The Generalitat aims to leave behind the old experiments and renew the City of Light. The Valencia Community Thematic Projects Association (SPTCV), which runs the cinema complex in Alicante, is pursuing a careful, secure path forward and has initiated a search for solvent profiles to guide the return. The focus is on professionalizing the management of the project and the first priority is to fill a specialist operations director role. The compensation for the successful candidate or firm is substantial: €294,000 for a two-year engagement. Access requirements are demanding but not out of reach for seasoned professionals in the screen industry.
The contract awarded by SPTCV paves the way for Ciudad de la Luz to host audiovisual and cinematic productions again. Generalitat seeks a business model supported by clear guarantees as the complex enters a new phase. Both firms and individuals can bid to provide operations management services, though a corporate candidate must present a full personal nomination. In all cases candidates must demonstrate comprehensive expertise in this sector to offer consulting services. Ciudad de la Luz will be managed directly and publicly, without outsourcing, according to statements from the SPTCV managing director, Anthony Rhodes.
“The model is different from the past when the complex was outsourced and public oversight was reduced. The tender focuses on professionalizing film studio management through a service-provision contract,” Rhodes explains. He notes that the same approach has been used for organizing major events like the Volvo Ocean Race, by bringing in an industry expert to handle the logistics and ensure strong outcomes.
The first shots of the new era of City of Light will arrive in October
The contract scope for Ciudad de la Luz operations management outlines the responsibilities expected of applicants. It begins with a thorough facilities analysis and advice on configuring and designing the spaces and equipment needed to achieve high quality, efficiency, and productivity. Applicants should identify the roles of each facility, supervise and coordinate their activities, and establish processes, policies, and procedures for operating the site. They will advise top management on work strategies and explore innovative trends in the audiovisual field with practical applications for City of Light. Needs of studios and potential users must be assessed to design ancillary services tied to audiovisual production such as design and production, and where relevant to determine post-production options including effects, lighting, video, and sound. The role also includes guidance on developing national and international marketing and sales strategies to attract film productions, support growth goals, and secure resources. It involves advising on annual budgeting and market research to assess competition and opportunities.
Brussels lifts City of Light restrictions and Consell regains full control
Rebooting the film complex has become a central objective for Generalitat. The facilities had been closed to filming for ten years, until last July when the European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition lifted restrictions after a ruling on free competition. This move places Generalitat in full control of the revitalized complex five years ahead of schedule.
Three years as production manager, bilingual and independent
The curriculum for Ciudad de la Luz’s director of operations requires three years of leadership experience in the filmmaking and audiovisual industry at the production director level, plus involvement in at least five audiovisual productions. A production budget of at least five million euros in roles such as producer, production manager, executive producer, or similar is expected, including involvement in at least three feature films. Experience with at least one international co-production, fluency in bilingual English, and a background in finance and human resources are also preferred, along with knowledge of the international film production market. Candidates must refrain from commercial activities with clients of the complex and must submit a team proposal for management of Ciudad de la Luz within a 15-day window. Other spots will be filled through the competitive process, with selections transparent and open to qualified firms and individuals alike.