The consolidation of Cantabria as a filming destination is now a measurable reality. In 2021, Cantabria Film Commission handled 94 projects—17.5% more than the previous year—ranging from advertising and music videos to documentaries, TV series and feature films. Created by the regional government, this office provides a streamlined, hands-on structure tailored to the needs of professionals in the audiovisual industry. Its presence at Shooting Locations Marketplace, held on 15 and 16 October in Valladolid, reinforces its commitment to both national and international productions.
A Production-Friendly Ecosystem
Cantabria Film Commission works with a simple premise: make filming in the region easier. It offers an updated location catalogue, sorted by architecture, natural settings and unique sites, as well as a registry of private locations available for shooting. Added to this is logistical support from the first contact: filming permits, practical links, recommendations for lodging and dining, and up-to-date information on tides, daylight hours and weather.
This practical approach has made it possible to host a wide variety of productions. In 2021, Cantabria served as the backdrop for the international documentary El Camino: with my donkey, which filmed in Cabárceno, Santillana del Mar, Comillas and other locations. The region also hosted a Mahou commercial in its eastern area, Women’ Secret’s “Little Tales” campaign in Cóbreces and at Palacio de Los Hornillos, and fashion campaigns for brands like Springfield, Pepe Jeans and Adolfo Domínguez. Notable documentaries included those on Mario Camus and Carlos Saura y los orígenes del arte, filmed in Altamira and the Castillo caves.
In addition to large-scale productions, local projects remain a priority. In 2021 alone, the commission supported 18 short films and 9 feature films, many of them led by professionals from the region. This balance between attracting external projects and nurturing local talent is central to the commission’s mission.
Training, Growth and Future Vision
Sustainability is an integral part of the commission’s work, with its own green filming guide and involvement in initiatives such as Ruta 17. It also places a strong emphasis on training and professional development through its DCP (Diálogos de Cine y Producción) programme, which has partnered with leading festivals like San Sebastián, Abycine and Málaga.
Parallel to this, the Cantabria en Corto catalogue has helped bring local short films to international stages, including Putos mentirosos by Alberto Blanco and Maestros de oficio by Marta Solano. Feature projects developed through the commission’s support, such as Level, Eco and Beroa, have gained access to industry hubs in key festivals across Spain, thanks to dedicated mentoring, pitching sessions and one-on-one advisory support.
Cantabria Film Commission will take part in Shooting Locations Marketplace 2025 to present this hands-on, locally rooted, and forward-thinking model. The event will be an opportunity to build new partnerships, open new doors and reaffirm that Cantabria is not only ready to host productions—it is ready to help them grow.