Full details
In a special session during the Málaga Talent Festival, Diego Ávalos, Vice President of Content at Netflix for Spain, Portugal, and Turkey, revealed the company's strategy for supporting and developing Spanish artistic projects. Ávalos emphasized that Netflix aims to be a flexible partner with direct communication with the local creative community, moving away from the traditional image of large companies as barriers to new talent.
How Does Netflix Engage with Spanish Talent?
Ávalos explained that Netflix receives between 1,500 and 2,500 projects annually from Spain and is committed to reviewing and responding to all of them. The company has collaborated with more than 60 Spanish production companies over the past seven years, relying on diverse cooperation models that allow projects to enter at various stages of development, whether as an initial idea or a fully developed project supported by local funding bodies.
He pointed out that Netflix does not rely on a single development template but offers multiple opportunities for project submissions, such as written scripts, rights packages, or even projects in advanced production stages. He also mentioned that the company does not focus solely on algorithms but uses data as a guiding tool to understand audiences and their preferences.
Flexible and Diverse Collaboration Models
Ávalos provided examples of different projects, including the series "Genesis," which Netflix joined at a late stage after regional financing, and the series "The Asunta Case," which evolved from an initial idea to full production through Netflix's relationship with the Bamboo production company in Madrid. This diversity reflects Netflix's desire to adapt to the specific needs of each project and provide appropriate support.
Netflix's Role in the Spanish Production Ecosystem
Ávalos confirmed that Netflix does not replace the independent sector but works through it, with intellectual property rights for most works remaining with producers and creators. Netflix owns rights to less than 25% of the Spanish titles it has released in recent years. He also clarified that the company does not take official production roles, as the creative and industrial burden lies with local producers, writers, and directors.
Why Is This Approach Important in the Spanish Artistic Scene?
Ávalos's statements come at a time when demand for high-quality local content is increasing, highlighting the importance of supporting emerging talent that shapes the future of Spain's film and television industry. Netflix's flexible policy reflects its desire to build long-term partnerships with the local sector, opening broader horizons for creativity and diversity in production.
This strategy also enhances the chances of Spanish works reaching a wide global audience through the Netflix platform, which offers content in multiple regions including Latin America, Europe, and North America.
What Does This Mean for Young Creators?
Ávalos stated that Netflix seeks to be accessible to creators at all stages of their projects, encouraging young people to submit their ideas regardless of the development phase. He emphasized that the company values diversity in stories and styles, with special interest in local comedy, character-driven drama, thrillers, and action-oriented works.
Conclusion
Through his talk at the Málaga Festival, Diego Ávalos presents a clear vision of how Netflix engages with the Spanish market, focusing on flexibility, transparency, and direct communication with creators. This vision strengthens Netflix's position as a genuine partner in developing the local industry and opens new opportunities for Spanish talent to showcase their work on a global platform while preserving their creative rights.
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