05/07/2010

In line with the priorities established at the latest edition of Madrid de Cine – Spanish Film Screenings (see news), on Thursday July 1 a day-long event entitled “A New Perspective on Financing and Investment in Film Production in Spain” was held in Madrid. Its aim was to foster dialogue between film producers and the financial consultants and analysts who manage private and institutional investment.

This is essential in times like these, when the money available to producers is constantly decreasing, due to the cuts to public funding, investment by television companies and the overall shrinking of the sector. As ICAA director general Ignasi Guardans clearly explained: “Producers can no longer knock on the doors of the Government, the different regions and television companies, and that’s that. The subsidies will follow, but they won’t be enough”. In a statement to Cineuropa, he said that the search for alternative investments for cinema “is a priority, almost an obsession” (see news).

The event, the first of its kind to be held in Spain, was jointly organised by the ICAA and Audiovisual Company SGR. There were six round tables, which analysed subjects including sources of financing in 2010, obtaining private funding for film, the role of tax incentives and the profitability of a production.

Although the one-day event focused almost exclusively on the Spanish situation, speakers from across Europe took part, including Alexandra Lebret (European Producers Club), Stephen Margolis (Future Films), Peter Aalbaek-Jensen (Zentropa), Joel Thibout (Back Up Films) and Christophe Vidal (Coficiné-Natixis). They were joined by prominent Spanish professionals: Gerardo Herrero (Tornasol Films), Fernando Bovaira (Mod Producciones), Marina Fuentes (Six Sales), Yolanda del Val (DeAPlaneta) and Juan Gordon (Morena Films); and representatives from institutions: Pedro Pérez (president of FAPAE), Rosario Casero (ICO) and Enrique Cerezo (president of EGEDA).

(Translated from Spanish)