As a seasoned film enthusiast with a penchant for exploring the global landscape of cinematography, I find myself captivated by the ambitious vision of Valencia to become a leading hub of audiovisual production. Having traversed various filming locations worldwide, I can attest that the race for dominance in this industry is indeed a fierce one. Yet, what sets Valencia apart is not merely its strategic location or logistical advantages, but rather its focus on innovation and collaboration.
At the San Sebastian Film Festival this week, it was evident that the Spanish community of Valencia aims to establish itself as a major international center for audiovisual content creation.
The event was jointly hosted by the Valencian Audiovisual Cluster and the Department of Education, Culture, Universities, and Employment of the Generalitat. Attendees included figures from both public and private sectors such as Pilar Tébar (Culture Secretary), Fermín Crespo (General Manager of the Society for Digital Transformation Projects), Alfred Costa (general manager of A Punt Media), and Miguel Molina, Vice President of the Valencian Audiovisual Production and Services Cluster who moderated a panel discussion.
Today’s conversation centered around the present situation of the Valencian audio-visual industry within a global perspective, and strategies for further expansion within the region.
Cortés emphasized the significance of fostering innovation as a key factor in distinguishing Valencia’s industry within a competitive market, rather than solely relying on providing additional tax incentives. He contended that striving to be the most economical location for production is a downward spiral, but by focusing on innovation, Valencia could offer an exclusive advantage that no other region possesses.
The panelists further showcased the brand for the Audiovisual Mediterranean Hub Region of Valencia, which seeks to unify the value chain within the three provinces. Sergio Gómez Trillo, managing the Valencian Audiovisual Cluster, detailed this project’s strategic approach emphasizing growth, innovation, business creation, and technological advancements in the industry.
Key contributors to the regional project encompass the Ciudad de la Luz film studios, the Institut Valencià de Cultura (IVC), a government-backed film institution, as well as public broadcaster À Punt. In addition, numerous private enterprises are lending their knowledge and ideas to the initiative.
After the meeting, Nuria Montes de Diego, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the central government acknowledging the Valencian Community as a key center for the audiovisual industry within Spain.
There is a fear that local businesses and entities may miss out on the advantages of the €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) invested by the government to stimulate the national film industry, as this report by the Spain Film Commission on the effects of international film productions in Spain seems to ignore Valencia’s significant contributions. Over the last 14 months, Valencia has welcomed 13 productions at its newly renovated Ciudad de la Luz film studio, resulting in an estimated €60 million ($67 million) spent within the region.
Montes proudly discussed the area’s logistical perks while talking with EbMaster in San Sebastian. “We’re just a two-hour train ride from Madrid on the high-speed line. The Alicante airport, which is the most connected airport in all of Spain and just three kilometers from our studio, is only a two-hour flight from the U.K.
One notable treasure of the region might be the Ciudad de Luz film studios, that resumed operations last year. This complex boasts over 120,000 square feet of soundstages, 120,550 square feet of workshops and storage areas, a sprawling 36.5-acre back lot, and Europe’s largest water tank. Equipped with wave generators, water cannons, and an extendable green screen, this tank has recently been employed on the Netflix series “Under Paris” and is perhaps best known for its role in J.A. Bayona’s disaster film “The Impossible.
According to Montes, it’s crucial that both public and private institutions collaborate closely on the growth plan, as their combined efforts are indispensable. While funding for international film productions often originates from public funds like subsidies or tax breaks, private entities play a significant role in the strategic planning and implementation. In fact, local studios are consulted throughout most stages of the process.
Discussing the prospect of financial gain, Montes referred to the profitable outcome of Sony’s “Venom: The Last Dance” production at Ciudad de la Luz studios. This project received €1.5 million ($1.7 million) in public funding, but generated a return of €35 million ($39 million) for the local community. Similarly successful international productions that have boosted the local economy recently are “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and “Under Paris.
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2024-09-27 08:47