Santiago de Compostela, known worldwide as the final stop on the Camino de Santiago, is not only a cultural and spiritual jewel but is also emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for the audiovisual industry. With its rich historical heritage and dynamic contemporary scene, the city offers a diverse range of settings that can be adapted to any type of production. From films and series to documentaries, Santiago presents itself as a natural stage ready to capture the attention of directors and producers from around the world.

A monumental and natural setting

The old town of Santiago, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most sought-after locations for filming, thanks to its unique and well-preserved architecture. Every cobblestone street, square, and historic building tells a story that can be narrated through the lens of a camera. These locations not only allow for period productions but can also be reinterpreted in modern or fantastical contexts, thanks to their timeless atmosphere.

Moreover, Santiago de Compostela is not just about its historic centre. The modern Ensanche, a vibrant and lively district, offers an ideal contrast with its contemporary architecture and first-class facilities. Works by renowned international architects complement the urban landscape, providing settings that can transport us from the past to the most innovative present.

But what truly sets Santiago apart from other destinations is the proximity between its urban and natural landscapes. In just a few minutes, one can move from filming in a bustling urban environment to capturing the serenity of a river surrounded by lush forests, small rural villages, or vast green landscapes. This geographical versatility makes Santiago an ideal location for projects requiring a variety of settings without the need for long distances.

A Top-Level audiovisual industry

In addition to its impressive range of locations, Santiago boasts a thriving audiovisual industry that provides everything necessary to complete a production with ease. The Santiago de Compostela Film Commission (SCFC) is the municipal entity in charge of facilitating the work of production companies that choose the city as a filming destination. Their work is not limited to location scouting; they also offer comprehensive advice, permit management, and on-set assistance. This makes Santiago an accessible and efficient destination for audiovisual professionals, who can focus on the creative process without worrying about administrative procedures.

The SCFC has proven to be a key partner for both national and international productions. In 2022, for instance, 61 projects from various nationalities were supported, including Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Brazil. Among the most notable projects that year were “The New York Times Presents: Mercola”, a documentary by the prestigious American publication, and “Operación Marea Negra”, a series on Amazon Prime directed by Daniel Calparsoro​.

Meanwhile, in 2021, Santiago hosted 52 audiovisual projects, including feature films, documentaries, and series for platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. This year was crucial in establishing Santiago as an international filming destination, with productions such as “A Man of Action” and the documentary “Off the Map”​.

Infrastructure and services

Beyond the locations and administrative support, Santiago boasts a robust infrastructure that facilitates the logistics of any production. The city offers accommodation capacity of over 10,000 beds, distributed across hotels of different categories, allowing teams of any size to be comfortably housed. Moreover, its excellent connectivity via motorways, rail, and its international airport, which connects it with major European cities, makes Santiago easily accessible for productions from all over the world​.

Technically, the city is equipped with everything necessary to carry out a high-quality audiovisual production. Filming crews can find equipment rental services, lighting, sound, and video and audio post-production. Additionally, local technical and artistic professionals are capable of meeting any requirement, from makeup and hairstyling to specialised catering​.

More than just a film set

Santiago is not only an ideal filming location due to its technical facilities and diverse settings. The city also offers a rich cultural, gastronomic, and leisure scene, ensuring that during downtime, the production team can enjoy a complete experience. After a day of work, professionals can get lost in the streets of the old town, enjoy a glass of Galician wine, or savour the famous local cuisine in one of the many restaurants that dot the city​.

In conclusion, Santiago de Compostela is an ideal destination for any type of audiovisual production. Its historical and natural richness, combined with a growing audiovisual industry and a modern, well-connected infrastructure, make this city a perfect place to bring any project to life. For production companies looking for a unique setting, Santiago offers an unmatched combination of tradition and modernity that will leave no audience indifferent.