The Valencia region is building momentum as an international production hub

Mediterranean light spills across a coastline where medieval castles stand alongside futuristic architecture. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the Spanish region of Valencia offers conditions that make extended shoots in natural light highly attractive. Ciudad de la Luz, the newly reopened film studio in Alicante, adds another layer to the package.

The launch of Valencia Region Film has unified the work of local film offices to streamline permits, logistics and location scouting. Valencia Region Film, also known as Comunitat Valenciana Film Commission, is the new name for the Film Commission of the Community of Valencia, covering the provinces of Valencia, Castellón and Alicante.

“The goal is to simplify the process while showcasing our diverse locations and top-tier infrastructure,” says Fermín Crespo, general director of Ciudad de la Luz.

With the studios, the streets of Peñíscola and Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences Monuments, the region offers backdrops for studio blockbusters, independent films and commercials through a co-ordinated strategy that has positioned it as one of Spain’s fastest-growing production centres. US titles including Disney+’s Andor, Columbia Pictures’ Venom: The Last Dance and AMC’s The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon have all shot in the area in recent years. 

Alicante

Ciudad de la Luz studio, just outside Alicante, relaunched in 2023 to facilitate large-scale international projects. The 80-hectare complex comprises six climate-controlled soundstages totalling 120,000 sq ft, two floodable tanks, and 36.5 acres of fully serviced backlots with natural horizons. Its signature feature is a 330 x 263ft exterior water tank with a 17ft depth, wave generators and a 40 x 40ft chroma screen.

“At Ciudad de la Luz you can comfortably shoot interiors, exteriors, backlots and water scenes all at once. Few places offer this rare yet essential combination — time is money in filmmaking,” says Crespo.

Major film and TV productions to film in Alicante in 2024 included Alejandro Amenábar’s The Captive, which shot in Santa Bárbara and Santa Pola castles, and Netherlands-Belgium comedy series All In, which used Villajoyosa’s colourful seafront.

Valencia

International productions are drawn to the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences Monuments in the city of Valencia. The culture and leisure complex provides an otherworldly backdrop for sci-fi projects drawn to its sleek lines and reflective pools.

The province of Valencia also offers natural and historic backdrops such as the Albufera wetlands and medieval villages. Chloé Wallace’s Bad Influence filmed at Cortes de Pallás reservoir, while The Captive used locations in Bunyol, Anna and Bocairent.

Production activity in 2025 has included Manuel Gómez Pereira’s comedy drama La Cena, starring Mario Casas, with six further features confirmed.

Just like in Alicante, Valencia’s strong transport infrastructure – a high-speed rail network and an international airport — adds to its logistical efficiency, while competitive costs and a vibrant cultural sector reinforce the appeal.

Castellón

The fortress town of Peñíscola is a standout location in Castellón. It has been immortalised on the big screen by filmmakers including Anthony Mann, who shot 1961’s El Cid starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren in the town, and by HBO’s Game Of Thrones. The town’s castle and narrow cobblestone streets lend themselves to historical epics, fantasy series and modern thrillers.

Castellón’s beaches and mountains add versatility, making it ideal for everything from historical dramas to adventure series.

Total support

The Valencia region also offers financial support. Regional grants cover 25% of eligible expenses, up to $1.8m (€1.5m) for projects. Spain’s national tax incentive allows a 30% deduction on the first $1.2m (€1m) and 25% thereafter, capped at $23.5m (€20m) per film.

Beyond its facilities, the region is focused on training talent. The Film Craft School at Ciudad de la Luz, has been set up with the prestigious ESCAC — which boasts alumni including JA Bayona — to equip crews to meet international standards.

The energised Valencia Region Film promotes the region at markets including Malaga, Cannes, Berlin, Guadalajara, Valladolid and Focus London, connecting more than 500 industry professionals in the past year. Sustainability is a core part of the strategy, with green filming practices encouraged across all productions.