Madrid has emerged as a key destination for the global audiovisual industry. In recent years, the Spanish capital has established itself as one of the leading production centres in Europe, attracting both national and international production companies. Its ability to tell stories, its diversity of locations, and the quality of its services have made Madrid an irresistible place for directors and producers from all over the world.

A complete ecosystem for productions

One of Madrid’s main advantages is its audiovisual ecosystem, which ranges from top-tier studios to a vast network of highly qualified professionals. Currently, Madrid is home to more than 32% of the companies in the audiovisual sector in Spain, and 41% of the professionals in the industry. This ensures that any production, regardless of its scale, can find all the necessary services without having to search elsewhere​.

The Madrid Film Office acts as a link between production companies and local suppliers, providing a comprehensive directory of companies in the sector. From equipment rental to post-production services, including special effects and casting, everything is available within the city, streamlining and speeding up the production process. Furthermore, production costs in Madrid are often more competitive compared to other major European cities, allowing budgets to be maximised without sacrificing quality.

Variety of locations

The versatility of Madrid’s locations is one of the most attractive features for productions. The city offers a unique combination of urban, natural, and heritage settings, enabling the recreation of both local and international stories. Notable examples include the use of Madrid to represent cities such as Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Paris, Berlin, or New York, demonstrating the city’s ability to transform and adapt to the needs of each project​.

Some of the most iconic places in the city have been the backdrop for major international productions. The Prado Museum and the Temple of Debod, for example, were used in series such as Warrior Nun and 30 Coins, showcasing how Madrid can offer protected locations with immense heritage value for audiovisual narratives. The city’s streets have also hosted large-scale productions, such as the complete closure of Gran Vía for two days for the filming of All the Names of God, or the transformation of various downtown streets to recreate Mexico City in Terminator: Dark Fate.

Previous experience is a guarantee

Madrid boasts an impressive track record of large-scale audiovisual productions. Among the most notable series that have chosen the city as their main setting is Money Heist, an international Netflix success, whose most important exteriors were shot in Madrid. This series not only positioned the Spanish capital on the global audiovisual industry map but also gave rise to a sequel, Berlin, where Madrid was used to recreate various spaces in Paris.

Another example is Red Queen, an Amazon Prime series based on the novels by Juan Gómez-Jurado, in which Madrid is a protagonist from the very first episode, starting in the Lavapiés neighbourhood. In the film sector, the city has been the setting for movies such as Way Down, directed by Jaume Balagueró, which required the closure of Plaza de Cibeles, a key point in the city, for a crucial scene.

Infrastructure and climate: two key allies

In addition to its wealth of locations and its audiovisual industrial fabric, Madrid offers unbeatable logistical conditions for productions. The city has an excellent infrastructure network that facilitates travel between different shooting points, both within the city and in its surroundings. This includes international air connections from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, as well as an efficient public transport and road network that quickly connects the city with other key points in Spain and Europe.

Madrid’s climate is another decisive factor. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, the city guarantees long hours of natural light, resulting in fewer interruptions due to adverse weather conditions and, consequently, greater efficiency in shooting times.

Institutional support and public commitment

A fundamental aspect that has driven the growing demand for Madrid as a destination for audiovisual productions is the commitment of public administrations. The Madrid Film Office works closely with various municipal departments and private organisations to facilitate the logistics of filming, providing support from the pre-production stage to the final promotion of the works. This includes obtaining permits, searching for locations, and addressing any special needs that may arise during the filming process.

Madrid is much more than an attractive tourist destination; it is a city that offers an ideal setting for high-quality audiovisual content creation. With its unique combination of locations, favourable climate, solid infrastructure, and a network of top-level professionals, the Spanish capital has positioned itself as one of the leading production hubs in Europe. The Madrid Film Office paves the way for productions to make the most of everything the city has to offer, making Madrid the perfect backdrop for telling great stories​.