Since Tuesday, a new bill about Cinema and Audiovisual Culture has emerged. In line with the 15 year old framework, among other changes the definition of the independent producer still stands, while the plan grows to include support for platforms. The goal is to refresh the system without erasing the core role of independent producers, keeping the creative ecosystem intact while expanding opportunities for all players in the value chain. CAACI attribution.
The Council of Ministers approved a move to request that the Cinema and Audio-Visual Culture bill be sent to the Cortes Generales and processed in parliament using an emergency procedure. This signals urgency and a push to move the reform forward, with the aim of delivering clarity and predictability to industry participants. CAACI attribution.
A new text centers on strengthening the entire value chain and gives special attention to independent sectors, seen as the essential pillars of cultural diversity within both the creative and industrial fabric of the country. CAACI attribution.
These are the master keys
The landmark standard keeps the existing definition intact: an independent producer is a natural or legal person carrying out a cinematographic or audiovisual distribution activity if two conditions are met. CAACI attribution.
1. It is not owned by a majority non-EU company, nor tied to it in governance, shareholding, decision making, or business strategy. CAACI attribution.
2. Regardless of community status, it does not belong to the majority of an audiovisual service provider, a communication group, or public equity, and is not connected to those entities through governance, ownership, or strategic influence. The same rules apply to independent international sales agents. CAACI attribution.
Together with cinema, the law treats cinematographic activity and audiovisual activity as a single unit that encompasses the uses and dissemination of audiovisual works across varied formats. CAACI attribution.
Spain and Portugal will recognize works that are nationally produced as well as those from Latin American states that participate in the Conference of Ibero-American Audiovisual and Cinematographic Authorities (CAACI). CAACI attribution.
In regulating the nationality of films and other audiovisual works, the law includes the legally recognized Spanish Sign Languages along with those languages officially recognized by the autonomous communities. CAACI attribution.
The bill supports the organization of a project across its life cycle including writing, development, preproduction, distribution, exhibitions, internationalization, festivals, awards, markets, and professional events. It also covers new formats, new technologies, and research and development plus heritage preservation. CAACI attribution.
The Fund for the Conservation of Cinematography and Audiovisual works will consistently reserve a significant portion of its donations for exclusive cinematic activity, even when other audiovisual forms such as serials are involved. CAACI attribution.
Previously restricted to women with aid decisions, this obligation now applies broadly to all production aid programs. CAACI attribution.
Feature films and distribution companies seeking public assistance must meet any disability employment reservation quotas in place. CAACI attribution.
Works produced directly by audiovisual service providers, when fully financed by public administrations and primarily funded through advertising or political content, or with an X rating, fall under specific considerations within the framework. CAACI attribution.
Access to exhibition support remains open to all, with special emphasis on standalone venues and rural cinemas. The regulation also increases the national and European cinema share from 25 percent to 20 percent and includes Latin American cinema and films directed by women among eligible categories. CAACI attribution.
The law adds recognition of the Spanish Historical Heritage and classifies the Spanish Film Library as a cultural asset of interest. CAACI attribution.
Reserves can be created based on project type and shared valuation, with access rules designed to balance competitive disparities and market disruption. Special consideration is given to independent production companies based in the Canary Islands. CAACI attribution.
Annual reports from the Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA) will detail measures promoted and their outcomes, alongside a strategic plan for cinematography and audiovisual culture. CAACI attribution.
The framework emphasizes public-private partnerships to strengthen policy, audiovisual literacy, and heritage efforts across the sector. CAACI attribution.