Producing a film is an extraordinary achievement, but the journey does not end with the final shot. The real challenge, and the key to getting your work to the audience, is film distribution in Spain. Entering a vibrant and competitive market like Spain’s requires a solid strategy and knowledge of the key players. Every step is crucial to ensuring that your film generates the desired impact after its release. This article will guide you through the film distribution ecosystem in Spain, giving you the tools you need to navigate this process successfully.
Understanding the Spanish distribution ecosystem
Film distribution in Spain reflects the diversity of the global market. It is characterised by a balance between large multinational companies and independent distributors, each with a particular focus and scope. Distributors act as intermediaries between the producer and the various exhibition channels, such as cinemas, VOD platforms and television.
Their role goes beyond simple licensing; they are strategic partners who invest in your film, either through advances or marketing expenses, to ensure it reaches the right audience. Understanding the role of each of the players is the first step in mapping out your film distribution strategy.
Finding the right distribution partner
Choosing the right film distribution partner in Spain is one of the most important decisions you will make for your film. There are different types of companies and agents that specialise in different market niches.
Generalist distributors
These are the largest companies, often subsidiaries of major Hollywood studios or media conglomerates. They tend to specialise in commercial, big-budget films, with extensive marketing reach and established relationships with major cinema chains. They are usually at the top of the list of major distribution companies in Spain.
Specialized and niche distributors
These types of distributors, such as Próxima, focus on a particular genre or type of cinema, such as auteur cinema, independent cinema, documentaries or arthouse films. They are the ideal choice for a project that does not fit the commercial mould, as they know their audience well and know how to reach them. They are a fundamental pillar of film distribution in Spain.
Sales agents
Sales agents are intermediaries who specialise in selling film rights to distributors in different territories, including Spain. If your film has an international profile, working with a sales agent with experience in the Spanish market can be a very efficient way to find a local distributor. The film distributors’ association, Fedicine, and the independent distributors’ association, Adicine, are good points of reference for getting to know the main players in the sector.
Steps in the distribution process
Once you have identified your potential distribution partners, it is time to get your project off the ground.
Prepare your project for distribution
Before contacting any distributor, ensure that your film is finished or, at least, at an advanced stage of post-production. You should have a trailer, a press kit and, if possible, a list of awards or festival selections.
Approach and pitch to distributors
The pitch or presentation of your film is crucial. You can contact film distribution companies in Spain that you consider suitable directly, or do so through a sales agent. The presentation should be concise, professional and highlight the strengths of your film.
Negotiate the distribution agreement
A distribution agreement is a complex contract that defines the terms of the relationship between the producer and the distributor. It covers aspects such as the percentage of revenue that each party will receive, the distribution territories, the duration of the agreement, and the marketing plan. It is essential to seek specialised legal advice on this matter.
Build a festival strategy
Participating in film festivals is an excellent way to gain visibility and generate buzz for your film. A good festival distribution strategy can attract the attention of distributors and raise your film’s profile before its commercial release.
Plan the release and distribution windows
The distributor will work with you to plan the release strategy. This includes the theatrical release (cinema distribution), followed by digital distribution windows, such as Video on Demand (VOD), and finally television.
Distribution channels in Spain
Film distribution in Spain is organised through several channels, which can be exploited sequentially or simultaneously depending on the agreement and strategy.
Theatrical release
Theatrical film distribution is often the first and most visible step. It allows the film to be screened in cinemas, generating revenue through ticket sales. Success in this channel is crucial to the viability of the others.
Digital and VOD platforms
Digital platforms have revolutionised film distribution in Spain. Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Filmin and Movistar+ offer films the opportunity to reach a mass audience through streaming and digital rental. This is an increasingly important channel, especially for independent cinema.
Non-theatrical licensing
This distribution channel includes licences for screening on aeroplanes, in hotels, universities, museums and other institutions. Although it does not generate the same revenue as theatrical releases or VOD, it can be an important complementary source of income.
How Spain Film Commission supports distribution
At Spain Film Commission, we are committed to facilitating the production and development of audiovisual projects in the country. Although we are not a distributor, we can accompany and guide you through this crucial process. We help you connect with the right professionals and institutions, providing you with an invaluable network of contacts for your project. We can guide you through the most relevant film markets and put you in touch with sales agents and film distribution companies in Spain, such as Próxima, Fedicine and Adicine, which may be the perfect partner to bring your film to Spanish audiences. In addition, we will inform you of all kinds of grants and tax advantages that you can take advantage of during the process. Our goal is to ensure that your work does not remain on the set, but finds its way to viewers.
