Home / Arts and Entertainment / Spain's Literary Goldmine for Global Cinema
Spain's Literary Goldmine for Global Cinema
18 Jun
Summary
- Spanish books offer recognizable IP and built-in fan bases for adaptation.
- Spanish language reach extends to 600 million potential readers globally.
- Collaboration between publishing and audiovisual sectors is key for growth.
Spanish literature holds immense potential for international film and TV adaptations, according to Fernando Benzo, secretary general of the Spanish Federation of Publishers. He emphasizes that books represent secure intellectual property, often coming with established fan bases that make them a less risky investment than original material.
Benzo highlights the linguistic advantage, noting that a Spanish book can reach an audience of 600 million people worldwide, not just within Spain. This potential is particularly relevant as Spanish audiovisual productions, like the global hit "Money Heist," have already demonstrated significant international appeal.
He points to both classic literature and contemporary thrillers as promising sources for adaptation. Benzo stresses that material with sequel potential is highly valued by producers. He also notes a shift in Spanish literature towards more universal themes, making stories easily transferable to other settings.
Currently, only a small fraction of Spain's film output consists of adaptations. Benzo advocates for closer ties between the publishing and audiovisual industries, suggesting that increased adaptation efforts could boost book sales and attract larger audiences to films. Publishers need to adapt their pitching strategies for the visual industry to capitalize on this opportunity.
