Montes emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private institutions in executing their growth plan. While public funding supports international shoots through subsidies or tax incentives, private organizations play a crucial role in planning and execution.
She cited Sony’s “Venom: The Last Dance,” filmed at Ciudad de la Luz with a public investment of €1.5 million ($1.7 million), which yielded a return of €35 million ($39 million) for the local community. Other successful international productions include “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and “Under Paris.”
Overall, Valencia’s ambitious growth plan aims to attract major international shoots by leveraging its unique resources and fostering collaboration within its audiovisual sector.
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