Netflix is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Spain. The streaming giant has announced a massive investment of over €1 billion ($1.14 billion) in the country over the next few years, showing its commitment to the Spanish market. This investment surpasses similar commitments made in other countries like Mexico and France, highlighting the importance of the Spanish market to Netflix.
To mark this milestone, Netflix threw a lavish party in Madrid, closing off a major part of the city for a star-studded event. The party was attended by Netflix Spain creatives and stars, including actors from popular shows like “Money Heist” and “Elite.” The celebration showcased Netflix’s dedication to the Spanish entertainment industry and its talented creators.
In addition to the festivities, Netflix Spain has also released a teaser for its upcoming series “Billionaires’ Bunker” from the creators of “Money Heist.” The series is set to debut on the platform in September and promises to be one of the most ambitious Spanish productions to date. With high production values and a talented cast, “Billionaires’ Bunker” is poised to make a mark on the international stage.
Netflix’s focus on producing quality content in Spain has paid off, with several Spanish titles becoming global hits. Shows like “Money Heist” and films like “Society of the Snow” have garnered millions of views worldwide, showcasing the talent and creativity of Spanish filmmakers. The success of these titles has solidified Spain’s position as a key market for Netflix and a hub for original content production.
Looking ahead, Netflix is gearing up for more ambitious projects in Spain, including the film “She Walks In Darkness,” which is set to be the country’s contender for the 2026 Oscars. With a strong lineup of projects and a commitment to supporting local talent, Netflix is poised to continue its success in Spain and beyond. As the streaming landscape evolves, Netflix’s investment in Spanish content underscores its dedication to providing diverse and engaging programming for audiences around the world. ft.) of sets. With a €1.5 million ($1.75 million) set design budget, it has been the largest Spanish series set ever built.
Netflix’s growth in the international market, particularly in non-English language content, has been nothing short of remarkable. The success of “Money Heist” paved the way for more local originals around the world and demonstrated the power of embracing local storytelling while still appealing to global audiences. As Netflix continues to invest in diverse and high-quality productions, viewers can expect to see even more groundbreaking content in the future.
The production of Spanish-language content on Netflix has seen a significant growth in recent years, with a diverse range of storytelling that caters to a global audience. Diego Ávalos, Netflix VP originals for Spain, Portugal, and Turkey, shared that the streaming platform has been focusing on producing content that appeals to nearly 700 million viewers worldwide.
With hits like “Money Heist” paving the way, Netflix has expanded its offerings to include a wide variety of genres, from thrillers to comedies, true crime dramas, and even daily soaps. The platform has also embraced limited series, recognizing the value of compact storytelling that captivates audiences.
One of the key factors driving Netflix’s success in Spain is its commitment to local storytelling. By tapping into the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, Netflix has been able to create content that resonates with viewers both locally and internationally. From the black sands of Lanzarote to the bustling streets of Basque Country, each setting adds a unique flavor to the stories being told.
Furthermore, Netflix has not only provided a platform for local talent but has also invested in cutting-edge technology to enhance the production quality of its content. From HDR and Dolby Atmos to virtual sound and production techniques, Netflix has been at the forefront of innovation in the industry.
Overall, Netflix’s impact on the Spanish entertainment industry goes beyond just commercial success. The platform has become a catalyst for change, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for storytelling and production values. As Netflix continues to invest in Spanish-language content, viewers can expect even more diverse and high-quality offerings in the future. The global entertainment landscape has seen a significant shift in recent years, with non-English language markets leading the charge in solving technical challenges to create more unique storytelling. This shift has been particularly evident in the Spanish entertainment industry, where companies have been able to push the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling.
One such company that has been at the forefront of this shift is Netflix, which has enabled Spanish creators to bring their wildest dreams to life. According to Alex Pina, co-creator of “Money Heist,” Netflix has allowed them to put the Guadalquivir River on a 30-meter screen and create elaborate sets that transport viewers to different worlds. The volume of dreams that Netflix has helped convert into reality is truly remarkable.
Looking ahead, Netflix Spain is planning to continue pushing boundaries and working with new voices and producers. The goal is to access incredible storytelling and even bring an Oscar to Spain, which would unify the country in a unique way. This focus on storytelling and talent experience is critical, especially as competition in the industry continues to grow.
One of the most significant impacts of Netflix on the Spanish entertainment industry has been the changing perception of Spanish content on a global scale. Shows like “Money Heist” and “Elite” have not only captivated audiences worldwide but have also created a new generation of Spanish stars. This new star system has allowed actors like Miguel Bernadeau, Ester Expósito, and Úrsula Cordero to shine on a global stage.
For actors like Úrsula Corberó and Pedro Alonso, Netflix has been a game-changer in their careers. Corberó reflects on how her life has changed as Spanish productions now have the opportunity to reach audiences in all countries. Alonso, on the other hand, notes that Netflix has leveled the playing field, allowing Spanish talent to compete on a global scale.
Overall, Netflix has had a transformative impact on the Spanish entertainment industry, changing the way Spanish content is perceived both locally and internationally. As the industry continues to evolve, Spanish creators and actors are embracing this new era of storytelling and global competition with enthusiasm and excitement. Now, Netflix has brought Spanish-language content to the forefront, giving it a global platform and audience. Spanish creators have been able to showcase their talents and stories to the world, breaking barriers and stereotypes. The success of shows like ‘Money Heist’ and ‘Elite’ have proven that Spanish-language content can be just as popular and impactful as English-language content.
Netflix’s support and investment in Spanish-language productions have not only boosted the industry economically but also creatively. It has allowed for more diverse stories to be told, different perspectives to be explored, and new talents to emerge. The streaming giant has truly revolutionized the way Spanish content is produced, distributed, and consumed.
The global relevance of Spanish-language content has also been highlighted through Netflix’s platform. Audiences from all over the world have been able to connect with and appreciate Spanish stories, emotions, and characters. It has created a sense of unity and understanding among viewers, showing that emotions are universal and storytelling transcends language barriers.
Overall, Netflix’s impact on the Spanish entertainment industry has been immense. It has not only provided a platform for Spanish creators to showcase their talents but has also elevated Spanish-language content to a global level. The streaming giant’s support, investment, and promotion of Spanish productions have truly changed the game for the industry, opening up new opportunities and possibilities for the future. As the global streaming landscape continues to evolve, one thing is becoming increasingly clear – language is no barrier to success. With Korean and Spanish-language content dominating as the second and third most-watched languages on Netflix globally, it’s evident that viewers are hungry for diverse storytelling from around the world.
According to Omdia’s María Rua Aguete, Korean content scored an impressive 8.19 billion viewing hours in the first half of 2024, while Spanish-language content followed closely behind with 6.69 billion viewing hours. Additionally, Japanese content, driven largely by anime, has seen rapid growth over the past two years, solidifying its influence among global audiences.
Netflix’s impact on regional industries has been significant, with the platform providing opportunities for filmmakers and creators outside of traditional entertainment hubs. Javier Tomás, of Komodo (“I Am Georgina”), highlights how Netflix has allowed individuals to pursue careers in film and TV without having to relocate to major production centers like Los Angeles or Bogotá. This has not only boosted the stability and capacity to produce content for companies like Komodo but has also had a positive ripple effect on the industry as a whole.
Looking back at Netflix’s journey in the international market, it’s clear that the platform has been a game-changer for non-English language productions. From its early forays into licensing Spanish series for Latin America and the U.S. in 2014 to the global success of shows like “Money Heist” and “Elite,” Netflix has proven that quality content transcends language barriers.
The timeline of Netflix’s expansion into non-English language markets is a testament to its commitment to diverse storytelling. From the launch of its first fully non-English-language production, “Club of Crows,” in Mexico in 2015 to the premiere of “Suburra: Blood on Rome” at the Venice Film Festival in 2017, Netflix has continued to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms in the industry.
As we look to the future of streaming entertainment, one thing is certain – language will no longer be a barrier to success. With platforms like Netflix leading the way in championing diverse voices and stories from around the world, viewers can expect a rich tapestry of content that reflects the global nature of storytelling. In the world of streaming services, Netflix has been making bold moves to become a global powerhouse in original content. One of the key turning points for the streaming giant was the success of the Spanish series “Money Heist.” The show, known as “La Casa de Papel” in Spanish, gained immense popularity worldwide and really galvanized interest in Spanish series, according to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.
In April 2018, Hastings spoke at Series Mania’s first Lille Dialogues and highlighted the importance of becoming a great local producer and working closely with local producers. This marked a shift in Netflix’s strategy towards investing in original content from different regions, rather than just focusing on Hollywood productions.
Following the success of “Money Heist,” Netflix announced plans to launch its first European Production Hub in Madrid in July 2018. This move was aimed at targeting Spanish-language original content and expanding its presence in Europe. The hub, located at the Secuoya-run studio complex, became the center for producing a variety of international shows, including the hit series “Elite.”
In October 2018, “Elite” was released worldwide and quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular non-English shows. The success of the series led to a renewal for a second season, showcasing Netflix’s commitment to investing in diverse and engaging content.
As Netflix continued to expand its international presence, key personnel changes were made, including Bela Bajaria taking over as head of original series in Latin America, EMEA, and India. Diego Ávalos also moved from Los Angeles to Madrid to lead the Spanish office as director of original content for Spain and Portugal.
In April 2019, Netflix opened its Madrid Production Hub, solidifying its commitment to producing original content in Spain. The hub became the home for various international productions, including the third season of “Money Heist.” This marked a significant milestone for Netflix as it showcased its dedication to creating diverse and captivating content from different regions.
The success of Spanish series continued with the release of “The Platform” in September 2019, which quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English films. This trend continued with the release of “Money Heist: Part 4” in April 2020, which was seen by 65 million households in its first 28 days.
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Netflix continued to support the creative industry in Spain. In May 2020, the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity partnered with Cima Impulsa to support female writers in the industry. This initiative aimed to promote diversity and inclusivity in storytelling, reflecting Netflix’s commitment to supporting underrepresented voices.
Overall, Netflix’s journey into producing Spanish content has been a successful one, with shows like “Money Heist” and “Elite” captivating audiences worldwide. The streaming service’s investment in original content from different regions has not only enriched its library but also paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive entertainment landscape. Bayona announce their next project, a Spanish-language adaptation of the popular video game series “The Last of Us.” The series will be produced for Netflix and will mark the first collaboration between the three producers since “Society of the Snow.” The announcement generates widespread excitement among fans of the video game series, who are eager to see how the story will be brought to life on screen.
With Netflix continuing to invest in Spanish-language content and collaborate with top talent in the industry, the future looks bright for Spanish television and film. The success of shows like “Money Heist,” “Elite,” and “Sky Rojo” have proven that Spanish storytelling has a global appeal, and audiences are hungry for more original and innovative content.
As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and viewing habits, Spanish creators and producers are poised to make their mark on the international stage. With Netflix’s support and the talent and creativity of the Spanish entertainment industry, the possibilities for future success are endless. 2024 promises to be an exciting year for Spanish television and film, with new projects and collaborations on the horizon. Agustín Díaz Yanes, the acclaimed writer-director behind the award-winning film “Nobody Will Speak of Us When We’re Dead,” is making a comeback with his new project “She Walks in Darkness” (“Un fantasma en la batalla”). The film, set to be a suspense thriller, tells the story of Amaia, a young civil guard who works undercover in the Basque separatist group ETA for over a decade. It delves into the complexities of the unlived lives of its characters, exploring the paths not taken and the consequences of their choices.
Recently, a first on-set photo from the production of “She Walks in Darkness” was released, giving audiences a glimpse into the world that Díaz Yanes has created. The photo hints at the intense and gripping atmosphere that the film is set to deliver, promising a thrilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
In other Spanish film news, RTVE has partnered with Netflix, Bambú Productions, and France’s StudioCanal to produce “Valle Salvaje,” the first daily soap/telenovela to air on Netflix. The show will be available in Spain and all Latin American Spanish-speaking territories, giving audiences the flexibility to choose where and how they watch it. With a focus on engaging storytelling, “Valle Salvaje” aims to captivate viewers with its compelling narrative and characters.
Looking ahead, Netflix has announced “El Problema Final,” a period mystery thriller based on the novel by Arturo Perez Reverte. Directed by Felix Viscarret and produced by MOD Producciones, the film promises to be a sophisticated adaptation that will transport audiences to the stunning Costa Brava in Spain. With a talented team behind the project, including acclaimed filmmakers and producers, “El Problema Final” is set to be a must-watch for fans of mystery and suspense.
As Spanish cinema continues to thrive and innovate, these upcoming projects showcase the diversity and creativity of the industry. From suspense thrillers to daily soap operas, Spanish filmmakers are pushing boundaries and delivering compelling stories that resonate with audiences around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects and the latest developments in Spanish cinema.
