With its rich history and varied geography, Spain provides a stunning backdrop for feature films, commercials, and TV shows, and Queen Letizia attended an event on 9 May to learn more about attracting film crews to the country.
The Spanish Queen took part in several roundtables held in Madrid on the topic titled “Competitive Advantages of Filming in Spain” and “Spain, Audiovisual Hud of Europe.”
The event was organised by the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, ICEX-Invest in Spain, and the Spain Film Commission.
Queen Letizia was welcomed to the ICEX Auditorium by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto. A contingent of American businessmen also attended the event, with the theme of “Shooting in Spain: Focus on USA.”
The special tax incentives available for film crews who choose to make their projects in Spain were discussed at the forum, and Queen Letizia watched a video highlighting the financial benefits available.
According to Casa Real, the Queen also took part in sessions discussing “changes promoted by the government (especially in tax and visa matters) and the investment effort that Spain is making to become the audiovisual hub of Europe.”
Events held between 8 to 14 May are focused on attracting American productions to Spain, including trips to Seville and the Canary Islands to tour the diverse landscapes available for filming locations.
Many popular U.S. films have been filmed in Spain over the years, including “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “007: The World is Not Enough,” and “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.”
In an effort to draw more productions to its shores, the country is planning a €1,603 million investment through 2025, aiming “to increase the audiovisual production made in Spain by 30 per cent at the end of the period.”
