The Canary Islands consolidates its position as an audiovisual hub: from film set to global industrial ecosystem

Audiovisual Industry

Institutions and companies in the Canary Islands' audiovisual sector present their internationalization strategy for the summer of 2026. The plan seeks to consolidate the archipelago's transition from a service-based studio to a complete industrial ecosystem, with an intense agenda in key markets such as Annecy, A Coruña, and Cologne.

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From service station to engine of economic diversification

The audiovisual sector of Canarias has presented its internationalization strategy for the summer months of 2026, a plan designed to strengthen its global positioning and capitalize on economic growth that shows no signs of slowing down. This was during an event held at the animation studio. 3DoublesInstitutional and business representatives have broken down the data that confirms the maturity of an industry that has evolved from providing services for film shoots to a high value-added industrial ecosystem.

"The audiovisual sector in Canarias "It has undergone a profound structural transformation," he stated. Alfonso CabelloDeputy Minister of the Presidency and President of Proexca. By Cabello"The analysis of recent economic data confirms that the audiovisual industry does not represent a temporary trend, but a strategic engine of economic diversification"Generation of highly skilled employment and attraction of international investment to the archipelago." The deputy minister predicted "months of frenetic activity" for which the sector is showing itself to be united in the face of major international events.

Business figures and the value of local talent

The direct economic impact of film and television shooting in the territory reached 432 millones de eurosThe total revenue reached €440 million when advertising is included. This financial volume was generated by a total of 180 productions, representing a 17% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 134 projects were of Spanish origin (74%) and 46 were international (26%), demonstrating the islands' ability to attract foreign investment.

In this context, the animation subsector has become a clear example of the creative potential of the Canary Islands. Cristóbal de la RosaThe Director General of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries highlighted that animation is an example "of the talent, creativity and professionalism we have in CanariasHe referred to the recent awards won by island productions, such as the Goya and the Quirino for 'Mariposas Negras' or the Goya for the short film 'Cafuné', which validate the quality of locally developed projects.

Table 1: Economic data of the audiovisual sector in the Canary Islands (Balance 2025).

Indicator	Figure
Direct economic impact (Film and TV)	432 millones de euros
Total economic impact (incl. advertising)	440 millones de euros
Total number of productions	180
Year-on-year growth of projects	+ 17 %
International productions	26% of total

The Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC): a key tax incentive

One of the pillars of this success is the advantageous tax framework offered by the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC)This operates in conjunction with filming deductions. Production companies based in the archipelago can pay a reduced corporate tax rate of 4%, compared to the 25% rate under the general Spanish system. Pablo Hernández, President of the ZECHe pointed out that "the audiovisual sector is one of the best examples of diversification." He explained that the ZEC has driven a fundamental change: "it has taken us from a studio to content creators and ownerswhich gives the industry more stability and future prospects."

This view is shared by the private sector. Genoveva Ayala, manager of Clúster Audiovisual de CanariasHe emphasized the importance of the sector plan signed with Proexca for the internationalization of local companies. "We are in a period of growth in which we need to showcase everything that the Canary Islands industry is capable of doing. We are not only talking about the increasing number of projects but also their quality and, above all, the human teams that make them up," he stated.

International Agenda for Summer 2026

The internationalization strategy will materialize in an intensive schedule of trade missions to the world's most important markets. The most imminent milestone will be MIFA Annecy, the main international animation market held in Francia From June 23 to 26, a record number of participants will take part. 17 animation studios CanariasThe fair will follow. Digital Worlds en A Coruña (July 12-14), with the participation of four studios from the Canary Islands.

The video game industry will have its big event in Gamescom, Colonia (August 25-30), with 15 studios from the islands seeking to connect with global investors and strategic partners, in a mission organized in collaboration with ACADEVI y ARCADEV"After these three, many more will come," he predicted. Alfonso Cabellomentioning the Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastián and a mission to Japón to participate in the Tokyo Game Show in September. "Each year we attend these events better prepared, backed by better projects and more solid companies," he concluded.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the audiovisual sector in the Canary Islands

What specific tax advantages does the Canary Islands offer to an audiovisual production company?

The main attraction is the taxation at a tax rate of 4% in corporate tax through the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), in contrast to 25% of the mainland territory. This regime is complemented by substantial tax deductions for investment in film and television productions, making the archipelago one of the most competitive territories in Europa for the industry.

How does this strategy affect the local business fabric in Spain?

The growth of the sector in Canarias It not only benefits companies located there, but also has a multiplier effect on the rest of the region. EspañaA highly specialized hub is being created that attracts national and international talent and generates opportunities for companies in auxiliary services, logistics, technology and post-production from across the peninsula, integrating Canarias in the global value chain of the industry.

Which audiovisual subsectors have the greatest growth potential in the islands?

In addition to the established film and television production industry, the subsectors with the greatest potential are the animation, visual effects (VFX) and video gamesThe current strategy focuses on strengthening these areas, which allow the creation of proprietary Intellectual Property (IP), generating a more stable and higher value-added business model than simply providing production services.