Overview
The idea of building the biggest film studio complex in Spain on Mallorca has been dropped. Known as the Green Film Studios, the project was meant to boost the island’s movie‑making scene and bring new jobs. After missing a key deadline and facing doubts about its practicality, the plan was cancelled and the money was redirected elsewhere.
What Was the Green Film Studios Plan?
The proposal came from the previous PSOE‑led local government. It aimed to turn a piece of land in Marratxi—handed over by the town hall to the Council of Mallorca—into a state‑of‑the‑art studio campus. Supporters said it would:
– Attract national and international film productions
– Create a hub for post‑production work, visual effects, and animation
– Help diversify Mallorca’s economy beyond tourism
The vision was to make the island a “go‑to” spot for filmmakers, similar to other Mediterranean film hubs.
Why It Was Scrapped
Several factors led to the project’s cancellation:
Missed Funding Deadline
The studios were to receive €4.5 million from the Tourism Destination Sustainability Plan, which is financed by EU Next Generation funds. The money had to be committed by 30 June 2024. When that date passed, no allocation had been made, so the financial backing disappeared.
Doubts About Viability
After the 2023 elections, the new Partido Popular (PP) leadership shifted focus to post‑production only, claiming the full studio concept faced “significant doubts regarding its economic, technical, and operational viability.” They also argued that even with three years to adjust, there wasn’t enough time to finish permits, tender processes, and construction.
Political Blame Game
The PSOE says the PP used these concerns as excuses. They argue that if the PP truly didn’t want the studios, they should have said so openly and redirected the funds to another audio‑visual project instead of letting the money lapse.
Funding and Deadlines
The €4.5 million was earmarked for:
– Land preparation and basic infrastructure
– Building sound stages and workshops
– Installing green‑energy systems (hence the “Green” name)
Because the deadline was missed, the Council says the money has now been awarded to “other projects,” though specifics haven’t been shared. It’s unclear whether those new projects still relate to film or media.
What Happens Now?
With the studio plan off the table, the Council is turning its attention to reviving the Mallorca Film Commission. The commission has been inactive for over a year, and officials hope to re‑energize it to:
– Attract shoots to existing locations on the island
– Provide support services for visiting crews
– Promote Mallorca as a film‑friendly destination
Critics note that simply boosting the commission may not match the economic impact a full studio complex could have had, but it’s a step toward keeping the audio‑visual sector alive on Mallorca.
Conclusion
The Green Film Studios dream highlighted both the ambition and the challenges of growing a creative industry on a tourist‑heavy island. While the original vision fell through due to timing, funding, and political disagreements, the conversation about Mallorca’s role in film continues. Future efforts will need clear plans, realistic timelines, and broad support if the island hopes to become a major player in Spain’s audio‑visual landscape.
Reference
Source
Images Credit: www.majorcadailybulletin.com