EFM 2025: Spain in the spotlight

Innovation and sustainability in film: new opportunities for the Canary Islands

European cinema is turning its gaze towards us

The European Film Market (EFM) is one of the most important film markets in the world, where the industry gathers to make deals, promote productions and discover new opportunities.

In the 2025 edition, Spain has been selected as the “Country in Focus”, a recognition that highlights the quality and potential of our film industry on the global stage. This spotlight offers a unique opportunity to showcase Spanish talent, exceptional filming locations, and technological innovation applied to cinema.

Trends and highlights from EFM 2025

Growing demand for sustainable content in film productions

Commitment to sustainability has become a key focus within the film industry.
More and more production companies are looking to integrate eco-friendly practices into their shoots, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting responsible production models. In this context, the role of Ecomanagers has become particularly important, ensuring that productions meet sustainability standards without compromising cinematic quality.

Some of the most notable practices include:

Using renewable energy on set, reducing dependence on fossil fuels
Efficient waste management, minimising the environmental impact of productions
Sustainable materials in set design and costume, promoting a more responsible approach to filmmaking

Did you know that at BeeDrone Record we are certified Ecomanagers?
Click here to learn more.

New technologies applied to cinema

Technological progress continues to revolutionise film production. At EFM 2025, the following developments stand out:

Next-generation drones: These enable dynamic, cinematic aerial shots with lower costs and greater flexibility compared to traditional equipment. New models are being developed with extended flight time and advanced stabilisation, making them ideal for complex filming environments.
Advanced visual effects: Post-production increasingly relies on artificial intelligence and cutting-edge tools that optimise both time and output. Deep learning algorithms are now being used to generate hyper-realistic effects without the need for large physical sets.
Virtual production: The fusion of physical sets with hyper-realistic digital environments is helping reduce production costs and timelines. Recording studios are investing in high-resolution LED walls to create immersive real-time backdrops, removing the need for costly on-location shoots.

The rise of international co-productions set in Spain and the Canary Islands

España se ha consolidado como un destino clave para rodajes internacionales gracias a sus beneficios fiscales, variedad de paisajes y el apoyo institucional a la industria. Las coproducciones internacionales son una tendencia en crecimiento, facilitando la colaboración entre distintos países y ampliando el impacto global de las producciones rodadas en nuestro territorio. En este sentido, se han fortalecido acuerdos de cooperación con productoras europeas y latinoamericanas para desarrollar proyectos conjuntos.

Dos de las películas que se presentan en el EFM 2025 y que han sido rodadas en España son “El cautivo” y “Mala influencia”. Ambas han aprovechado las diversas localizaciones y el respaldo de productoras de renombre.

“El cautivo”

Rodaje: Comenzó en abril de 2024 en el Castillo Fortaleza de Santa Pola, continuó en el Castillo de Santa Bárbara de Alicante, los estudios Ciudad de la Luz y distintas localidades de Valencia, finalizando en Sevilla en junio.
Productoras: Coproducción hispano-italiana de MOD Producciones, Himenóptero, Misent Producciones y Propaganda Italia, con participación de Netflix, RTVE y RAI Cinema, y apoyo del ICAA, Generalitat Valenciana y Eurimages.
Innovación tecnológica: Se utilizaron drones equipados con cámaras de ultra alta definición para capturar secuencias de acción en paisajes históricos.

“Mala influencia”

Rodaje: Se realizó en los Estudios Ciudad de la Luz en Alicante y exteriores de la Comunidad Valenciana, adaptando una historia originalmente ambientada en Miami.
Productoras: Producción de Nadie es Perfecto y N&L Films, en colaboración con Wattpad WEBTOON Studios y el apoyo de Netflix, ICAA y Generalitat Valenciana.
Apuesta por el contenido digital: Esta producción ha sido diseñada para maximizar su impacto en plataformas de streaming, con estrategias de distribución que incluyen marketing interactivo y material exclusivo para redes sociales.

Opportunities for the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are also emerging as a leading destination within this wave of international interest, offering key advantages for film production:

Unique locations: From volcanic landscapes to idyllic beaches, the Canary Islands offer an unparalleled variety of scenic backdrops.
Tax incentives: The region provides highly attractive benefits, making the islands a recurring choice for large-scale productions.
Technological innovation: The use of drones in cinematography has made it possible to capture stunning visuals, adding a new dimension to audiovisual storytelling. Local companies have developed advanced techniques to enhance stabilisation and motion capture in aerial shots.

Spain’s recognition as the “Country in Focus” at the European Film Market 2025 represents a unique opportunity to further consolidate our film industry on the international stage.
With world-class locations, a production-friendly ecosystem and cutting-edge technology, Spain – and the Canary Islands – are positioning themselves as key players in the future of cinema.

In this context, the adoption of sustainable practices, the integration of innovative technologies, and the promotion of international co-productions will be essential in strengthening Spain’s presence in the global market.

If you are a production company looking to explore new opportunities in the Canary Islands, get in touch with us and discover how we can help take your project to the next level.