The importance of Madrid is not only vital to its own region but also to the entire country. However, there are various corners within the Madrid region that stand out and offer different attractions beyond what the capital of Spain itself can provide.

The Region of Madrid has established itself as a key hub for film and television productions, attracting national and international production companies eager to take advantage of its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure. From historic palaces and squares to modern skyscrapers and natural parks, the region offers a unique versatility that makes it an appealing setting for all kinds of productions.

Backed by major projects

In recent years, the region has witnessed a significant number of shoots, many of which are globally renowned. One of the most notable productions is the successful series “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist), whose iconic scenes in the Bank of Spain and other parts of central Madrid have captivated millions of viewers worldwide. This phenomenon has sparked a boom in screen tourism, where fans travel to the Spanish capital to visit the actual locations where the series was filmed.

Similarly, international films like “Terminator: Dark Fate,” “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “Way Down,” and “Asteroid City” have used locations within our region as backdrops, benefiting from both modern settings and the region’s unmatched offering of historical sites.

One of the most notable international shoots in the region was “Doctor Zhivago”, one of the most iconic cinematic productions in history. Although the film is set in Russia, many of its scenes were filmed in the Region of Madrid, transforming rural areas of the region into Siberian landscapes. This shoot has left an indelible legacy in the memory of international cinema, and it remains a draw for tourists and film enthusiasts eager to explore the locations where the legendary scenes were recreated.

More recently, the international production of “Warrior Nun” also chose the Region of Madrid, using natural and monumental settings in the region and visiting locations such as Aranjuez, Boadilla del Monte, El Escorial, Navacerrada, and Navalcarnero to set the stage for its epic scenes. These large-scale productions not only put the Region of Madrid on the global audiovisual industry map but also generate significant economic impact through tourism linked to these productions.

And in September of this year, the spin-off of the acclaimed series “The Walking Dead,” titled The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, chose our region to shoot its third season, filming in various locations such as Lozoya and Rascafría throughout 2024.

Impact on tourism statistics

The rise of these productions has had a direct impact on screen tourism, a growing trend that connects visitors’ interest in cinema and television with exploring the locations where their favourite productions were filmed. In this regard, the Region of Madrid has successfully capitalised on this phenomenon, developing specific tourist routes that allow visitors to discover the settings they’ve seen on screen, from the streets of Madrid to towns like Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez, and Chinchón.

In addition to international productions, the Region of Madrid is the epicentre of national productions with international reach. Films such as “The Good Boss” and “Parallel Mothers,” both nominated for the Goya Awards, have also taken advantage of the vast possibilities the region offers. Tourists, drawn by the growing popularity of these films and series, not only seek to visit the filming locations but also enjoy the region’s cultural and gastronomic atmosphere, creating a continuous flow of visits and enriching the tourism offering.

With the support of Film Madrid, the Region of Madrid Filming Promotion Office, the region has managed to consolidate itself as a leading audiovisual destination, offering incentives to production companies, streamlining procedures, and providing a film-friendly environment. This commitment has led to more and more international productions choosing the Region of Madrid as a location, generating a significant economic impact not only in the audiovisual sector but also in the tourism industry.

Comprehensive support for audiovisual work

Film Madrid offers advice to all companies and professionals in the audiovisual sector wishing to shoot in any municipality of the Region of Madrid, providing the following services:

• Advice on location scouting.
• Guidance on filming permits management.
• Coordination with the various municipalities of the Region of Madrid and other public administrations to facilitate the procedures and documentation required for filming.
• Information on audiovisual companies and professionals in the Region of Madrid.
• Information on production and post-production logistics.
• Processing of reports.
• Information on grants, calls, and subsidies related to Madrid’s audiovisual production.

Screen tourism, driven by the increase in film shoots, is a clear demonstration of how cinema and television not only contribute to cultural development but also boost the local economy, promoting new opportunities for employment and sustainable development in the tourism sector.

Thus, the Region of Madrid has positioned itself as a destination that not only shines on the big screen but also invites audiences to live an immersive experience by visiting the settings of their favourite stories.