Roadmap for Europe’s Film and TV Landscape Discussed by Industry Leaders at San Sebastián

At the San Sebastian Festival, key figures from Spain’s film industry, along with international representatives, convened on Sunday to discuss the future of Europe’s audiovisual landscape during a morning conference titled Partnerships and Investments for the Consolidation of the European Audiovisual Ecosystem.

Spain’s Minister for Digital and Public Service Transformation, Oscar López, concluded the event on a hopeful note, reflecting on the country’s flourishing industry despite its mounting challenges.

He highlighted that the sector is enjoying one of its most prosperous periods, evidenced by a 93% increase in employment over the past three years, positioning Spain as a leader in Europe for original content production.

While success is evident, it also brings challenges. Here are some insights from the day’s two sessions:

Public-Private Partnerships: A Virtuous Circle

Concepción Cascajosa Virino, acting president of RTVE, underscored the importance of fostering a “virtuous circle” between public and private sectors to propel the industry forward.

She referenced a €7.2 billion ($8.0 billion) investment from European public broadcasters in original content for 2023, stating, “We are the great market dynamo, promoting and allowing greater diversity in both the content we provide and the operators we partner with.” This investment has already led to 115 projects this year, including nine series and 38 documentaries, collaborating with 153 different production companies.

The Need for Regulatory Symmetry

Jaime Gutiérrez-Colomer, general manager of management and transformation at Atresmedia, highlighted the regulatory imbalances affecting traditional broadcasters compared to newer platforms like YouTube, which enjoy more lenient regulations. “YouTube, the largest content-sharing platform, has been competing in the advertising sector for over 20 years. We seek to accelerate efforts to address this regulatory disparity,” he stated, calling for fair competition.

His comments pointed to the inconsistencies that have arisen, as platforms such as YouTube evade some obligations imposed on broadcasters. By bridging these regulatory gaps, he believes the industry can create a more equitable environment that supports sustainability and competition.

Securing Talent Amidst a Boom

Despite the excitement surrounding Spain’s booming audiovisual sector, challenges remain. Sandra Tapia from Arcadia Motion Pictures warned about the necessity of controlling rapid growth, stating, “It’s an opportune moment, but also a perilous one,” due to rising costs and fierce competition for talent. She emphasized the importance of strategic planning to ensure sustainable growth.

Portocabo’s CEO, Alfonso Blanco, echoed her sentiments, referring to the current phase as a “Golden Age” for television production in Spain but cautioned that the rush to acquire resources could jeopardize the industry if not handled carefully.

Cross-Border Collaboration: Imagine Beyond Your Borders

For the European audiovisual sector to prosper, cross-border collaboration is vital. Jérôme Vidal, Senior Producer at France’s Noodles Production, encouraged producers to “imagine beyond your borders,” emphasizing the importance of international co-productions for global competitiveness.

His successful collaborations with Spanish partners have produced films like “Mondays in the Sun,” showcasing the value of cross-cultural partnerships that have flourished for decades. Arne Helsingen, secretary-general of Denmark’s Nordvision, highlighted the necessity of cultivating trust with long-term partners, particularly in neighboring countries.

He cited the success of the Nordic 12 model, which guarantees the annual availability of 12 high-quality Nordic TV dramas across public broadcasters, with a synchronized 12-month window for both linear and digital platforms. “You must begin with connections you already have,” he noted, emphasizing that regional collaborations often serve as the foundation for larger, ambitious projects.

Trust, IP, and Sustainability

Concerns regarding intellectual property (IP) rights were prominent among attendees. Alfonso Blanco advocated for greater flexibility in IP agreements to facilitate more international collaborations. He pointed out that retaining IP rights can limit producers’ ability to engage effectively with cross-border partners, a situation that must evolve for the industry’s advancement.

Alexandra Lebret, managing director of the European Producers Club, succinctly stated, “Predictability is what financiers are looking for,” underscoring the need for a stable financial framework to support sustainable, long-term growth.