James Costos, President of Secuoya Studios and former U.S. Ambassador to Spain, recently participated in a panel at the Iberseries & Platino Industria event in Madrid, where he addressed Spain's ambition to become the "Hollywood of Europe." Costos, along with industry leaders, discussed Spain’s evolving entertainment landscape and the opportunities within the Ibero-American market.
During the panel, questions regarding the appeal of the Ibero-American market for U.S. studios were raised, touching on aspects such as lower production costs, collaboration with local talent, and potential co-production agreements. Costos expressed optimism about Spain’s trajectory, which was highlighted by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's earlier aspirations for the country.
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| Spain aims to be the Hollywood of Europe |
He noted, “Spain has a wealth of natural beauty, diverse locations, and favorable weather, making it an attractive destination for filming.” Costos emphasized that significant reforms in fiscal incentives are necessary to spur economic growth and job creation, benefiting both Spain and U.S. companies looking to invest there. He praised the government's efforts to streamline bureaucracy and expedite shooting permit approvals.
Secuoya Studios is actively promoting Spain as a premier production destination, offering top-notch infrastructure and a variety of projects, from films and scripted series to unscripted content. Costos underscored the importance of attracting as much business as possible, stating, “We want that business to land here,” highlighting the increasing interest from U.S. companies over the past four years.
Additionally, Costos described Spain as “a goldmine for developing localized stories,” noting the talent and skills available in the country. However, he cautioned that Hollywood's pre-existing relationships in other regions sometimes lead to shortcuts that overlook Spain's potential.
Georgina Gonzalez, VP of Global Scripted Series at Universal International Studios, reiterated the significance of creating content that resonates with Spanish culture from the outset. She cited upcoming projects, including The Day of the Jackal, featuring notable talents like Eddie Redmayne and Money Heist star Úrsula Corberó.
Reflecting on the success of Money Heist, Costos explained that the show's universal themes and authentic Spanish roots contributed to its global appeal. He concluded, “It resonated because it had themes that connected with audiences beyond Spain, offering a unique cultural experience.”
As Spain continues its quest to solidify its status as Europe’s entertainment hub, industry leaders remain hopeful about the collaborative potential and growth opportunities within the region.
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