11/07/2013 - One of the most revered voices from the world of Spanish cinema resigns from being head of producers and laments the fact that he was not able to stop the “crazy” hike in VAT for the culture world

Pedro Pérez has left his position as head of the Spanish audiovisual producers’ confederation, FAPAE, a position he occupied over fourteen years twice (from 1993 to 1997 and from 2003 to 2013). Pérez was one of the most revered voices from the Spanish cinema industry both at home and abroad. He was a tireless defender of domestic production of communication means as well as of relationships with public institutions. 

Pérez shared his decision on Friday during a general direction meeting. Exact reasons for his decision were not shared, although Pérez explained that “a renewal facilitating the defence of audiovisual producers from our country is needed.”

According to an official press release by FAPAE, “Pedro Pérez has expressed his disappointment at not having been able to obtain an commitment from government regarding the crazy increase in VAT for culture, wishing that the next president will be more successful.”

Moreover, Pérez “thinks a new direction is needed in order to continue defending audiovisual producers in our country. Regards financial, structural and legislative changes being undergone by the sector, FAPAE maintains its position defending the interests of workers from the world of Spanish audiovisual production, in order to tackle the future of the audiovisual industry and a transition towards a new business model.”

The position will be occupied, as the statute provides for, by current vice-president Joxé Portela until a new president is elected.

The change in presidency coincides with FAPAE’s transformation into a confederation (a new judicial entity uniting audiovisual cinema and television producers from across Spain) after incorporating PROA, which includes five Catalan producer associations, and DIBOOS, from the animation production sector.