While protests flare in Los Angeles over the latest clash between Democrats and Donald Trump, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is toasting to a decade of the streaming giant’s presence in Spain, sipping sparkling wine with industry colleagues.
Far from the unrest in California, Sarandos announced plans to deepen Netflix’s investment in Spanish cinema, pledging at least $1.2 billion over the next three years, as reported by Variety.
Since entering Spain, Netflix has invested over $1 billion in the country’s film industry, amassing 8.7 million subscribers and embedding itself in local production. In 2024 alone, Spanish content garnered over 5 billion viewing hours on the platform, outperforming all other non-English-language productions in Europe.
Spain’s ability to churn out global hits—rivaling the popularity of hyped anime and Korean dramas — has made it a cornerstone of Netflix’s strategy, particularly for its expansion into Latin America.
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Spain offers a winning combination of production expertise and cost efficiency. Unlike Mexico, where high-quality production at scale remains a challenge, or California, where studios face steep taxes and political volatility, Madrid provides a stable and cost-effective hub.
Sarandos’ commitment signals Netflix’s intent to capitalize on Spain’s creative momentum, positioning it as a key player in the platform’s global content pipeline. As Hollywood grapples with protests and uncertainty, Spain’s film industry is poised to shine.
