Filming in Spain means entering a mature audiovisual market with first-class infrastructure and highly qualified professionals. However, each country has its own operational dynamics and understanding how the production process works in Spain is essential for your project to run smoothly. Each phase has its own particularities that you should be aware of before arriving with your team. This article guides you through the stages of film production in Spain, detailing the operational, legal and logistical aspects that make the difference between a smooth production and one fraught with unnecessary obstacles.
Pre-production in Spain
Pre-production is the backbone of any successful audiovisual project. In Spain, this phase has specific characteristics derived from both the country’s administrative structure and the financing opportunities available. Solid pre-production in the Spanish film industry requires establishing local contacts, understanding the network of public subsidies, and building a technical team that combines international expertise with local knowledge.
Working with Spanish film offices and film commissions
Spain has a network of 48 Film Commissions and Film Offices coordinated by the Spain Film Commission, each specialising in its own territory and with in-depth knowledge of the production capabilities of its region. These offices are not mere administrative counters: they function as strategic allies offering free advisory services, location scouting, management of film production permits in Spain and connections with local suppliers.
Working with regional Film Commissions from the early stages of a project brings tangible benefits. They know which locations available, which service companies are operate in their area, what specific incentives their autonomous community offers, and how to navigate local administrative particularities. Film Madrid, for example, manages permits and provides specific information on filming regulations in the Community of Madrid, while the Andalucía Film Commission offers similar services tailored to the characteristics of its region.
The support of these offices is especially valuable for international film productions entering the Spanish market for the first time. They can facilitate contact with municipal authorities for permits, recommend technical professionals with experience in international filming, and provide up-to-date information on regulatory changes that may affect the film production plan.
Exploring incentives and funding opportunities
The tax incentive system for international film production in Spain is structured on multiple levels that an international production company must understand in order to optimise its investment. The national tax incentive, regulated by Law 27/2014 on Corporation Tax, allows for the recovery of up to 30% on the first million euros of deductible expenditure and 25% on the surplus, provided that the total expenditure in Spanish territory reaches at least 1 million euros (or 200,000 euros for animation productions).
This tax incentive operates through the corporate income tax deduction system and can be transferred through Economic Interest Groups (EIGs), which makes it easier for foreign production companies without a tax presence in Spain to access the benefit. The maximum deduction limit is set at €20 million per feature film and €10 million per television series episode.
In addition to the national incentive, some autonomous communities have developed their own support systems. The Canary Islands offer a deduction of up to 50% if the minimum expenditure of €1 million (€200,000 for animation) is made on the islands, with a maximum of €18 million per project. Navarre provides a deduction of 35% (40% for animation and special effects) if at least 40% of the deductible base is spent in the region, with a maximum of 5 million.
To access these incentives, productions must obtain the Certificate of Nationality and the Cultural Certificate from the ICAA (Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts). The Cultural Certificate requires compliance with at least two of the criteria established in Article 22 of Royal Decree 1084/2015, which include aspects such as the language of the original version, the setting in Spain, the connection with Spanish literature or cultural heritage, or the profile of the target audience.
For international film co-productions, Spain has bilateral agreements with Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru and the Dominican Republic) and Canada, as well as being a signatory to the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production. These agreements facilitate access to public funds from both countries and allow the work to qualify as a national production in each territory.
The co-production application process involves submitting an application to the ICAA or the competent body of the autonomous community, together with documentation that includes the official form, assignment of script rights, detailed budget, list of technical and artistic personnel, and the co-production contract. Provisional certification is issued in approximately 4 months and must be requested before filming begins, in accordance with Royal Decree 1084/2015.
Hiring local professionals and production service companies
Hiring a film crew in Spain involves navigating a labour market regulated by collective agreements specific to the audiovisual sector. The Third State-wide Collective Agreement for the Audiovisual Production Industry (Technicians), published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) in April 2024, establishes the minimum wage scales and working conditions for technicians in film and television productions.
Salaries vary significantly depending on the role and experience. A director of photography can earn between €30,000 and €75,000 gross per annum, while a sound mixer can earn between €25,000 and €50,000 per annum. Daily rates for freelance professionals depend on multiple factors: project complexity, shoot duration, technical equipment required, and the professional’s reputation.
To find qualified professionals, international production companies can turn to platforms such as Mandy.com or ProductionHub, but also to local resources such as directories maintained by regional film commissions and professional associations in the sector. The Spanish Association of Directors of Photography (AEC), founded in 1993, brings together nearly 140 renowned professionals and can facilitate access to directors of photography with experience in international productions.
Film production service companies in Spain offer comprehensive solutions such as the provision of technical equipment or even complete management of local production. These companies, especially those specialising as ‘service companies’, have in-depth knowledge of the Spanish market and can act as production fixers, handling logistical, administrative and contracting aspects that would be complex for a foreign production company operating independently.
A crucial aspect of hiring staff in Spain is understanding Social Security obligations. If the production company hires direct employees, it must pay employer Social Security contributions, which represent approximately 29% to 32% of the gross salary (depending on the type of contract and contingencies), in addition to the worker’s salary. This includes common contingencies (23.6% paid by the employer), unemployment (5.5% for permanent contracts, 6.7% for temporary contracts), the Wage Guarantee Fund (0.2%) and vocational training (0.6%).
If you work with freelance professionals, they manage their own Social Security contributions, which simplifies the administrative burden on the production company. However, it is important to verify that freelancers are correctly registered, as the Labour Inspectorate may determine that there is a covert employment relationship if the working conditions resemble those of an employee.
Contracts with film crews in Spain usually include clauses on identification of the parties, detailed description of services and schedule, remuneration and form of payment, transfer of intellectual property rights, confidentiality, civil liability insurance, and conflict resolution. The Spanish tax system also stipulates that companies must withhold IRPF (personal income tax) from workers’ paychecks, acting as collectors of this tax.
The shooting process in Spain
Once pre-production is complete, the shooting phase presents its own operational challenges. The film production workflow in Spain must adapt to specific labour regulations, strict safety protocols, and coordination between international crews and local professionals.
Managing daily operations on set in Spain
Daily operations on a Spanish film set follow international standards but with local particularities that are worth knowing. Call sheets must include the mandatory rest periods established by the sector’s collective agreement, which regulates maximum working hours, minimum breaks between shifts and specific conditions for night work.
Spanish labour legislation establishes clear limits on consecutive working hours. Although agreements in the audiovisual sector allow for a certain degree of flexibility given the nature of the work, there are limits that cannot be exceeded without incurring labour violations. Meal breaks are regulated and must be respected, with breaks of at least 15 minutes being mandatory when the continuous working day exceeds six hours.
The role of the Spanish assistant director takes on special relevance in this context. In addition to coordinating the daily work on set according to the director’s vision, this professional’s task is to ensure that the planned schedules comply with Spanish labour legislation and actual working conditions. For international productions, it is essential to have an assistant director who is familiar with both international standards and the particularities of the Spanish market.
Communication between international and Spanish teams requires special attention. Although many Spanish professionals are fluent in English, producing bilingual documentation (especially call sheets and safety protocols) makes it easier for all team members to understand critical information without the need for simultaneous interpretation. This practice not only improves efficiency but also significantly reduces the risk of misunderstandings that could affect safety or creative outcomes.
Location management during filming involves coordinating with the local authorities that have issued the permits. Many local councils require daily contact with the local police or the relevant municipal department to confirm schedules and resolve any incidents. Failure to comply with the conditions set out in the permits may result in their immediate revocation and financial penalties.
Health, safety and labour regulations
Safety on set is non-negotiable in Spain, where occupational risk prevention regulations establish specific requirements for audiovisual productions. The Occupational Risk Prevention Act and its regulatory developments require production companies to carry out specific risk assessments for each location and activity, identify potential hazards, and develop contingency plans.
Taking out civil liability insurance is mandatory in order to obtain filming permits. This policy must cover potential damage to third parties, material damage to locations, and accidents that may be suffered by members of the crew. Local councils and agencies that issue permits usually require certificates of this insurance as part of the necessary documentation, and the minimum coverage varies depending on the type of production and location.
When Spanish and international companies work together, Spanish legislation on the coordination of business activities establishes specific obligations. A safety coordinator must be appointed to supervise that all participating companies comply with their obligations in terms of risk prevention. This coordinator must ensure that workers from all companies receive information on the specific risks of each location and activity.
Productions involving special risks (action scenes, use of explosives, working at height, filming in natural environments during periods of forest fire risk) require additional measures. In natural locations in Spain, especially during the summer months, restrictions due to the risk of forest fires may limit or prohibit certain types of activity. It is essential to consult with the environmental authorities of the relevant autonomous community before planning scenes that involve any type of fire or that take place in forest areas.
The collective agreement for the sector also establishes obligations regarding breaks, holidays, public holidays and overtime pay. Working on national or regional public holidays entails specific financial compensation. Overtime is subject to established limits and must be compensated in accordance with the tables in the agreement. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in penalties from the Labour Inspectorate, as well as generating conflicts with the team that negatively affect production.
Working with Spanish film crews
Spanish technical teams are internationally recognised for their professionalism and technical expertise. However, as with any intercultural collaboration, there are operational aspects that should be understood in order to maximise the efficiency of the collaboration.
Spanish professionals in the audiovisual sector are usually organised into clearly defined departments, following structures similar to those in other European markets. The head of each department (director of photography, sound manager, art director) works with their own team and maintains direct lines of communication with the director and producer. Respecting these established hierarchies and communication channels facilitates work and avoids confusion.
The technical expertise of Spanish professionals is on par with that of any developed market. Cinematographers are proficient in the latest camera and lighting technologies, sound crews work to international standards, and art and costume departments have access to top-tier suppliers and workshops. The Spanish industry has participated in numerous international productions, raising standards and familiarising many professionals with working methodologies from different countries.
One aspect that sets the Spanish market apart is the sustained importance of trade unions and professional associations. Although not all technicians are unionised, professional organisations carry weight in the sector and collective agreements are negotiated at national level. This provides stability and clarity in working conditions, but it also means that production companies must be prepared to respect these collective agreements.
The film production support network in Spain extends beyond the direct technical crew. Equipment suppliers, catering companies specialising in film shoots, transport services, post-production companies and digital laboratories form a mature ecosystem that can support productions of any scale. Regional Film Commissions maintain up-to-date directories of these suppliers and can facilitate contact according to the specific needs of each project.
Final steps of film production in Spain
The completion of an audiovisual production in Spain involves managing administrative, fiscal, and contractual aspects that are just as important as the filming itself. An orderly completion of the project ensures that the production company can access tax incentives, properly closes contractual relationships with suppliers and staff, and leaves the door open for future collaborations.
Finalizing production in Spain
The last day of filming does not mark the end of operational obligations in Spanish territory. The production company must ensure the proper return of locations, rented equipment, and any other resources used during filming. Locations must be left in the condition agreed upon in the permits, and any damage must be documented and repaired as contractually agreed.
Municipal permits often include clauses on cleaning and restoring public spaces. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in financial penalties and make it difficult to obtain future permits. Maintaining a good relationship with local authorities benefits the entire industry.
Technical equipment rented from Spanish suppliers must be returned on the agreed dates and in the conditions established in the rental contracts. Delays in returning equipment generate additional costs that may not be covered by production insurance. Careful planning of the shooting schedule, allowing for extra days in case of unforeseen circumstances, helps to avoid these extra costs.
Deliverables and final reports
To access Spanish tax incentives, the production company must submit comprehensive documentation to the ICAA demonstrating compliance with all established requirements. This includes the certificate of nationality (if applicable), the cultural certificate, and detailed documentation of all expenses incurred in Spanish territory that are included in the deductible base.
Eligible expenses must be properly documented by invoices that comply with Spanish tax requirements. Invoices must include the complete tax details of both the issuer and the recipient, a detailed description of the services or products, and the corresponding VAT. Payments must be made by bank transfer or other traceable means, avoiding cash payments that cannot be adequately justified.
The final co-production certificate (for official co-productions) requires the submission of documentation including the final shooting report, receipts for expenses incurred in each participating country, proof that the work has been completed as agreed, and documentation on the planned distribution and exploitation of the work. This certificate is necessary for each co-producer to access the benefits in their respective country.
The production company must also deposit a copy of the completed work at the Spanish Film Archive or another officially recognised regional film archive. This deposit is a mandatory requirement for accessing tax incentives and must be made under specific technical conditions established by the regulations.
Closing agreements and payments
The conclusion of contracts with technical and artistic personnel requires ensuring that all outstanding payments are made within the established deadlines. Delays in payments can lead to labour claims before the Labour Inspectorate and damage the production company’s reputation in the Spanish market, making future hiring difficult.
The final Social Security contributions for directly hired workers must be settled correctly. The Spanish Social Security carries out periodic checks and may claim outstanding or incorrectly calculated contributions with surcharges and interest. Working with a Spanish labour consultancy specialising in the audiovisual sector facilitates the correct fulfilment of these obligations.
Contracts with service providers (catering companies, transport, accommodation, equipment hire) must be finalised after checking that there are no outstanding items to be invoiced. Some suppliers may include clauses allowing them to invoice additional costs discovered after filming (extra consumption, damage not reported during production, etc.). Careful review of all final invoices helps to avoid unpleasant surprises when closing the budget.
International co-production agreements establish mechanisms for revenue distribution and cost sharing that must be respected in the financial closure of the project. If there are cost overruns, the agreements usually specify how they are shared among the co-producers. Transparent communication about the final financial situation of the project helps maintain positive relationships between partners and facilitates future collaborations.
Best practices for international productions
Beyond technical and administrative aspects, there are best practices that make the difference between productions that run smoothly and those that face constant obstacles. These recommendations, derived from the experience of numerous international film productions shot in Spain, can help you optimise your experience.
Start early and involve local partners from day one
Time is a critical resource in any production, especially when operating in a foreign country. Initiating contact with film commissions, local authorities, and service providers as far in advance as possible avoids encountering administrative deadlines that cannot be met.
Film production permits in Spain require at least 15 working days’ notice for filming in public spaces that involve significant occupation or traffic closures. Some local councils can process simpler applications in 7 working days, but relying on these minimum deadlines is risky. Starting the permit process at least one month before filming allows time to resolve any complications.
Involving local partners from the earliest stages of the project adds value that goes beyond the processing of permits. An experienced Spanish fixer can advise on the feasibility of locations, suggest alternatives that meet creative requirements with fewer logistical complications, and anticipate potential problems that would not be apparent from outside the country.
Embrace cultural and operational differences
Every audiovisual market has its own dynamics, and Spain is no exception. Working hours may differ from those in other countries: meals tend to be longer, especially in summer, and breaks are more culturally ingrained. Attempting to impose working practices from other markets without taking these particularities into account creates unnecessary friction with local teams.
Direct communication and establishing personal relationships are important in Spanish business culture. Although formal contracts and agreements are essential, investing time in getting to know local collaborators, understanding their perspectives and building relationships based on mutual respect greatly facilitates collaboration and the resolution of problems that inevitably arise during any production.
The concept of flexibility can also be interpreted in different ways. While in some markets flexibility means the ability to respond quickly to last-minute changes, in Spain flexibility is valued but must be balanced with respect for established agreements and the team’s working conditions. Constant changes to plans or significant modifications without prior consultation can be interpreted as a lack of respect for the team’s work.
How Spain Film Commission can support your production
We coordinate a network of 48 Film Commissions and Film Offices covering the whole of Spain, each with in-depth knowledge of their region and the ability to offer support for film production in Spain tailored to local characteristics. This coordination allows international production companies to optimise their production costs by accessing the best resources in each region.
Navigating the complexities of the production process in Spain can be overwhelming for international production companies approaching this market for the first time. At Spain Film Commission, we act as your strategic ally throughout all stages of film production.
- Our comprehensive services include advice on tax incentives and co-productions, facilitating access to the tax incentives for international film production offered by Spain. We manage the certificate application process with the ICAA, ensuring that your project meets all the requirements to maximise your return on investment.
- We provide location scouting through our innovative AI-powered location search tool, which allows you to find the perfect setting by describing what you are looking for in your own words or exploring by visual similarity. This technology significantly optimises the time spent searching for locations.
- We manage the process of obtaining film production permits in Spain at the national, regional and municipal levels, navigating the different regulations depending on the territory and type of shoot. Our knowledge of the administrative processes in the different autonomous communities and local councils significantly speeds up processing times.
- We facilitate the hiring of film crews in Spain by connecting you with the best professionals according to the specific needs of your project. Our directories include technicians with proven experience in international productions, capable of working smoothly in multicultural environments.
- We coordinate with specialised film production service companies in Spain that can act as production service companies, handling logistical, administrative and hiring aspects that will allow your creative team to focus on the artistic aspects of the project.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that your filming experience in Spain is efficient, free of administrative stress, and focused on creating the highest quality audiovisual content. With Spain Film Commission, the film production workflow in Spain becomes a smooth process that maximises both operational efficiency and the use of the extraordinary production capabilities that the country offers.
