ALICANTE, November 12, 2026 — Studio Ciudad de la Luz, a large-scale film and TV hub in Alicante, Spain, has transformed into a top-tier must-stop for major international productions, with 2026 marking a significant turning point in its rise to prominence. The studio’s resurgence can be attributed to its state-of-the-art facilities, including six climate-controlled stages and a 100-by-80-meter outdoor water tank, which have attracted high-profile projects like Disney’s live-action Tangled.
Background And History
The studio was born from the vision of Spanish filmmaker and screenwriter Luis García Berlanga, who in 2005 set out to reindustrialize the Spanish audiovisual sector. This initial seven-year phase culminated in 63 projects, including J.A. Bayona’s The Impossible and Francis Ford Coppola’s Tetro. After reopening in 2023, Studio Ciudad de la Luz has been actively working to set itself apart from its rivals, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a renewed intention to become a major player in the European film industry.
Facilities And Operations
The studio features six climate-controlled stages, interconnected in pairs, and two indoor, floodable pits that come in at over three metres deep. The backlot totals 14.8 hectares of space with natural horizon, power, water, and telecommunications, over 4,000 square meters of workshop space, and 7,000 square meters of storage space. The outdoor water tank is a significant draw, with wave-generation systems, water cannons, slides, a seawater pumping system, and partial fill-and-drain capability. These facilities, combined with a warm-weather climate, competitive incentives, and an experienced local crew, make Ciudad de la Luz an attractive destination for producers.
Recent Projects And Impact
Between 2023 and 2025, the studio worked on projects such as Venom: The Last Dance, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and the French Netflix shows Nero and Under Paris, generating significant economic impact and contracts. The arrival of Disney’s live-action Tangled in 2026, which involved the intensive use of stages, on-site exteriors, and locations across the region of Valencia, has had a direct economic impact of over 40 million euros and generated 2,500 local contracts. This project, along with the permanent establishment of The Good Film Studios Spain, has helped Ciudad de la Luz achieve industry consolidation and newfound confidence in handling technically and logistically demanding shoots.
Industry Consolidation And Future Prospects
The studio’s ability to offer indoor, outdoor, and aquatic filming on the same site, combined with its attractive location and facilities, has made it a go-to destination for major international productions. With the investment of 19.8 million Euros from the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation and private partners, The Good Film Studios Spain has set up a permanent home at Studio Ciudad de la Luz. As the studio looks to the future, its 90 percent occupancy in 2026 and the praise from filmmakers like Michael Gracey and Kristin Burr suggest a bright future ahead, with Ciudad de la Luz solidifying its position as a major European production hub. As Gracey says, “The people, the locations, and the spaces have been fantastic. Having the city only 15 minutes away is a real advantage.” With its unique offerings and growing reputation, Studio Ciudad de la Luz is poised to continue attracting high-profile projects and talent from around the world.
Sources
- ‘Tangled’ Takes Ciudad de la Luz From Up-and-Coming Studio to Production Must-Stop
- ‘Tangled’ Takes Ciudad de la Luz From Up-and-Coming Studio to Production Must-Stop
- 'Tangled' Takes Ciudad de la Luz to the Big Leagues – United States
Photo: Neon Wang / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
