The Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA) is the backbone of the audiovisual industry in Spain. As an autonomous body attached to the Ministry of Culture, the role of the ICAA in Spanish production is fundamental, ranging from promotion and support to regulation and preservation of cinematographic heritage. Understanding the functions and scope of the ICAA in Spain is crucial for any producer who wishes to shoot in Spain and access the benefits and support this country offers.
What is the ICAA and how is it organised?
The ICAA is the main official film body in Spain, in charge of managing public policies supporting the audiovisual sector. Its structure is designed to cover all areas of the industry: production, distribution and exhibition. It also plays a key role in the recovery, preservation, restoration, documentation, and cataloguing of Spanish cinematographic heritage. In essence, the ICAA is the reference point for regulation and support for cinema and the audiovisual sector in the country.
What are the main functions of the ICAA?
The functions of the ICAA are diverse and strategic for the sector. Firstly, it is responsible for promotion and support, granting aid and subsidies for the production, distribution and exhibition of cinematographic and audiovisual works. Secondly, it has an important regulatory role, managing the Register of Cinematographic and Audiovisual Companies, a public register where all companies in the sector must be registered. This registration is a necessary requirement to access many of the benefits.
The ICAA also plays a crucial role in the protection of heritage, ensuring the conservation and study of Spain’s cinematographic legacy. In addition, it provides support to the industry by actively participating in international festivals and sector fairs, promoting the dissemination of Spanish audiovisual works on a global level. Finally, it is responsible for issuing certificates, such as cultural certificates that certify the value of a work and are essential to apply for certain public aid.
Financial support for your production
The ICAA is the main channel for film funding from the Government in Spain, offering various types of aid to boost the industry. Let’s look at some of them focused on film production:
General grants
The ICAA’s general grants are annual calls aimed at projects that meet quality and economic viability criteria. These subsidies seek to support the production of feature films and short films, both fiction and documentary or animation, that contribute to cultural development and the diversity of the Spanish cinematographic offer.
Selective grants
Selective grants are aimed at projects with special cinematographic or cultural value, those that have difficulties in obtaining funding. These subsidies aim to support experimentation, innovation and the promotion of new talents, allowing the production of more risky works or with a distinctive auteur approach.
Eligibility requirements
To access ICAA grants, production companies must meet a series of requirements, including being registered in the Register of Cinematographic and Audiovisual Companies of the ICAA. In addition, productions must pass a “cultural test” that proves their value and connection with Spanish or European culture and meet nationality criteria in the technical and artistic team, as well as in carrying out most of the production in Spain or the European Union.
How to apply for ICAA support and what documents you need
Management with the ICAA is mainly done through its electronic headquarters, making procedures easier for companies in the sector. If you want to register in the Register of Cinematographic and Audiovisual Companies, you must also take these considerations into account:
When and how to apply
The process for initial registration with the ICAA, essential for any subsequent procedure, is done through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Culture and Sport. The resolution period for registration or request of the interested parties is 15 days. For registration ex officio, as a result of the initiation of a procedure, the period is the one established for the resolution of said procedure. Exhibition halls have a period of 1 month from the presentation of prior communication before the start of their activity.
Documents required
The documentation required for registration varies depending on whether the applicant is a natural or legal person.
If the applicant is a legal person:
- Application using the official model.
- Authorisation for the ICAA to obtain the Certificate of registration in the Census of Employers, Professionals and Withholders (or the certificate itself if not authorised).
- Proof of registration of trade name, brand or sign.
- Copy of the tax identification card.
- Copy of the deed of incorporation with the registration stamp in the corresponding public register (or certificate).
- Documentation accrediting the representation and capacity of the legal representative.
If the applicant is a natural person:
- Application using the official model.
- Authorisation for the ICAA to obtain the Certificate of registration in the Census of Employers, Professionals and Withholders (or the certificate itself if not authorised).
- Proof of registration of trade name, brand or sign.
- Authorisation to consult personal data through the Identity Data Verification System (or copy of the ID/identification document).
It is essential to consult the detailed information on the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Culture and Sport for the specific registration procedure.
Timeline and evaluation
The evaluation process for aid and certificates by the ICAA follows a schedule established by annual calls. After the submission of the application and required documentation, the ICAA carries out a technical and artistic evaluation of the project, in addition to verifying compliance with the eligibility criteria. The resolution may take several months, so it is vital to plan ahead and pay attention to the deadlines of each call to ensure your project is submitted at the right time.
Tax incentives and co-production support
In addition to direct aid, the ICAA is key to managing and certifying access to the attractive tax incentives for the Spanish film industry and support for co-production in Spain.
Tax rebates for foreign productions
Spain offers very attractive tax rebates for film productions in Spain for foreign cinematographic and audiovisual productions. These deductions, mainly regulated by Articles 36.1 and 36.2 of Law 27/2014 on Corporation Tax, can reach up to 30% on the first million euros and 25% on the rest of the eligible expenditure made in Spanish territory, with a minimum spend of 1 million euros (or 200,000 euros for animation). The ICAA is the body that issues the Nationality and Cultural Certificates, which are essential requirements to access these benefits. For more detailed information, you can consult our article on tax incentives for film in Spain.
Support for international co-productions
The ICAA also facilitates film co-productions in Spain through the approval of projects and the issuance of co-production certificates. Spain has numerous bilateral agreements and is a party to the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production, allowing collaboration with countries around the world. The ICAA verifies that the projects meet the technical, artistic and financial participation criteria established in the agreements, ensuring that co-productions can access the corresponding benefits and aid. To learn more, we invite you to read our article on the legal framework of co-productions in Spain.
European funding programmes
In addition to national support, the ICAA is the contact point for Spanish productions wishing to access European film funding, such as Eurimages, the Council of Europe’s fund that supports co-production, distribution and exhibition of European works. It also facilitates access to programmes such as Creative Europe MEDIA, which offer grants and support for audiovisual projects at a transnational level.
How to get in touch with the ICAA
Contacting the ICAA in Spain is essential for any producer wishing to operate in the Spanish audiovisual sector. The main means of contact for procedures and applications is through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Culture and Sport. However, for specific queries, guidance or to establish first contacts, the Spain Film Commission can be your best ally. Our team is in constant communication with the ICAA and can help you navigate the complex system, facilitating communication and ensuring that your project meets all the necessary requirements.
Why work with the ICAA for your project?
Working hand in hand with the ICAA in Spain is essential for any audiovisual production in the country. The role of the ICAA in Spanish production goes beyond mere regulation; it is a strategic partner that offers a comprehensive support framework.
As you can see, it is responsible for offering you direct aid and facilitating access to government subsidies and tax advantages. The ICAA is the support that film co-productions need in Spain, ensuring that each project finds the best conditions for its development. Its support provides valuable information for the film industry, economic benefits and, on the other hand, gives a seal of quality and viability, opening doors to distribution and recognition at national and international level.
Ultimately, integrating the ICAA into your production strategy is synonymous with betting on success in Spanish cinema.
