Madrid's Film Office detailed efforts to enhance its status as a European audiovisual production center during the San Sebastian Festival.
On September 22, 2026, the Madrid Film Office announced a series of initiatives aimed at solidifying the city’s reputation as a leading European audiovisual production hub. Raúl Torquemada, head of the Madrid Film Office, presented these developments at the San Sebastian Festival under the theme, ‘Something is Cooking in Madrid.’
Torquemada emphasized the need for Madrid to prominently feature a mix of diverse filming locations, public funding, and robust industry networking resources. The city has already shown strong production activity; over 1,025 medium- and large-scale projects were filmed in Madrid during 2025, including at least 71 feature films, 52 television series, and more than 410 advertising productions, showcasing the city's appeal to filmmakers and producers.
According to figures presented, the Madrid City Council processed a staggering 11,001 filming applications in 2025. The Madrid Film Office provided 4,115 specific support services to productions, marking nearly a 7% increase compared to the previous year. This extensive support framework is crucial for facilitating successful shoots and enhancing collaboration between various municipal and public bodies.
Torquemada also highlighted the significance of funding, revealing that since 2021, Madrid’s audiovisual support programs have allocated over €15 million ($17.4 million) to the sector. This includes funding dedicated to production and promotional initiatives aimed at international markets, positioning Madrid to attract more co-productions and global partnerships.
The economic implications of enhanced production in Madrid are significant. A study conducted with the Autonomous University of Madrid found that film and series productions in the city from 2021 to 2024 generated more than €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) and approximately 10,100 jobs. With a clear commitment from the regional government, further investments in audiovisual talent and projects are underway.
As Madrid prepares to host the 6th Iberseries & Platino Industria from September 29 to October 2, focusing on international co-production and networking is paramount. Samuel Castro, co-director of Iberseries, noted Madrid's evolution into a reference point for Spanish and Portuguese-language content, indicating the city’s ambition for a global reach. The event aims to enhance collaboration between producers and international delegations, further elevating Madrid's prominence in the audiovisual field.
In an effort to cultivate new talent, initiatives such as the Film Academy’s Residency Programme and various forums will support emerging projects and creators. Torquemada indicated that Madrid seeks not only to host film shoots but also to cultivate an environment conducive to the development and financing of audiovisual projects.
Madrid's ambitious initiative to establish itself as a premier European audiovisual production hub is a clear statement of intent to elevate its global status in the film and television industry. With ongoing support for productions and strong community engagement, the city attracts not just filmmakers but also international partners, enhancing economic opportunities and cultural exchange. As it gears up for the Iberseries & Platino Industria, Madrid's commitment to its audiovisual sector promises exciting developments in the years to come.
This update is responsive to the growing demand for diverse filming environments and robust municipal support in the competitive global market, with the hope of setting new benchmarks for the industry.
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