Years of dedicated investment have propelled the Canary Islands’ visual effects (VFX) industry to a tipping point. A vibrant network of independent studios and technological initiatives, largely established by artists who have either stayed or returned home, is now capable of handling full-pipeline work for streaming services and international films such as “The Morning Show,” “Nine Bodies In A Mexican Morgue,” and “The Accountant 2.” These companies collaborate and share talent, fostering a creative community where cooperation is as vital as competition.
Across the islands, firms like 22Dogs, Derrotero, Flaming Frames, as well as newcomers like Efectoscopio Blue and Carousel, are effectively showcasing the potential for VFX to flourish outside established centers. Additionally, international players such as Platige Image and innovative startups like Volinga are expanding the local scene, merging artistry and technological advancement into an increasingly autonomous production ecosystem.
Below is a profile of some key players in the islands’ VFX landscape:
22Dogs
Born in Milan and now straddling Los Angeles and Tenerife, 22Dogs integrates the wide reach of an international facility with the nimbleness of a creative boutique. They manage the entire pipeline from on-set supervision to final compositing, working on major FX jobs and subtle visual tasks for projects like “The Accountant 2” (Artist Equity), “Outer Banks 4” (Netflix), and “The Morning Show” (Apple). Attracted by the islands’ talent pool, incentives, and lifestyle, 22Dogs is advancing into AI-assisted workflows while prioritizing artistry. As their founders express, “We don’t just provide visual effects — we create experiences that feel inevitable.”
Derrotero VFX
Founded by local talent Daniel Pinedo, Derrotero operates at the intersection of film, television, and live events. This studio excels in full-service compositing, CGI, AR/VR, and interactive exhibits, skillfully merging performance with technology. Their portfolio includes works like “Aire: Just Breathe” and “Y todos arderán,” as well as immersive dinner events like Origen in Gran Canaria. Pinedo’s background as an actor, dancer, and stuntman informs his creative process, ensuring that every digital sequence is both choreographed and rendered. This approach allows Derrotero to thrive in the space where the physical meets the virtual during live events.
Efectoscopio Blue
A fresh face on the scene, Efectoscopio Blue debuted in Las Palmas with a seasoned team that has decades of collaborative experience throughout Spain. With additional locations in Madrid, Pamplona, and Barcelona, they provide a comprehensive pipeline including VFX, post-production, and virtual production. Their early projects include “Code of Life” (Jonathan Lim), “Perfectos conocidos” (Javier Fesser), and “Arriba Tutto” (José Mota). Experts in LED-volume production and realistic set extensions, they strive to make CGI both inconspicuous and deeply engaging. As the team notes, “Founded by artists for artists, we blend traditional methods with cutting-edge technology to bring directors’ visions to life.”
Flaming Frames
Creatively birthed by Ignacio Caicoya, Flaming Frames is an independently operated boutique focusing on realistic compositing, effects simulations, and convincing gore when necessary. From projects like “Gangs of London 3” and “Stags” to “The Famous Five” and “9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue,” they deliver high-quality realism from their base in Gran Canaria. With supervisors trained at major global institutions, their workforce can expand from 20 to 50 artists based on project requirements. According to director and VFX supervisor Ignacio Caicoya, “We aim to remain a small, flexible studio, ready to adapt as the industry and technology continue evolving.”
Platige Canaries
The establishment of Platige Image’s branch in Gran Canaria in 2024 underscores Spain’s emerging role in the global VFX arena. This hub caters to international film, television, and gaming industries. Platige relies on a 300-artist pipeline across locations like Warsaw, L.A., Tokyo, Montreal, and now Las Palmas to create cinematic trailers and series content for major platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Warner Bros. “The Canary Islands are a central component of our strategy,” highlights co-founder and executive producer Jarek Sawko.
Carousel
Headed by CEO Patrick Roos, Carousel positions itself as a creative partner rather than a conventional vendor. The Canary Islands-based studio gets involved early in production, assisting directors and producers in shaping projects via design thinking and adaptable execution. Its diverse team reflects a blend of local and international talents. Roos emphasizes that the islands offer not only exceptional incentives but also, in Daniel’s words, “a climate that makes great work more sustainable.” The mantra of Carousel, “We’re a creative studio first; we just happen to work in VFX,” encapsulates its collaborative philosophy.
Volinga AI
Originating at the Arquimea Research Center in Gran Canaria, Volinga AI is revolutionizing environment creation. Utilizing Gaussian-splatting technology, they transform real-world locations into photorealistic 3D environments up to ten times quicker than traditional methods, significantly reducing both costs and environmental impact. Their technology has been adopted by major studios like Paramount, Amazon, and Netflix for projects including “Picture From Auschwitz,” showcased at Cannes. “By speeding up production and minimizing environmental effects, we’re unlocking new creative potentials,” the team states, positioning Volinga as a key R&D contributor to Spain’s expanding virtual production landscape.
