Location scouting is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting and critical phases of any audiovisual production. When the destination is Spain, the diversity of landscapes and rich cultural heritage open up a wide range of possibilities. Planning your location scouting trip to Spain efficiently is essential to optimize both time and resources. This article will guide you through the key steps to ensure your location search is a complete success.
Defining your scouting scope
Before setting foot on Spanish territory, it’s crucial to have a clear vision of what you’re looking for. Defining the scope of your location research in Spain will help you focus your efforts and maximize the effectiveness of your scouting process.
Selecting regions and priority locations
Spain is a country full of geographical and architectural contrasts. You can find the vibrant energy of cosmopolitan cities, the warmth of the Mediterranean and Atlantic beaches, the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, the lush forests of the north, or stunning historical and desert-like settings. The key is to identify which regions best align with your project’s narrative. For example, if you’re looking for modern urban settings, Madrid or Barcelona will likely be your priority. Need a breathtaking natural landscape? Then regions like Andalusia or the Canary Islands could be your next shooting destination.
Finding look-alike locations and visual references
At this early stage, identifying look-alike locations—places with visual characteristics like what you have in mind—can be extremely helpful. Use photographic, cinematic, or even artistic references to inspire you and clearly communicate to your scouting team in Spain the atmosphere and aesthetic you’re aiming for. This will speed up the process and avoid unnecessary visits to locations that don’t fit your vision.
Using Spain’s AI location database
Technology is revolutionizing how we approach the search for ideal filming locations. Spain Film Commission has developed an innovative AI-powered location search tool that allows you to discover potential sites quickly and easily. Just describe what you’re looking for in your own words, or explore through visual similarity between images, even filtering by specific categories. This tool helps you find exactly what you need in the fastest and most accessible way, optimizing your location research in Spain from the earliest stages.
Booking travel and accommodation
Travel and accommodation logistics are a fundamental part of planning your location scouting trip to Spain. Good organization will allow you to maximize time on the ground and control your production budget in Spain.
Flights and transport routes
Spain has an excellent network of international airports and high-speed train connections. It’s advisable to book your flights in advance through online platforms like Booking, Skyscanner, or directly with airlines like Iberia, Vueling, or Ryanair to get better prices. For domestic transport, consider the national train service (Renfe) or renting a vehicle, which offers flexibility to reach remote locations. Planning your routes in advance will save you valuable time during your scouting in Spain.
Lodging options
Spain offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and tourist apartments to rural houses and hostels, suitable for any budget. It’s a good idea to book early, especially if your location scouting trip coincides with peak tourism season (summer, Easter, local holidays), when prices can rise significantly and availability becomes limited. Prices also vary widely between big cities and rural areas or smaller towns, which is a key factor in the overall production budget in Spain.
Access permits and site permissions
Obtaining permits is an unavoidable and often complex part of preproduction. To shoot in Spain, it’s essential to understand the requirements and procedures involved.
Fast-track permits for scouting visits
For the scouting phase itself, initial access to locations is generally quite straightforward, especially if you’re coming from the European Union, where free movement of people applies. However, if you plan to conduct camera tests or use bulky equipment, specific permits may be required. For the actual filming, permits are typically handled by local town councils or regional film commissions. If your shoot involves occupying public space or disrupting traffic, you’ll need permits from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and/or local mobility authorities.
On-site safety and access briefings
Once on site, safety is paramount. Conduct an initial risk assessment and ensure the entire team is familiar with safety protocols. It’s essential to clearly communicate access conditions and any site-specific limitations or risks to everyone involved. Pre-visit safety briefings are key to ensuring the wellbeing of all participants during your location scouting trip to Spain.
On-site logistics and equipment
The efficiency of your location visits depends largely on well-coordinated logistics and having the right gear.
Scheduling site visits and camera tests
Time optimization is crucial during your location scouting trip to Spain. Schedule visits logically, grouping nearby locations to minimize travel time. If possible, conduct camera tests in different lighting conditions to assess the location’s viability at various times of day. A good location manager in Spain is skilled at creating efficient itineraries and coordinating these visits.
Hiring local drivers and coordinators
To ensure successful scouting in Spain, hiring local professionals is a major advantage. A local driver knows the routes and traffic patterns and can be a valuable resource for accessing lesser-known areas. Having a local coordinator or a production scout in Spain is essential. This professional will help you establish contacts, translate, manage schedules, and solve unexpected issues, ensuring your film location services team in Spain operates efficiently on the ground. This is where the experience of an agency like Spain Film Commission becomes invaluable, as it facilitates hiring all necessary personnel and managing the logistics involved.
Budgeting and tax incentives
Production budgeting in Spain is a central pillar of preproduction. Knowing the costs and available tax incentives will help you optimize your resources.
Linking scouting costs to Spain’s tax rebate
Costs associated with a location scouting trip to Spain—such as flights, accommodation, local transport, and fees for a production scout or location manager in Spain—can be significant. It’s important to know that many of these direct and indirect expenses, if properly documented and compliant with local spending requirements, may qualify for Spain’s film tax rebate. This means that part of your scouting investment can be recovered through the country’s attractive incentives, making your project even more financially viable.
Key contacts and resources
During your location scouting trip to Spain, having the right contacts is essential. Regional Film Commissions and the national Spain Film Commission are your main allies, offering advice, professional directories, and support for obtaining film permits in Spain. It’s also useful to connect with producers’ associations and local unions, which can provide valuable insights and specialized contacts.
Support from Spain Film Commission
Planning a location scouting trip to Spain can be a logistical challenge—but it doesn’t have to be. At Spain Film Commission, we specialize in film location services and comprehensive preproduction support for international shoots. Our team of fixers offers complete assistance, from location research in Spain and using our advanced AI-driven database, to coordinating site visits, managing film permits in Spain, and hiring qualified local personnel.
We ensure that every aspect of your location scouting trip to Spain is meticulously planned, optimizing your production budget in Spain and making sure your project benefits fully from the country’s generous film tax incentives. With Spain Film Commission, your preproduction will be efficient, stress-free, and focused on finding the perfect filming locations for your story.
