From ESCAC to Netflix – Interrogating the new spaces of film development in Catalonia: The case of El Páramo (2022)

This article interrogates the evolution of film development in Catalonia and Spain in the second decade of the twenty-first century. It focuses on the industrial approach and the emergence of new development spaces such as labs, residencies and incubators. These initiatives were launched as a result of the reduction in direct government funding for projects and found a solid base in a new system of support for filmmaking based on development grants. Drawing on a case study of ‘La Bestia’, a project by Catalan filmmaker David Casademunt that resulted in the film El Páramo with support from incubators and labs, this study underscores the importance of film festivals and schools in the emerging talent market. The research delves into aspects related to marketing, cultural management, the influence of digital platforms and the vulnerability of up-and-coming creators. Ultimately, the study highlights the para-industrial role of cultural and educational institutions as mediators between creativity and the economy.