02/07/2008

Spanish audiovisual production generated €1.997m in 2007, according to the still unofficial figures revealed in the Annual Report of the Federation of Spanish Audiovisual Producers’ Associations (FAPAE). There appears to have been an increase of almost 7% compared to 2006, when the final turnover was €1.868m. Moreover, from 2001-2006 the sector saw a growth of 32.9% (turnover of €1.081m in 2001).

In addition, the FAPAE states in its report that, despite the gloomy forecasts for the Spanish economy over the next few years, the rise in the number of active production companies and the possibilities opened up by digital television will safeguard the growth of the sector, which in 2007 provided jobs for 10,822 people (provisional figure), compared to 10,349 in 2006.

The figures for the different autonomous regions reveal that film production continues to be concentrated mainly in two areas, Madrid and Catalonia, which in 2006 accounted for 45% and 41% of the market, respectively, and 86% of total production.

Finally, the FAPAE has included in its report the international sales figures for Spanish films, which saw a 3% decrease in 2007, dropping to €93m. This is a reversal of the positive trend recorded in 2006, when there was a 13.7% increase. However, the federation has pointed out that this is indicative of a general tendency in major European countries.

Spanish films continue to be sold mainly to Europe (50%) and the US (23%). The big surprise of 2007 has been the increase in interest from the Asian market, which now accounts for 11% of exports, compared to 4% in 2006.

(Translated from Spanish)