The Spanish audiovisual industry has grown exponentially in recent years, making Spain a leading destination for international film shoots. A key factor in this success is the availability of high-quality film equipment for hire. If you are planning a production in Spain, access to the most advanced technology is essential to ensure success, such as state-of-the-art film cameras or cutting-edge lighting and sound equipment. Fortunately, the Spanish equipment rental market is robust, professional and competitive, offering a wide range of options to meet the needs of any project.
What types of film equipment can be rented in Spain?
Spain has an extensive network of audiovisual equipment suppliers offering everything needed for any type of production, whether it be a Hollywood blockbuster or an independent short film. The variety and quality of film equipment rental in Spain is comparable to that of any major production centre worldwide.
Cameras and lenses
You can find a comprehensive selection of the most sought-after cinema cameras, including models from Arri, Red Digital Cinema, Sony, and Blackmagic Design. In addition, professional camera rental suppliers offer a wide variety of lenses, from anamorphic sets and high-end primes to versatile zoom lenses.
Lighting equipment
Lighting and grip hire in Spain is top notch. Catalogues include everything from HMI, LED and tungsten lighting systems to portable kits and lighting solutions for outdoor shoots.
Grip and rigging
The grip section is essential for any set. Rental companies provide everything needed for rigging and camera movement, including cranes, dollies, sliders, gimbals (such as the Ronin or Movi), and a wide range of supports and accessories.
Sound and recording gear
For high-quality production, sound is just as important as image. You can find a wide variety of microphones, multitrack audio recorders, boom poles, mixers, and wireless audio systems to ensure flawless sound capture.
Other equipment
The offer goes beyond the basics. It is possible to hire a wide variety of specialised equipment such as director’s monitors, wireless video transmission systems, generators, and battery systems. In addition, it is increasingly common to hire drones for film shoots, with specialised operators managing the necessary permits and logistics for spectacular aerial shots.
Where to rent film equipment in Spain
The film production equipment rental market in Spain is dominated by companies with extensive experience and reputations. Here are some of the most prominent ones, which have extensive stock and offer high-quality services:
PROFILM
PROFILM is the Association of Spanish International Audiovisual Production Companies, an organisation whose aim is to increase the number of production companies choosing Spain as a filming location. Through PROFILM, you can hire the equipment you need.
Aecine
AECINE is the Association of Independent Film Producers, a great source of support if you want your film to see the light of day and one of the best places to request a film crew for hire.
PATE
Here is another association that was created with the aim of organising and representing the interests of independent film and television producers in Spain. PATE‘s work focuses on conquering the Nordic market for film shoots. Ask for what you need and they will open their doors to you, including the rental of production equipment.
Crew United
Crew United is a major European platform with over 28 years of experience that has recently partnered with the Spain Film Commission. It has an extensive directory of companies in the film industry that may have the crew you need for your shoot.
How the rental process works
The process of renting production equipment in Spain is very similar to that in other countries, but it is important to bear in mind certain details to ensure an efficient workflow.
- Enquiry and booking: The first step is to contact the supplier to discuss your project requirements and equipment availability. It is crucial to book well in advance, especially if the equipment is in high demand or if your shoot coincides with the peak production season.
- Quote and insurance: The company will provide you with a detailed quote. It is almost always mandatory to take out production insurance or specific insurance for the rented equipment to cover damage, loss or theft. This insurance is an essential investment that protects both the client and the supplier, and in many cases is a requirement for obtaining filming permits in public spaces.
- Hiring and testing the equipment: Once the quote has been accepted and the insurance is in place, a rental contract is signed. Before picking up the equipment, it is recommended to perform a ‘camera test’ or a test of all the material to verify that it is working properly and that there are no faults, thus preventing any problems on set.
- Return: You must return the equipment on the agreed date and time and in the same condition in which you received it. The company will perform a final check to verify that there is no damage and that the inventory is complete.
Equipment logistics and on-set support
Equipment logistics in Spain can vary depending on the supplier, so it is vital to review the conditions of each one in order to choose the option that best suits your project. Some of the services you can find are:
- Delivery and collection on set: Many suppliers offer transport and logistics services that deliver and collect equipment directly to and from the filming location, saving you time and effort.
- Technicians and operators: Some film equipment rental companies can also provide you with specialised technicians and operators for the assembly and operation of complex equipment, such as cranes, gimbals, or advanced lighting systems.
- Geographical coverage: Although most suppliers are located in cities such as London and Manchester, many of them have the capacity to manage logistics and transport to cover the entire mainland, as well as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
Important considerations for international crews renting equipment in Spain
If you are a foreign production team, there are some additional aspects to consider. The most important is equipment logistics and permit management, especially if you plan to take equipment outside of Spain.
For the temporary importation of equipment, there is the option of using an ATA Carnet, an international customs document that facilitates the entry and exit of material without having to pay taxes or duties. If you do not have an ATA Carnet, you will have to follow standard customs procedures. This process may require a customs deposit that varies depending on the country of origin of the equipment. For more detailed information on importing and exporting audiovisual equipment, please visit our page on the Spain Film Commission website.
How Spain Film Commission can support your production
Navigating the process of renting film equipment in Spain may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be. At Spain Film Commission, our goal is to make your filming experience in the country as smooth and successful as possible. We can provide you with a list of verified and reliable equipment suppliers, help you understand the rental processes, and advise you on the best options for your project. Our team is in constant contact with the leading film equipment rental companies in Spain, allowing us to offer you the most up-to-date information and help you find the exact equipment you need. With our support, you can focus on the creative side of your production, knowing that the equipment logistics are in the hands of professionals.
