The cinema complex City of Light welcomed a delegation on Wednesday, hosting a coordinated visit organized with ICEX Spain Exports and Investments. A group of twelve manufacturers from the United States and Canada were keen to learn about Alicante’s film studies, accompanied by several Spanish service providers who specialize in streamlining procedures and supporting production professionals. Their purpose was to understand how Alicante’s facilities and processes align with international film production demands, and to explore potential collaborations across cross-border projects.
At the outset, the management team and the general director of the Sociedad de Proyectos para la Transformación Digital (SPTD), Anthony Rodes, delivered a thorough briefing. The presentation outlined the ongoing studies and the planned route for the delegation, highlighting a long weekend of immersive facility tours and on-site demonstrations at the extensive film infrastructure available in the area. The session established a clear context for the visit, emphasizing the strategic role of Alicante within regional and national efforts to support audiovisual productions.
In a cooperative initiative currently aligned with the Generalitat Valenciana and SPTD, ICEX, and the industry representatives who visited the studios, the visit offered a firsthand look at the studio features and capacities. The site had reopened a year prior following a decade of inactivity, signaling a revival of filmmaking activity in the region. The delegation observed a fully functional pipeline that connects production choices with practical on-site resources, enabling a seamless workflow from preproduction to postproduction and logistics support for international crews.
During the tour, the foreign producers were able to inspect the city’s primary production spaces: six sets, three production support buildings, workshops, and warehouses that together form a robust ecosystem for filming. They also gained access to outdoor shooting areas, and a dedicated water tank designed to facilitate aquatic scenes. These facilities were presented as core advantages for international projects seeking diverse environments and reliable infrastructure without sacrificing efficiency or cost control.
The day’s itinerary included a visit to Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante, where representatives from the municipal Alicante Film Office provided guidance on information services, permit processes, and free administrative procedures tailored to audiovisual professionals. The office highlighted practical aspects of working in the city, including permitting timelines, access to local talent and crew resources, and the available support networks that help streamline production navigation and compliance with local regulations.
The visit aligns with ongoing ICEX road shows that connect leading film-industry agencies with Spanish opportunities. Since 2019, efforts have focused on showcasing Spain as a premier location for international filming and attracting projects and investments to strengthen the national audiovisual sector. The collaboration underscores a shared aim to position the region as a preferred destination for global productions while expanding opportunities for local teams and facilities to participate in international projects.