Canary Islands breaks record of audiovisual shootings in 2021

The islands were the scene of 155 national and international productions that left an investment of 98 million in the Archipelago

April 18 2022 (13:11 WEST)
Filming of the movie " выйти из шкафа " in El Golfo
Filming of the movie " выйти из шкафа " in El Golfo

Canary Islands closed 2021 with a record of audiovisual shootings. Last year the islands were the scene of 155 productions, including films, series, documentaries, shorts and animation, which left an investment of 98 million euros. These figures are the highest recorded in the history of the Archipelago, far exceeding those recorded in the last three years. It should be noted that even in 2020, a year in which the pandemic paralyzed the planet, 80 productions were made in the Canary Islands. "This positive evolution has also allowed to double the number of direct hires of local technical and artistic professionals, regardless of extras or suppliers," they emphasize from the regional government.

The data were released this Monday by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands, Juan Márquez, who pointed out as a reference that "only with the audiovisual sector has doubled the resources, for example, of what we invest in the entire area of Culture and Cultural Heritage." In his opinion, "this clearly shows the importance of an activity that also doubles the hiring compared to previous years, which reflects the good level of our professionals."

The Deputy Minister, who was accompanied by the coordinator of Canary Islands Film, Natacha Mora, also referred to the recent increase in subsidies to the Canary Islands audiovisual sector, "because apart from the positive thing about receiving large international productions, it is essential that our local industry continues to grow with trained professionals and companies, and that we also have our own cinema."

 

Preferred destination

"These data consolidate the Canary Islands as a preferred destination for film and television products, a sector that continues to grow attracted by the good weather conditions, landscapes, tax incentives, connectivity or security offered by the Archipelago. They also serve to confirm once again the potential of this industry in the Islands, in line with the strategy developed by the Government of the Canary Islands for the diversification of our economy and job creation. A team work in which the island councils also participate, through their Film Commissions, the ZEC and the local private sector, all included in the umbrella brand Canary Islands Film", they point out from the Ministry.

Going into the data, in 2018 there were 79 productions that left 60 million in revenue. In 2019, there were 101, with 48 million; and in 2020, 80 were reached with 28 million euros. The best result corresponds to 2021, with 155 productions and more than 98 million euros of income. It should be noted that about 20% are animation series and films, an activity that continues to grow, doubling its figures in 2021 compared to previous years.

Of the 155, 14 were fiction feature films, 13 television series, 23 documentaries, 64 TV programs and 15 short films. In relation to animation, 1 feature film and 24 series were made. According to Canary Islands Film, only 3 feature films, 2 series and 5 animation productions were eligible for tax incentives. This balance does not include actions related to advertising, which amount to 255, although they are included in the balance of economic income.

It is worth mentioning the growth of television programs that are recorded in the Canary Islands, a total of 64 in 2021. Most of them are 'reality shows' that, although they can not benefit from tax incentives, have found in the Canary Islands a Hub where to shoot different seasons.

"All this has meant an investment in the islands of more than 98 million euros, taking into account that this is a low estimate, since not all productions provide this data," they specify. In terms of employment, this activity generated 4,000 hires of technical and artistic personnel from the Islands, twice as many as in 2018. This amount does not include extras (5,000) or the hiring of suppliers. During the year there were 2,700 days of filming spread throughout the islands

 

Most outstanding films and series

The activity has been developed by companies from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Luxembourg and Spain. Of the total, it is worth mentioning, among many others, the series 'Foundation', from Apple Tv, which shot its first season on several islands, including Lanzarote, and which this year repeats with the second season; 'La Casa de Papel', shot on an oil platform in the Canary Islands; the comedy 'Mother's Love', which will be released soon on Netflix; or the youth series 'Campamento Newton', with participation from Disney.

In the field of animation include, among others, the children's series 'Pocoyó'; 'Arcane', a series that starts from the universe of the video game League of Legends and that was positioned as the most watched animation on Netflix; 'Tara Duncan', the first series entirely produced in the Canary Islands and that can be seen on the Disney+ platform; and the feature film 'Spame jam: a new legacy'.

Filming of cinematographic productions in Lanzarote. Lanzarote Film Commission
Film productions left more than 5 million euros in 2021 in Lanzarote
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