Tenerife Launches Training Program to Professionalize Local Audiovisual Sector

The Tenerife Film Commission has announced an intensive four-month training program to help professionalize the Canary Islands’ audiovisual sector. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the rising demand for local film crews and the current availability of qualified workers—a key challenge for an industry that has turned the island into a global filming hub thanks to its unique geography and tax incentives.

Supported by the Tenerife Island Council, the curriculum is divided into six specialized areas. Most in-person classes will take place at the CIFP Las Indias in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, covering assistant directing, production management, costume design, and hair and makeup. Additionally, a technical course on color grading will be held at Espacio Price, and an online course will train "ecomanagers"—a role increasingly vital for ensuring large-scale productions remain environmentally sustainable.

Lope Afonso, Vice President and Minister of Tourism, explained that these courses are part of a broader strategy to turn the current filming boom into a source of stable, long-term employment. Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tourism of Tenerife, highlighted that the partnership between the Film Commission and private industry is essential to building a strong, professional workforce.

As the Spanish audiovisual industry continues to decentralize, this specialized training is vital. The islands' ability to attract international productions depends on the skill of local crews, making these programs a strategic tool for staying competitive against other regions vying for film and television investment.