Spain
Spain offers an impressive diversity of locations and cultures in close proximity to each other. In the winter, you can film beach scenes in Costa del Sol, then drive for two hours and shoot snowy mountains, drive another hour and a half and shoot in the desert where the Spaghetti Westerns were shot in the 70’s. Spain’s agricultural looks of interest include orange orchards, olive groves, wheat fields and vineyards.
Cost & Rebates
Spain trades in the Euro. It is generally one of the less expensive western European countries to shoot in.
Spain offers tax incentives for international shoots in the form of a tax rebate of up to 30%.Navarre offers 35% via tax credit. The Canary Islands where it is 50%.
When To Shoot
Spain offers year-round filming opportunities. It has long been a popular destination for European productions looking to shoot warm weather looks in wintertime, without having to travel far.
Spain’s climate varies from temperate in the north to dry and hot in the south. The best months to film for weather and long daylight hours are April to October. Summer, from June to August can be excessively hot in the interior, including Madrid. Coastal regions are milder during the summer. Snow falls in mountain areas from November to March.
Visa Information
Spain is a member of the Schengen Area. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. US crews can enter and film visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. Contact your local Spanish embassy or representative for more information.
Cast, Crew & Equipment
Spain has a good local pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Local crews are non-union. Spain has a good depth of very experienced and professional English speaking key crew. Spain’s close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those crews should you ever need to look further. Talent is non-union and buyouts are very negotiable. Spain is a multicultural country offering mostly Mediterranean looks with some Blonde, African, Middle Eastern and Asian looks also available. Some lead roles of non-Mediterranean talent may need to be cast abroad. Spain is also home to several celebrities including many of the world’s best footballers including names such as Messi, Ronaldo and Bale. Spain has all of the standard camera, grip and lighting equipment and specialised equipment including Techonocranes and the Russian Arm. Additional equipment can be easily brought in from major European production centres. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Spain is an ATA carnet country.