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Catalonia’s ascent as a prime filming hub: From striking locations to robust production capabilities
Why Catalonia is capturing filmmakers’ hearts
Catalonia’s allure is undeniable. With a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and cosmopolitan cities, this region has become a magnet for filmmakers, hosting some of the most iconic films and TV series ever made. The variety of locations, from the idyllic beaches of Costa Brava to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, provides a stunning backdrop for any production.
A versatile production hub on the Mediterranean
Beyond its breathtaking locations, Catalonia’s strength as a production hub on the Mediterranean coast goes much deeper. Top global streaming services and studios—Disney+, Legendary, Netflix, Amazon, Sony Pictures, Max, and Apple TV—have all chosen Catalonia as a preferred destination for their productions.
The turning point: Game of Thrones
One defining moment came in 2015 when scenes from the sixth season of Game of Thrones were filmed in Girona. This milestone marked a new era for the region, coinciding with Spain’s introduction of tax incentives for shoots. This drew international productions to explore the territory, discovering an impressive diversity of locations.
Game of Thrones Season 6 solidified Catalonia’s reputation, making it a coveted location for film and TV industries alike.
A magnet for global productions
Catalonia also boasts a strong local audiovisual industry that attracts international productions due to its cost-effective environment, generous federal incentives, and a wealth of highly skilled creative and technical talent. Carlota Guerrero of the Catalonia Film Commission highlights one of the region’s significant advantages: the ability to film with local teams, who sometimes make up to 80% of the international production crews, including department heads and suppliers.
The Hollywood connection
A seasoned production company with offices in Tenerife, Barcelona, and Lisbon, Surfilm boasts a strong Hollywood connection. For instance, under co-founder Juan Cano ‘Nono’, Surfilm facilitated the filming of Disney+’s Andor Season 2 in the Muntanya de Montserrat Natural Parc, a protected natural area in Barcelona’s province.
More recently, Netflix’s Cobra Kai Season 6 filmed in iconic Catalonian locations, including the magnificent Sagrada Familia, Plaza Real, Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, La Rambla, and Barceloneta Beach. Additionally, locations like Sitges in Barcelona and Girona’s Tossa de Mar were part of the shoot, all serviced by Surfilm.
Andor Season 2 and Cobra Kai Season 6 highlight the allure of Catalonia’s incredible diversity.
The rise of local talent and infrastructure
The region is home to a robust number of national and international feature films and TV series produced annually. Despite a decrease in international shoots in 2023 due to strikes in the U.S., Catalonia saw a significant rebound in 2024. As Guerrero points out, the recent years have demonstrated the region’s resilience and growing appeal.
In October alone, 13 international TV series and 11 Catalan series had been filmed, a marked increase from the previous year. The fall season, usually a busy filming period, is expected to yield even higher numbers.
Catalonia’s growing international appeal
The Spanish government’s decision in December 2022 to raise the cap on tax breaks for international TV productions to €10 million per episode has been a game-changer. This move has attracted more international productions to Catalonia and Spain, further bolstering the region’s reputation.
One notable project benefitting from this is the Max Original Series Pubertat (“Puberty”), created by Leticia Dolera. The series delves into the disruption caused by a social media report of teen sexual assault, shedding light on the adult sexual taboos in the community. The 13-week shoot took place across various Catalonian municipalities, including Terrassa, Martorell, and Barcelona.
Pubertat, created by Leticia Dolera, exemplifies how Catalonia continues to be a fertile ground for powerful storytelling.
Institutional support and international partnerships
Barcelona-based Distinto Films, co-producing Pubertat, teamed with companies like Corte y Confección and Uri Films, and partnered internationally with Belgium’s AT-Prod. The collaborative efforts raised substantial funding, securing grants from the Catalan government’s ICEC and Europa Creativa Media. Furthermore, their co-production with Catalan public broadcaster 3CAT and Max’s involvement underscores the institutional support for Catalan productions.
The Eurimages pilot program’s backing for Pubertat highlights how international co-production partnerships can elevate local projects, opening doors to greater funding and wider distribution.
Strengthening the local industry
Catalonia not only offers breathtaking locations but also a competitive edge in production costs. Comparatively lower than neighboring European countries, Catalonia provides top-tier talent, equipment, and ancillary services. The strong institutional support from bodies like ICEC and 3CAT further strengthens the local industry and promotes the Catalan language.
As per industry practitioners, the combination of generous incentives, talented crews, and robust infrastructure makes Catalonia a highly desirable location for both national and international productions. The region’s ability to blend scenic beauty with technical prowess ensures that it will remain a top destination for filmmakers worldwide.
To catch up with the latest from Catalonia’s bustling film scene, follow and share the updates on social media or visit the site regularly. Keep an eye out for more exciting projects emerging from this dynamic region!
