La Palma: destino audiovisual con récord de rodajes en 2024
With an investment of 260,000 euros, an economic impact more than 25 times higher than the initial investment has been achieved.
La Palma continues to strengthen its image as a privileged destination for audiovisual productions, reaching record figures in 2024 since the creation of La Palma Film Commission in 2015. Thanks to the investment and support of the insular Cabildo, through the Tourism Department and managed by Sodepal, the audiovisual sector has experienced significant growth, establishing itself as a key pillar in the economic diversification of the island.
In this sense, the direct public investment aimed at supporting the audiovisual sector amounted to 260,000 euros, achieving a direct economic return of 6,589,715.70 euros, which represents an economic impact more than 25 times higher than the initial investment.
The President of the Insular Cabildo of La Palma, Sergio Rodríguez, emphasizes that «the Cabildo’s commitment to economic diversification through the audiovisual sector is bearing fruit. Annual growth continues to break records, and 2024 presents the best figures that the Film Commission has collected in almost 10 years of operation.»
Boosting local talent and professionalizing the sector
One of the milestones of 2024 has been the launch of the Complementary Training Plan for the Audiovisual Sector of La Palma, an initiative of the Cabildo that has allowed more than 200 people to train with top professionals in areas such as locations, scriptwriting, costume design, makeup, acting, and sustainable productions.
In this regard, the Councilor for Economic Promotion and CEO of Sodepal, Miriam Perestelo, emphasizes «the importance of supporting the sector from its foundation, through the professionalization of profiles that can meet the needs of audiovisual producers, thus opening up new job opportunities in the sector.»
Furthermore, the presence of professionals from the island in audiovisual markets has been crucial in driving its growth. Highlights include the participation of Kipuka Films & Studio in MECAS and La Palma’s presence at festivals such as Tiempo Sur and Festivalito La Palma, with its new commitment to Festivalito LAB.
La Palma, present at the main international audiovisual events
The La Palma Cabildo, through La Palma Film Commission, has intensified its positioning strategy at key events in the audiovisual sector, such as the European Film Market at the Berlinale, Málaga Festival Industry Zone, SeriesManía, Shooting Locations Marketplace, and the San Sebastián Film Festival. In the latter, a special positioning event was held, featuring the screening of a video produced by the local production company Enróllate Films and the presentation of the teaser for Adalid, by the producer Mercedes Afonso.
On her part, the Tourism Councilor, Raquel Rebollo, emphasizes that «La Palma’s presence at the main international audiovisual markets enhances its positioning and will attract more film shoots, positively impacting screen tourism.»
During 2024, La Palma Film Commission has handled a total of 140 projects, of which 24 were filmed on the island. Among these are two international series, a national documentary series, five national documentaries, two short films, and 14 advertising projects.
In terms of employment, there were 109 days of filming, with the hiring of 464 professionals in technical and artistic positions, as well as extras and extras. Additionally, 116 filming permits were processed in collaboration with various public administrations, enhancing the agility and efficiency in production management.
All 14 municipalities on the island have been involved in various productions, highlighting natural locations such as the Los Tilos Forest and the Cubo de La Galga, as well as the growing interest in urban spaces.
Among the most prominent productions are titles from major production companies and platforms such as Sony Pictures, Apple TV, and Netflix UK, with the production company SurFilm providing services. These productions will bring La Palma to major international platforms, increasing its visibility and appeal as a filming destination.
The audiovisual sector is consolidating itself as an engine of economic diversification for La Palma, benefiting not only professionals and companies in the sector but also the entire value chain, including accommodation services, catering, transportation, and supplies. The presence of major productions has generated a significant economic impact on the island, strengthening its position as a leading audiovisual destination.
