Netflix, Paramount, Electronic Arts, Mediapro… The world’s biggest players in audiovisual and gaming have chosen Madrid to expand their operations. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, a pool of highly skilled talent, and tailored support, the Madrid region offers ideal conditions for creators and studios looking for the perfect location to scale their business.
Madrid accounts for 35% of Spain’s film productions, is home to 3,600 audiovisual and animation companies, and generates €7.6 billion in industry revenue, making it one of the most significant creative and cultural industry hubs in Europe.
Madrid: A Global Stronghold for Audiovisual, Animation, and Gaming
Since 2018, Netflix has operated its first European production hub in Madrid. Located in Ciudad de la Tele in Tres Cantos, this 22,000 m² campus has quickly become a central hub for producing original content aimed at both Spanish-speaking and global audiences. This major investment underscores Netflix’s long-term commitment to producing diverse, high-quality content from Madrid.
Paramount Global, through Viacom International Studios (VIS), has also recently expanded its presence in Spain by opening a production facility in Madrid. This aligns with the group’s strategy to develop content for multiple platforms, including global streaming giants like Amazon. This strategic move further integrates Paramount into the European market, catering to the growing demand for Spanish-language content.
Mediapro, a Spanish media powerhouse and a key player in audiovisual production across Europe, operates several major facilities in Madrid. In Alcobendas, The Mediapro Studio serves as the company’s main production hub, overseeing projects across television, film, and emerging digital formats.
Among the world’s leading video game companies, Electronic Arts has also strengthened its presence in Madrid by opening a new, state-of-the-art office complex. Located in a repurposed Sociedad Gasificadora Industrial factory, the 12,000 m² facility highlights EA’s commitment to the Spanish and European markets. The Madrid office houses EA’s main localization studio, an EA SPORTS development studio, and teams dedicated to international publishing, HR, IT, and finance. Additionally, EA SPORTS’ landmark partnership with LaLiga, signed in July 2023, signals a new era for Spanish football, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the fan experience.
Madrid: A Prime Destination for German ICC Professionals
Numerous German companies have also chosen Madrid to expand their businesses, attracted by a dynamic creative ecosystem, a highly skilled workforce, and world-class infrastructure.
One example is PRG España, a subsidiary of Germany’s Production Resource Group, which has established itself as a key player in Spain’s audiovisual and events sector. Specializing in advanced technical solutions, PRG España plays a vital role in delivering high-quality productions and cultural projects in Madrid.
Why Does Madrid Appeal to Audiovisual and ICC Professionals?
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Madrid offers optimal natural lighting for audiovisual productions, complemented by a diverse range of urban and natural filming locations. State-of-the-art facilities, combined with top-tier post-production infrastructure, have made Madrid a prime destination for companies in the sector. And that’s not all—highly competitive production costs, attractive tax incentives, and access to a skilled workforce further enhance Madrid’s appeal. A great example is Escuela Superior de Imagen y Sonido CES, founded in 1984 by leading professionals in sound, visual arts, and media education. The school has built a solid reputation in the audiovisual sector, training around 1,000 students each year, who go on to work with major media companies such as Europa Press, Canal+, Cadena SER… These organizations unanimously praise “CES’s hands-on approach, combining excellence in education with both personal and professional development“.
All these factors make Madrid a premier hub for the ICC industry, offering an unparalleled environment for any creative business looking to expand in Europe!