Spain's capital city will finally boast a film commission thanks to the creation this week of the Madrid Film Commission.

Backers include the Audiovisual Producers' Rights' Management Entity (EGEDA), the Spanish Producers' Federation (FAPAE) and the national umbrella org Spain Film Commission. The new commission also has the support of the local and regional governments.

The non-profit organisation's objectives include attracting national and international productions to the city and province of Madrid to favour the local industry, and facilitating shoots in the area by providing information and technical and logistical assistance.

The commission should be welcomed by the Spanish film, TV and advertising sectors, which are all largely headquartered in Madrid. Organisers estimate that more than 70% of Spanish audiovisual product is shot here, meaning its technical and human capacities are well established.

Hopes are also high that the region's natural, architectural and cultural attractions, both historical and contemporary, will bring international shoots. Among others, films like Doctor Zhivago, 55 Days In Peking, The Fall Of The Roman Empire and Conan The Barbarian all shot scenes here.

Local directors like Pedro Almodovar and Alex de la Iglesia have also made the city famous.