Filming in Spain and Portugal
In this enlightening episode of Chatmosa, co-hosts Chad and Cody welcomed Patricia, the founder of Spain and Portugal Productions, to explore the vibrant film production landscape in Spain and Portugal. With an engaging and informative discussion, the session highlighted the unique opportunities and insights for filmmakers looking to shoot in these picturesque countries.
Patricia began by recounting her journey into the production world, sharing, *“I founded this company 25 years ago, as I noticed a gap for an international production company in Portugal.”* This keen observation sparked a 25-year adventure that led her to establish a thriving business that now also encompasses Spain, driven by the synergies between the two countries in terms of crew, equipment, and locations.
Key Takeaways:
1. Emerging Production Hub: Spain and Portugal are becoming increasingly attractive for filmmakers, especially from the US. Patricia noted a dramatic rise in US productions, highlighting the establishment of major hubs for companies like Netflix and Amazon.
2. Incentives Galore: A major draw for filmmakers is the cash incentives offered by both countries. “In Spain, we have a cash incentive that can go up to 50% depending on the region, while Portugal offers around 25%,” Patricia explained. She emphasized that understanding and navigating these incentives can significantly enhance the viability of projects.
3. Diverse Locations and Talents: The conversation explored the diversity of environments available for filming. From urban settings that can mimic other global cities to stunning natural landscapes, Patricia noted, *“We have locations that can double for parts of the globe, all within Lisbon.”* The melting pot of talent—spanning various ethnic backgrounds—also adds to the richness of productions in these regions.
4. Production Services Offered: Spain and Portugal Productions provides comprehensive production services, from bidding to wrap-up, assisting in everything from casting to securing cash incentives. Patricia stated, *“We are a full production service, meaning that we assist from the bidding process until the wrap of the project.”*
5. Working in Europe: The session also touched on the pathways for individuals looking to work in Europe, emphasizing that EU citizenship offers easier access to jobs across member states while stressing the importance of connection and networking. Patricia advised, “If you want to produce in Portugal, contact the local production houses—you’re more than welcome.”
6. Sustainable Practices: Patricia highlighted the evolving commitment to sustainability within the industry, saying that they’ve been taking steps to implement greener practices for the past five to six years.
As the discussion drew to a close, it was evident that the appeal of Spain and Portugal for filming lies in not only the breathtaking locations and cost efficiency but also in the hospitality of production professionals like Patricia and her team. The session ended with an invitation to potential filmmakers and creatives to reach out and explore the wealth of opportunities in these vibrant countries.
In the spirit of community and collaboration, the audience was encouraged to bring new ideas to the table and support one another. The session wrapped up with a strong call to action: *“If you’re looking to film in Europe, now is a great time to start planning your projects in Spain and Portugal.”*
For those eager to dive deeper into the conversation or explore potential collaborations, resources and links will be available on the Chatmosa platform. Be sure to connect with Patricia and her work at Spain and Portugal Productions, and keep tuning in to Chatmosa for more immersive discussions in the world of film production.