Spain, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, has become a popular destination for filmmakers worldwide. From the sun-kissed beaches of the Costa Brava to the majestic architecture of Barcelona and Madrid, Spain offers a wide range of locations that can cater to various film genres and production needs. In this article, we’ll explore some unusual locations in Spain, the permits required to film in these locations, and provide a travel plan from Madrid.
Unusual Locations in Spain
- Las Médulas (León): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Roman gold mine features stunning landscapes and unique rock formations.
- Tabernas Desert (Almería): Europe’s only desert, this arid landscape has been used as a filming location for numerous Westerns and sci-fi movies.
- Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao): This iconic museum’s futuristic architecture and stunning design make it a great location for filming modern and avant-garde scenes.
- City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia): This complex features futuristic buildings, museums, and parks, offering a unique backdrop for filming.
- Alhambra’s Generalife Gardens (Granada): These stunning gardens feature beautiful Islamic architecture, fountains, and courtyards, perfect for filming romantic or historical scenes.
- Cuevas de los Franceses (Málaga): These caves feature stunning rock formations and have been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows.
- Salobrar de Guardamar (Alicante): This unique saltwater lagoon features a stunning landscape of salt formations and shallow waters.
- Peñíscola Castle (Castellón): This medieval castle is situated on a small peninsula and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Abandoned villages of Granadilla and La Alberca (Cáceres): These abandoned villages offer a unique glimpse into Spain’s past and feature stunning architecture and landscapes.
- La Garrotxa (Girona): This region features stunning volcanic landscapes, forests, and medieval towns.
- Torre Agbar (Barcelona): This unique skyscraper features stunning architecture and offers breathtaking views of the city.
Permits and Costs
The permits required for filming in these locations vary depending on the location, type of production, and equipment. Here are some estimated costs and permits required:
- Location permit: €500-€5,000 per day
- Drone permit: €500-€1,500
- Nighttime filming permit: €500-€1,500
- Special effects permit: €500-€2,000
Travel Plan from Madrid
Here’s a travel plan from Madrid to some of the unusual locations mentioned above:
- Las Médulas (León): 3 hours 30 minutes by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by train
- Tabernas Desert (Almería): 4 hours 30 minutes by car, 5 hours by train
- Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao): 4 hours by car, 5 hours by train
- City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia): 3 hours 30 minutes by car, 3 hours by train
- Alhambra’s Generalife Gardens (Granada): 4 hours 30 minutes by car, 4 hours 30 minutes by train
- Cuevas de los Franceses (Málaga): 4 hours 30 minutes by car, 5 hours by train
- Salobrar de Guardamar (Alicante): 4 hours by car, 4 hours 30 minutes by train
- Peñíscola Castle (Castellón): 3 hours 30 minutes by car, 4 hours by train
- Abandoned villages of Granadilla and La Alberca (Cáceres): 3 hours 30 minutes by car, 4 hours by train
- La Garrotxa (Girona): 6 hours 30 minutes by car, 5 hours 30 minutes by train
- Torre Agbar (Barcelona): 6 hours 30 minutes by car, 3 hours by train
Crew Availability and Daily Rates
Spain has a pool of skilled and experienced film professionals who can be hired for various productions. Crew members can be sourced from major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Here are some estimated daily rates for crew members:
- Director: €500-€1,500 per day (available in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia)
- Cinematographer: €400-€1,200 per day (available in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia)
- Production manager: €300-€900 per day (available in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia)
- Gaffer: €250-€600 per day (available in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia)
- Grip: €200-€500 per day (available in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia)
- Local fixers: €200-€500 per day (available in various locations)
Transportation Costs
- Car rental: €40-€80 per day
- Taxi: €50-€100 per trip
- Bus: €10-€30 per trip
- Train: €50-€150 per trip
Tips and Recommendations
- Research the location and permitting requirements thoroughly before applying
- Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for the permitting process
- Hire a local location manager or fixer to help navigate the permitting process
- Consider renting a car for flexibility and convenience
- Book train tickets in advance to secure the best prices
- Check flight schedules and prices in advance to find the best deals
In conclusion, Spain offers a wealth of unusual locations, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities that can cater to various film genres and production needs. By understanding the permits required, costs involved, and travel plans, filmmakers can plan a successful film shoot in Spain. Contact us today to film in this region.
