International film and TV productions in Spain have made a substantial impact, generating approximately €1.32 billion ($1.5 billion) in direct spending between 2019 and 2022, according to a new report unveiled at the San Sebastián Film Festival. Released on September 21, the report highlights the economic significance of foreign shoots benefiting from Spain’s tax incentives, revealing that these productions contributed an estimated €1.8 billion ($2.4 billion) in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the national economy.
The study, conducted by Olsberg·SPI in collaboration with the Spain Film Commission and Profilm, marks the first comprehensive analysis of the economic effects of international productions in Spain. The report indicates that for every euro invested through international production tax incentives, there is a return of nine euros in GVA. This wide-reaching impact extends beyond the audiovisual sector to various industries, including construction, hospitality, and transportation.
The report also highlights that international productions created or sustained an average of 7,080 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs annually during the 2019-2022 period. Of these, around 1,300 jobs were directly linked to the productions, while the remaining 5,780 jobs were supported through the wider economic impact, driven by wage spending.
Significantly, the total remuneration for employees involved in incentivized international productions amounted to €989.9 million ($1.1 billion), representing 55% of the GVA. A considerable portion of production expenditure—estimated at 74%—was allocated to sectors outside the audiovisual industry, underscoring the broad economic benefits of these productions.
Spain’s audiovisual sector has experienced remarkable growth, supported by political initiatives and government backing aimed at fostering development. Leon Forde, managing director of Olsberg·SPI, emphasized Spain’s vibrant market and its position as a leader in Europe for production, talent, and infrastructure.
The report’s findings were met with enthusiasm at the festival. María González Veracruz, Secretary of State of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, remarked on the success of the audiovisual sector as a vital driver of industrial growth and job creation. Carlos Rosado, president of the Spain Film Commission, noted that the study would reshape public perceptions of the sector, while Ignasi Camós, managing director of the Spanish film agency ICAA, suggested that future studies should explore the broader impact of Spain’s audiovisual industry on the national economy.
