As the global audiovisual landscape undergoes a seismic shift, the Madrid-based powerhouse Iberseries & Platino Industria is positioning itself at the epicenter of this transformation. Entering its sixth edition, the event—scheduled to run from September 29 to October 2—is moving beyond the traditional conference model of "one-way" speaker sessions, pivoting sharply toward an intensive B2B (business-to-business) framework designed to foster direct industry collaboration, co-production, and cross-border investment.
With attendance numbers projected to eclipse last year’s 2,500 accreditations, the event has solidified its status as the premier bridge between the Ibero-American market and the global stage.
Main Facts: A New Strategic Mandate
The core objective for this year’s iteration is to transform the gathering from a lecture-heavy confab into a high-octane marketplace. Co-director Samuel Castro emphasizes that while the intellectual discourse remains, the priority has shifted to facilitation.
"Over the past few years, we’ve focused a lot on fairly one-way conversations with speakers talking to an audience," Castro explained. "We’re now also starting to promote more B2B activities: more business-focused opportunities and more spaces for people to meet and connect."
This strategic pivot is manifesting in the introduction of new programming, most notably the Euro-Atlantic Series Co-Pro Pitch program. This initiative specifically targets European TV projects, providing a dedicated space for producers to seek development partners. Furthermore, in partnership with the SGAE Foundation and DAMA (the Spanish audiovisual creators’ society), the event is hosting a massive pitch session featuring 14 screenwriters selected from nearly 300 submissions of unreleased fiction, documentary, and animation projects.
Chronology: The Journey to the Sixth Edition
Iberseries & Platino Industria has navigated a rapid evolution since its inception. Initially conceived as a platform to highlight Ibero-American content, it has grown in scope to include:
- Foundation Years: Establishing the event as a premier destination for Spanish and Latin American industry players to network with regional giants.
- Expansion Phase: Incorporating the co-production and financing forum, which has become the bedrock of the event’s success.
- The Current Pivot (Year Six): A transition toward institutionalizing B2B interactions, integrating cutting-edge AI discussions, and expanding the buyer pool to include major global streamers and networks.
The event, organized by EGEDA and Fundación Secuoya in collaboration with FIPCA, and supported by the Madrid Film Office and Madrid Film Region, now stands as a critical nexus for international production.
Supporting Data: The Buyer Ecosystem
The scale of the event is underscored by the caliber of its attendees. The sixth edition expects to host approximately 220 high-level buyers and 50 film commissioners. The presence of major global entities signals that Madrid has become a mandatory stop for those looking to tap into the Ibero-American talent pool.
The attendee list for this year is a "who’s who" of the entertainment industry, including:
- Global Streamers: Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video.
- Broadcasters and Networks: BBC, Arte, Telefe Argentina, Colombia’s Caracol TV, Canal+, Mediaset, Atresmedia, and Movistar Plus+.
- Production Giants: Banijay Entertainment, Globo, Disney, and ZDF Studios.
This influx of global powerhouses serves as a testament to the event’s growing influence in the development of transnational content.
Official Responses: Navigating the AI Frontier
Perhaps the most significant addition to this year’s programming is the deep dive into Artificial Intelligence. Recognizing the tension between technological advancement and human creativity, Iberseries & Platino Industria has partnered with the SGAE Foundation and DAMA to establish a clear ethical stance.
"The ability to create stories should always be based on a fully human, author-driven concept and development," says Samuel Castro. "AI should be used as a tool, not as an end in itself."
This stance is backed by practical, hands-on programming. Juan Alia, the event’s co-director specializing in cinema, has curated an AI Workshop for creators, led by Concepción Diaz, Google’s Head of AI Trainings EMEA. The program includes panels exploring new production models, regulatory challenges, and the emergence of entirely new narrative forms.
A centerpiece of this exploration is the world premiere of Pelagius, billed as Spain’s first feature-length film produced with generative AI. Directed and produced by Miguel Asensio Llamas, the 97-minute historical epic utilizes AI for its visual landscape and animation, while maintaining human performance for all character voices.
"What’s most interesting about initiatives like Pelagius is the conversation they open up," notes Alia. "Generative AI is introducing tools that could transform development, production, and post-production, and we’re still very much in an experimental phase."
Implications: The Future of the Audiovisual Industry
The industry’s current state is defined by a paradox: content is more abundant than ever, yet reaching audiences has become increasingly complex. Financing models are more intricate, and the pressure to leverage data—without sacrificing the "soul" of storytelling—is mounting.
The Mexico Focus
To highlight the importance of industrial synergy, this year’s edition features Mexico as the "Country of Focus." According to Adriana Castillo, general coordinator of Platino Industria, the decision was driven by Mexico’s robust infrastructure and technical pedigree.
"Mexico has highly experienced professionals, strong infrastructure, studios, production services, post-production and VFX, and a proven ability to work on both national and international productions," says Castillo. The goal, she explains, is to transition from viewing Mexico merely as a creative location to treating it as a partner for long-term alliances and industrial integration.
Sustainability and Shifting Habits
Beyond the rise of AI, the event is addressing the acceleration of viewing habits, specifically the rise of "microdramas"—content designed for fast, mobile-first consumption.
As Juan Alia summarizes: "Getting films and series to their audiences is increasingly difficult in a crowded market. The industry must also address sustainability, distribution, and technological change. This is why spaces like Iberseries & Platino Industria are vital; they are the connective tissue between markets, talent, and capital."
Looking Ahead
As the industry prepares for the September 29 kickoff, the message from the organizers is clear: the era of passive attendance is over. The future belongs to those who can navigate the complexities of AI, leverage global production hubs like Mexico, and prioritize the human-centric storytelling that remains the industry’s ultimate currency.
By formalizing these B2B connections and providing a forum for the most pressing ethical and technical questions of the day, Iberseries & Platino Industria is not merely observing the change in the global audiovisual market—it is actively steering it. The sixth edition promises to be a watershed moment for producers, creators, and investors who are seeking to thrive in an increasingly volatile, yet opportunity-rich, global environment.
