Manufacturers seeking collaboration with City of Light continue to arrive at the Generalitat from the indicated point, with five offers received this month alone for work at the Alicante complex, in addition to what was announced before summer.
However, Puig notes that it is premature to set a firm filming start date. The industry faces a degree of uncertainty tied to economic and international conditions, and several production houses are proceeding with caution. He does not promise an immediate start but expresses a wish to move forward as quickly as possible, hoping for a productive fall. His message emphasizes listening to industry needs first: what the sector requests are tax incentives, lower production costs, and measures that avoid oversaturation of the audience, while ensuring a skilled workforce remains available.
The Generalitat chair reaffirmed that full momentum would not be reached until 2023 or 2024, highlighting that the complex is intended to serve as a hub for creation, with studios that could anchor the region’s audiovisual activity. He showed enthusiasm for the complex’s debut ahead of what he called the epicenter of the industry in San Sebastián, signaling a broader European appeal for Spanish facilities.
Following the reopening presentation at Kursaal on Monday, Puig proceeded with three closed-door meetings, including two with audiovisual production companies. One meeting involved Gerardo Herrero and Mariela Besuievsky of Tornasol Films, a major national production house that has contributed to the prior phase of Ciudad de la Luz and currently collaborates with partners in other countries. Another discussion included Carol Polakoff and Denisse O’Dell of Babieka Films, who have worked on joint projects with Ridley Scott and were involved when Counselor was shot at the complex. Puig remarked that within a month a production company would present a more stable offer, paving the way for a multi-year business arrangement.
In the third meeting, Carlos Rosado, President of the Spanish Film Commission, outlined steps to integrate the Valencian Community’s dynamics into project presentations beyond Spain. He stressed that the market has returned with confidence, noting that Spain offers some of the best studios in Europe, and expressing optimism about the region’s position. The discussions also included Anthony Rhodes from the Thematic Projects Association and filmmaker and consultant Pilar Perez Solano, who joined to assess long-term collaboration potential.
Later, during the evening’s reception, Puig had the opportunity to address the crew and cast members present. The upcoming project Elena Lopez Rivera, photographed for the event, will participate in the festival and is being produced by Suica Films. Plans are in place to release the film in the province soon after its production milestones are completed, signaling a renewed local rhythm for the audiovisual sector. (Source: Generalitat Valenciana, official press briefings)