In recent years, Spain has emerged as a reference filming location for all types of film and television productions, a destination that seduces with its landscapes, climate, costs and logistical support, but also with its unique cultural atmosphere. A destination that seduces for its landscapes, climate, costs and logistical support, but also for its unique cultural atmosphere. What makes this country the ideal set for international filmmakers?
A mosaic of landscapes and climates
Imagine a morning on the coast of Almeria, with dunes reminiscent of the Sahara, to shoot a science fiction scene. The next day, switching to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada - all without leaving Spain. Geographical diversity is one of the great attractions: from Mediterranean beaches and deserts to mountains, forests, medieval cities and modernist neighbourhoods.
And the climate is another invaluable ally. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year on the peninsula, and up to 220 days in the Canary Islands, the productions ensure continuous filming, without interruptions due to rain or adverse weather conditions.
Tax incentives and economic return
Spain offers attractive economic incentives that make the difference: a tax rebate of 30 % on the first million euros spent on the mainland (and 25 % on the rest), up to a limit of 10 million euros per production. The Canary Islands raise this advantage even further, with up to 54% deduction on the first million, and 45% on the rest.
The figures are not misleading: every euro invested returns €9 in economic value to the country, generating approximately 7 080 full-time equivalent jobs per year between 2019 and 2022, and an economic injection of almost €1.8 billion in that period.
These figures illustrate why Spain was chosen for major international productions - from series such as Game of Thrones, The Crown and Westworld, to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and J. A. Bayona's recent Oscar-nominated Society of the Snow.
Infrastructure and a mature audiovisual industry
Spain offers not only landscapes, but also tools and talent. With more than 72,000 professionals in the sector, and 6,700 companies dedicated to the audiovisual sector, it has state-of-the-art studios and support chains that facilitate any stage of production.
Added to this is an efficient network of national and regional film commissions - including the Spain Audiovisual Bureau and the various regional offices. In our case, Abaq DMC Spain is officially part of the Andalucía Film Commission, as stated in its production guide:
Local talent and film culture
Spain also contributes a fundamental human component: internationally recognised technicians, designers, directors of photography and actors. Creativity is mixed with a consolidated film tradition, backed by globally successful series such as La Casa de Papel or Élite.
Connectivity, security and quality of life
With a remarkable transport infrastructure -more than 50 airports and the second high-speed rail network in Europe- Spain offers optimal connectivity to attract equipment, materials and talent. In addition, its political stability, high quality health services and security levels consolidate its attractiveness as a filming destination.
And let's not forget the intangible element: a hospitable culture, renowned gastronomy (such as the Mediterranean diet, a UNESCO heritage site), and a way of life that enriches the crew's experience for long periods of time.
Ready to shoot in Spain?
At Abaq DMC Spain we offer comprehensive support to film production, acting as facilitators at every stage of the project. We help streamline the processes of location, permits and coordination with local authorities, eliminating operational barriers and simplifying management for production teams.
We also take care of all the complementary logistics: transfers, accommodation, catering, personal assistance and tailor-made services, as well as being able to provide all kinds of complementary services to the team's stay.
With an in-depth knowledge of the terrain and a network of trusted contacts, we become the strategic ally that allows each production - large or small - to move forward smoothly, efficiently and with guaranteed quality.
Are you planning your next shoot in Spain? Let's talk.
