Globalization has transformed the audiovisual industry, encouraging production companies to look beyond their borders. An audiovisual cluster serves as a strategic tool to connect companies with international markets, foster collaboration, and open new business opportunities.

What Is an Audiovisual Cluster and How Does It Work?

Essentially, an audiovisual cluster functions as an ecosystem that brings together companies, institutions, and professionals to strengthen competitiveness and support expansion into global audiovisual markets.

Definition and Objectives of an Audiovisual Cluster

An audiovisual cluster is a network of companies and institutions connected to the film, television, and digital sectors, working collaboratively. Its main goals are to improve sector competitiveness, promote innovation, and support production companies’ international growth. These clusters aim to:

• Promote collaborative audiovisual projects.
• Encourage technological and creative innovation.
• Facilitate access to resources and funding.
• Open doors to expanding production companies into foreign markets.

A notable example is the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster, which supports the creation and distribution of content internationally through co-productions and targeted programs.

Key Activities and Resources Offered

Audiovisual clusters organize essential activities such as:

• Specialized training in internationalization strategies.
• International film fairs and events to connect production companies with distributors, investors, and global platforms.
• Guidance for participating in international co-productions.
• Networking opportunities that encourage collaboration between local and foreign companies.

These initiatives help audiovisual companies adapt to global market demands and increase their visibility in the industry.

Advantages of Clusters in Production Companies’ Internationalization

Clusters are not only local support platforms but also gateways to international markets that might otherwise be difficult for independent production companies to reach.

Connecting with Global Markets and Key Players

One of the main benefits of clusters is their ability to connect companies with global audiovisual markets. This is achieved through:

• Participation in events where production companies can interact directly with distributors, streaming platforms, and other key players.
• Access to international industry contact databases.
• Organization of B2B meetings and negotiation forums.

For example, the Galician Audiovisual Cluster helps members participate in festivals like the Marché du Film in Cannes, a crucial event for international film sales and distribution.

Access to Information and Specialized Training

Another major advantage is access to informational and educational resources:

• Market studies identifying trends and opportunities in foreign markets.
• Courses and workshops on international legislation, distribution strategies, and co-production contracts.
• Personalized advice to develop effective internationalization plans.

This knowledge enables production companies to overcome cultural, legal, and logistical barriers during global expansion.

Resources Offered by Audiovisual Clusters for Internationalization

Audiovisual clusters provide specific tools and resources to facilitate production companies’ internationalization, helping them compete on equal footing with established global players.

Participation in International Events and Fairs

One of the most effective ways to promote internationalization is through participation in international film fairs and specialized markets. Clusters typically provide:

• Subsidized tickets or shared booths at events such as the European Film Market in Berlin or the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Personalized agendas to connect production companies with potential partners, distributors, or buyers.
• Technical support to prepare presentations and promotional materials in multiple languages.

These events are essential for establishing contacts and negotiating distribution or co-production agreements.

Co-Production Programs and International Networking

International collaboration is a key tool for production companies to expand their reach. Clusters facilitate this through:

• International co-productions, where production companies from different countries partner to create globally focused content.
• Professional exchange programs, allowing teams to learn from other cultures and working methods.
• Audiovisual networking spaces where joint projects are developed, such as the Canary Islands Audiovisual Cluster, which promotes co-productions between Europe and Latin America.

Some clusters also manage dedicated funds for projects with international potential, reducing financial risk and encouraging innovation.

Success Stories: How Clusters Have Boosted Production Companies Globally

Audiovisual clusters have played a key role in positioning many production companies in international audiovisual markets. With support in training, access to international contacts, and project funding, these companies have competed at the highest level. Here are the key strategies behind their success.

Examples of Spanish Production Companies in International Markets

Brutal Media (part of the BBC Studios Global Entertainment network), Diagonal TV, Rakuten TV, Veranda, YouPlane, and RTVE Catalunya are all members of the Catalonia Audiovisual Cluster, showcasing international success thanks to cluster support.

Begin Again Films and Secuoya Content Group have also gained a foothold in international markets, partly thanks to the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster.

Meanwhile, the Galician Audiovisual Cluster has helped several Spanish companies reach beyond Spain, such as Filmax, Vaca Films, and Portocabo.

The Canary Islands Audiovisual Cluster has been a major driver in the growth of Bendita Films.

H3: Strategies That Worked Thanks to Clusters
Clusters have implemented specific strategies enabling production companies to thrive internationally:

1. Participation in international co-productions: Companies like Vaca Films and Filmax collaborated on joint projects with foreign companies, partially funded by clusters.
2. Strategic networking: Events by the Canary Islands Audiovisual Cluster connected Bendita Films with global distributors and platforms.
3. Promotion at international fairs: Brutal Media attended the European Film Market and other events with logistical and financial support from the Catalonia Audiovisual Cluster.
4. Training in international legislation: Clusters like Madrid’s offered workshops on regulations, facilitating global distribution contracts for Begin Again Films.

These actions demonstrate how clusters serve as a bridge for production companies’ internationalization.

Do you want your production company to succeed globally? Join the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster!