Tenerife Cabildo Revives Bid for Europe's Largest Film Studio

It's been a year and a half since the Tenerife Environmental Assessment Commission (CEAT) first rejected plans for a major film studio in Adeje. That was in May 2024. Now, this month, the Cabildo (Tenerife's island government) has asked the CEAT for new approval to move forward with the 'Imagine Green Studios' project. This ambitious plan aims to build Europe's largest film sets, featuring 19 cutting-edge studios across more than 400,000 square meters, complete with aquatic facilities and vast virtual production spaces.

The CEAT initially turned down the Cabildo's request for a quicker, simplified approval process back in March 2024. They stated that the project needed two separate environmental assessments: a comprehensive 'ordinary strategic environmental' study and a more focused 'simplified environmental project' for the actual buildings. The Cabildo has just started the first, broader study, but the second, more specific one for the facilities themselves, has not yet been submitted.

This ambitious private project, led by the KISS Media Group, was unanimously declared a 'strategic' and 'island interest' infrastructure for Tenerife by the Cabildo on June 8, 2023. This decision, made by all political parties (PSOE, Cs, CC, and PP) towards the end of Pedro Martín's socialist presidency, recognized the project's alignment with Tenerife's economic and social development goals. It also highlighted the increasing importance of the film industry in the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife, and its potential to create skilled jobs.

During a Cabildo meeting last Friday, socialist spokesperson Aaron Afonso called for steps to simplify these kinds of approval processes. He also warned about the negative impact that delays in crucial island projects, like the film studio, could have.

Lope Afonso (PP), the Vice-President of the Cabildo, agreed that such delays 'are not desirable.' However, he also pointed out that the developer needs to make certain changes to the project. He stressed, 'The commitment is firm, and I believe the entire Corporation understands that we are facing a truly strategic project for the Island.'

For years, the KISS Media Group has been developing this project to create one of the world's largest audiovisual hubs. This will allow Tenerife to compete for major Hollywood productions with established film cities like London, Prague, Rome, and Berlin.

Beyond the 19 sound stages, the hub will offer creators and professionals more than 20 post-production rooms for image and sound, all equipped with the latest editing technology. The facilities will also include two impressive venues specifically designed for aquatic and underwater filming.

Imagine Green Studios will also house a vocational training and university postgraduate center. This center aims to train future technicians and professionals – such as lighting technicians, art directors, filmmakers, post-producers, designers, carpenters, artisans, and makeup artists – ensuring they have the high-level skills needed for blockbuster productions.

These newly trained professionals will join existing roles like directors, screenwriters, editors, camera operators, and administrative staff, all of whom will also have opportunities to further their training in various essential areas of audiovisual production.