We could not miss the city that will host this Shooting Locations Marketplace, the place where the last edition of the Goya Awards (Spanish Film Academy Awards) was held and the venue of one of the most important film festivals on the international scene, the Seminci. Valladolid is a place where shooting your next film will be a pleasure and can also give your story a plus.
Valladolid, a city with a rich cinematographic tradition, has proven to be the ideal place for audiovisual production. The city’s commitment to the seventh art has been recognised internationally, being named in 2019 as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the film category. This recognition is just a sign of the deep relationship that Valladolid has with the world of cinema, which is reflected both in its festivals and in its capacity to attract major productions.
Legacy of cinema
The Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci), one of the oldest film festivals in Europe, is the clear exponent of this tradition. With more than 68 years of history, this event has established itself as an international benchmark for auteur cinema and an essential platform for independent films. The city is transformed every year during the festival, attracting directors, actors and producers from all over the world, reinforcing its position as the epicentre of auteur cinema in Europe.
In addition, Valladolid has one of the first academic institutions dedicated to the study of film in Spain: the Chair of History and Aesthetics of Cinematography, created in 1962 and attached to the University of Valladolid. This academic legacy continues with the Master’s Degree in Film offered by the University in collaboration with the Seminci, which provides cutting-edge training for future filmmakers and experts in the audiovisual industry.
The city not only stands out for its film tradition, but also for its ability to attract and facilitate international productions. Valladolid Turismo is a key technical office that offers comprehensive support to production companies that decide to shoot in the city and its province. With services such as location scouting, processing of permits and individualised advice, this institution guarantees that filming takes place efficiently. Productions from countries such as Japan and India have already found Valladolid to be the perfect setting for their projects.
The diversity of locations in Valladolid and its province is one of the strong points that make it attractive for filming. From emblematic squares such as the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de San Pablo, to the Pisuerga River and the narrow streets of the old town, Valladolid offers a wide variety of settings that can be adapted to different types of productions, from historical dramas to contemporary thrillers.
More and more production companies are choosing Valladolid
In terms of recent examples, Valladolid has been the setting for important film and television productions. One of the most outstanding cases is ‘Voy a pasármelo bien’, a musical with songs by the iconic group Hombres G, which was filmed in 2021 and 2022 in various locations in the city, such as the Plaza Mayor and Platerías street. This film, available on Amazon Prime Video, has been a resounding success in cinemas, showing Valladolid’s potential as a great set for large-scale musical productions.
Another outstanding production is ‘Memento Mori’, a thriller series that has chosen Valladolid as its main setting. The plot, based on the novel of the same name, takes place in some of the city’s most emblematic spots, such as the Plaza de San Pablo and the banks of the Pisuerga, which not only highlights the beauty of the city, but also its versatility as a setting for suspense and mystery productions.
In addition, Valladolid is home to the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Castilla y León, one of the leading artistic training institutions in Spain. This centre not only trains future actors and directors, but also nurtures the local scene with talent and creativity, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural life.
The range of services offered by the capital of Valladolid is very complete, and is designed to make filming as easy as possible. From the audiovisual guide of professionals and local companies to information on tax incentives, production companies that choose Valladolid not only find a city with a great filmmaking tradition, but also a solid and professional support network.
In conclusion, Valladolid is a destination that combines film tradition, a rich variety of locations and solid institutional support, making it an unbeatable option for audiovisual productions. Its commitment to the seventh art, its history and its capacity to attract major productions place it in a privileged position on the film map. If you are looking for a place where the passion for cinema can be felt in every corner, Valladolid is, without a doubt, the ideal setting.