The animation and visual effects sector in Spain achieved a turnover of 604 million euros in 2023, according to data from the White Paper produced by Diboos (Spanish Federation of Animation and Visual Effects Producers), which was presented yesterday, 8 April, in Madrid. The report highlights that the sector comprises more than 300 companies, with the most common turnover range being €100,001 to €500,000. Notably, 70% of these revenues come from exports.

Spanish animation productions have seen an increase recently. Feature films have gone from three productions in 2020 to eight in 2023, and similarly, series productions reached 15 in the same period. Regarding financial returns to the state, the sector contributed 260,336,293.45 euros in direct and indirect taxes, as well as contributions to the General Treasury of Social Security. This represents a return of 15 euros for every euro of public aid given to these companies. Notably, 87.13% of these companies receive subsidies, while 55.84% benefit from public contracts.

The sector is evolving dynamically, but it must analyse its future challenges, as it is composed mainly of micro-enterprises (75.2% of the total) and small businesses (19.2%). In 2023, animation accounted for 20.96% of Spanish audiovisual workers. Out of the 21,899 people employed in the sector, 5,806 work in animation. Geographically, 56.22% of animation workers are based in the Community of Madrid, while 18.83% reside in Catalonia, followed by the Canary Islands, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community, Galicia and Andalusia. 

Another aspect highlighted in this report is salary. The average salary is 22.06% higher than the national average. While the national average salary in Spain is €26,555.89, the average gross salary in the animation industry is €32,407.70. This figure reaffirms the qualifications of its professionals, who have generated successes for Spanish culture, reaching millions of viewers, such as the Oscar-nominated feature films Klaus [+leggi anche:
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Among the proposals and challenges outlined in this White Paper, the industry’s goal of creating alliances to bridge the gap between the traditional audiovisual sector and new forms of entertainment, such as video games and immersive experiences, stands out. The report also highlights the need to address the debate on the rise of artificial intelligence, in order to integrate it into creative and productive processes in an intelligent and ethical manner.

Additionally, it makes recommendations to stimulate production, such as the creation of a specific line of aid for the production of animated series, to help them compete on equal terms with neighbouring countries. It also suggests making the system of aid and co-production procedures within the European Union more compatible, increasing the current 30% tax deduction for works by independent producers to 50%, creating a one-stop shop for international tax credits funded by fees, promoting research by animation and VFX companies, and ensuring greater legal certainty regarding tax refunds, among other proposals.

The White Paper on Animation and VFX 2024, an update of the 2018 version, has been produced by Diboos, sponsored by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, and with the support of EGEDA (Audiovisual Producers' Service Organisation).