Madrid's audiovisual industry is making a concerted effort to enhance its global footprint, as demonstrated by its significant presence at the recent Berlinale and European Film Market. This strategic push includes a dedicated networking event in Berlin, designed to cultivate international relationships and highlight the region's capabilities as a premier hub for film and television production. Supported by local government and industry bodies, these initiatives underscore Madrid's ambition to become a central player in the international media landscape.

On a recent Saturday, the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster, in partnership with the Madrid Film Office and Film Madrid Region, hosted an inaugural presentation and networking gathering in Berlin. This event was a cornerstone of Madrid's broader 'Madrid Make it Possible' campaign at the Berlinale, aiming to solidify the sector's global reach, foster strategic European collaborations, and reinforce Madrid's position as a pivotal center for film and TV production. The delegation occupied its own space at the EFM within the Spanish stand at the Martin-Gropius-Bau, providing a prominent platform for its activities.

The networking function, held at noon in the Marriott Hotel's Wandelbar, drew inspiration from Spain's traditional vermouth hour. It attracted a diverse group of international industry professionals, including producers, distributors, and buyers from numerous countries such as Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the U.S., France, and the U.K. Representatives from Madrid's key organizations, including Teresa Azcona of the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster, Luis Lloret and Xiomara García from Film Madrid Region, and María Prada and Víctor Aertsen from the Madrid Film Office, were on hand to greet guests and detail their extensive support for the audiovisual sector and their efforts in promoting Madrid as an industry leader.

Several members of the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster further illuminated the organization's endeavors. Rafael Alberola, head of ECAM Industria, shed light on the ECAM Forum, an international co-production initiative geared towards nurturing emerging talent, championed by the Madrid Film and Audiovisual School. Additionally, Samuel Castro, co-director of Iberseries & Platino Industria and a board member of the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster, discussed the upcoming sixth edition of Iberseries & Platino Industria. This significant international event for the Ibero-American audiovisual sector is scheduled for September 29 to October 2 in Madrid, where it will again convene leading professionals involved in the creation, production, and marketing of Spanish and Portuguese language film and TV content. Recognized as the largest international business gathering for the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking film and TV industry, Iberseries & Platino Industria serves as a crucial nexus for producers, distributors, buyers, and platforms across Ibero-America and Europe. Notably, in Berlin, Iberseries & Platino Industria co-launched Series Match, a new program at the Berlinale Series Market designed to link Ibero-American and German companies engaged in early-stage series projects.

The Madrid Audiovisual Cluster, with the backing of both the Madrid City Council and the Community of Madrid, is dedicated to strengthening the region's audiovisual industry. This involves supporting businesses, encouraging new ventures, and fostering an integrated ecosystem that promotes business opportunities, innovation, and employment, while also boosting the city's capacity to host international events.