The Generalitat Seeks to Revitalize the Audiovisual Sector Through Ciudad de la Luz

La Generalitat is advancing in the development of the audiovisual strategic plan to make this industry 'an international benchmark in film production, with the collaboration of the audiovisual cluster of the Valencian Community,' explained the Minister of Innovation, Marian Cano.

The Consell, through the studios of Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante, aims to 'accelerate a process of diversification of the audiovisual industry that strengthens its growth,' stated Cano. The main actors of the plan will be the Ciudad de la Luz studios, the Institut Valencià de Cultura (IVC), and the Valencian regional television À Punt, along with the development of the private sector's activity.

The activation of this plan is part of the collaboration line established with the audiovisual cluster of the Valencian Community and is set to 'definitively relaunch a key sector in the economy of the Valencian Community.'

A sector that currently has 801 companies in 2024 (8% of the total in Spain) and whose Social Security affiliation has increased by more than 70% since 2016, according to Generalitat figures.

Another tool articulated to boost the Valencian audiovisual sector is the so-called Comunidad Valenciana Film Commission, a new body created to facilitate the work of producers, attract projects, and coordinate the work of local 'film offices' throughout the area.

Simultaneously, Ciudad de la Luz has relaunched its film school, in collaboration with the Escola Superior de Cinema i Audiovisuals de Catalunya, aiming to close its first two years with nearly 300 students trained in specific sector professions.

The focus on student specialization also involves academic and professional institutions in the Valencian Community, highlighting the potential of this audiovisual sector.

In addition to training professionals, efforts are being made to encourage the return of talent that existed years ago, allowing Ciudad de la Luz to already have a database with 300 registered and recognized individuals on IMDb (the internet's audiovisual sector database), reflecting the quality and talent of Valencian professionals.

Another key aspect of the strategic plan, according to the Minister, is to consolidate a financial support line for the audiovisual sector, both in promotion and in attracting film shoots. The Generalitat and the audiovisual industry maintain an ongoing dialogue to improve and adapt upcoming aid calls to the needs of the Valencian audiovisual sector.

To contribute to the development of audiovisual activity, the Consell has several support lines for the sector, including a financing line endowed with 8.5 million euros from the IVC.

These figures are complemented by the 4.7 million allocated by the Directorate General of Innovation to support film shoots; the specific allocation of 2.5 million that À Punt dedicates to producing films, series, documentaries, short films, and Valencian animation, and the 1.5 million that the Consell has assigned to live programs.