The Madrid Audiovisual Cluster (MAC), an influential economic interest group comprising nearly 100 Madrid-based companies, has curated a comprehensive two-day industry networking and peer-learning program for the upcoming Iberseries & Platino confab. Scheduled to run from September 29 to October 2 in the vibrant Spanish capital, the initiative highlights how modern technological advancements are rapidly reshaping the global audiovisual landscape.
While artificial intelligence naturally takes center stage once again, the program deliberately attempts to delve deeper into this hot-button topic than in previous years. Rather than treating AI as a mere novelty, the showcase presents eight distinct industry case studies examining innovation across the entire audiovisual value chain, from initial script development and talent management to post-production, localization, and real-time animation.
"While AI is a common thread running through the projects, the session takes a broader view of innovation, covering new business models, emerging technologies, and evolving production and creative workflows," explained Teresa Azcona, managing director of the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster. "Together, they show how innovation is transforming the industry and opening up new opportunities across the value chain."
The event arrives at a critical juncture for the entertainment industry as stakeholders grapple with the integration of emerging technologies. Balancing technical efficiency with artistic integrity remains a paramount concern for industry leaders navigating these digital transformations.
Weighing in on the delicate balance between technological capability and human artistry, Iberseries & Platino Industria co-Director Samuel Castro offered a measured perspective. "The ability to create stories should always be based on a fully human, author-driven concept and development," Castro pointed out. "AI should be used as a tool, not as an end in itself."
Operating under the official banner "Innovation — Case Studies in the Audiovisual Industry: New Business Models, AI and Emerging Technologies," the eight case studies are designed to illustrate how forward-thinking companies are applying cutting-edge technology to address practical, everyday challenges across the sector. The specialized workshop is scheduled to run from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on September 29, featuring eight focused case-study presentations with approximately 12 minutes allocated to each participant.
The momentum continues the following day on September 30, which features a high-profile conversation between accomplished producer Rosa Bosch and Tanja Meissner, director of Berlinale Pro. Meissner oversees major international industry platforms including the European Film Market, the Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund, bringing a global perspective to the Madrid discussions.
Case Studies
The core of the MAC program rests on its eight detailed case studies, each highlighting a specific company tackling different facets of modern production and distribution workflows.
PLIA
Applying PLIA Technology to Script Breakdown, Pre-Production Planning, and Production Tracking on "Playback."
PLIA has developed an advanced, AI-powered production platform tailored specifically for film and audiovisual projects. The company has engineered an integrated production-management solution designed to seamlessly channel the vast amount of information generated across creative and production cycles into a single, unified platform.
During the presentation, the company will showcase its application on the feature film "Playback," covering critical phases such as script breakdown, pre-production planning, and granular production tracking. By bringing together scripts, notes, budgets, location photography, and detailed production breakdowns into one ecosystem, the platform aims to drastically streamline information management across the entire production workflow. The presentation will be led by Jose Velasco, CEO of PLIA.
TBS (Telefónica Broadcast Services) Tech Brand Stories
From the Physical Studio to the Virtual Production Environment: Virtual Production, AR, Motion Graphics, and AI.
TBS — Tech Brand Stories, formerly known as Telefónica Broadcast Services, serves as the creative production company and audiovisual agency for the major telecommunications conglomerate, the Telefónica Group. Operating dynamically across live production, broadcast services, branded content, and entertainment, the company combines robust technical capabilities with creative execution. Its workforce of more than 450 professionals regularly handles major sporting and live events, alongside non-fiction programming, entertainment formats, documentaries, and current-affairs broadcasts.
This case study examines the intricate convergence of virtual production, augmented reality, motion graphics, and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how these modern technologies are being successfully embedded into contemporary production environments. The session will be presented by Alberto Gonzalo, graphics supervisor, alongside Luis Miguel Boedo, technical coordinator.
Hark Media — Go Global
When AI Learns to Move Us: Hybrid Dubbing for Global Distribution.
Go Global specializes in complex localization services for the entertainment industry, providing comprehensive translation, subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over solutions to major streaming platforms and independent production companies alike.
The company will use its platform slot to examine the emerging role of artificial intelligence in dubbing, exploring how hybrid workflows that carefully combine automated technology with human linguistic and emotional expertise can effectively support the localization of content for demanding international markets. The presentation will be led by Paula Ferrari, founder and CEO of Go Global.
Xpost Studios — Secuoya Content Group
Innovation in VFX and Post-Production Workflows.
Xpost Studios operates as a premier post-production and visual effects facility based out of Madrid Content City, functioning as an integral part of the Secuoya Content Group. Its extensive infrastructure houses specialized facilities dedicated to editing, color grading, sound post-production, high-end VFX, and advanced digital workflows.
The upcoming session will focus heavily on the practical application of new technologies to VFX and post-production pipelines, examining firsthand how ongoing innovation is fundamentally changing the way modern content is processed, refined, and delivered to audiences. The presentation will be conducted by Marcos Requena, post-production manager at the studio.
Story Pitcher
Connecting Audiovisual Creators and Producers Through a Digital Platform.
Story Pitcher has engineered a specialized digital platform designed to bridge the historical gap between screenwriters, directors, and independent audiovisual creators, and established production companies and content platforms.
Its operational model intelligently combines AI-powered matching algorithms with robust legal-protection tools. The overarching objective is to facilitate more direct, transparent, and secure connections between creative talent and industry decision-makers. The platform will be presented by Frank Belyeu, CEO of Story Pitcher.
Mercedes Santalla
From Talent to Market: Strategy and Business for Creative and Technology Projects.
Creative strategist and established talent manager Mercedes Santalla works extensively with projects and artists operating precisely at the intersection of creative practice and emerging technology. Her specialized session will examine the complex commercial and strategic considerations involved in successfully taking creative and technology-led projects from early development all the way to the open market. Furthermore, the discussion will touch upon the evolving, symbiotic relationship between human talent, advancing technology, and business viability. Mercedes Santalla will lead the session in her capacity as a creative strategist and talent manager.
Scoutters — Scout & Film
A Digital Platform for Location Scouting and Production.
Scoutters is an innovative digital location-search and management platform originally developed by the Spanish enterprise Scout & Film. Built directly upon the company’s extensive, hands-on experience managing physical locations for high-profile film and advertising productions, the platform connects location scouts, advertising agencies, production companies, and film commissions with precise locations suited to their exact production requirements.
The case study will explore how modern digital tools are completely transforming the traditionally location-intensive process of sourcing, managing, and presenting filming locations. The presentation will be delivered by Rubén Souto and Jose Díaz, both co-founders of Scout & Film.
HaMo — Paramotion Films
HaMo Real-Time Animation System: Digital Puppetry and Next Lab R&D.
Developed by Paramotion Films through the Next Lab Generation research and development initiative, HaMo is a sophisticated real-time motion-capture system engineered specifically for 3D animation and digital puppetry.
The system utilizes advanced inertial sensors to capture an operator’s physical movements, seamlessly integrating with Unreal Engine to transfer those movements in real time to a CGI character. This technology allows virtual characters to perform live alongside human presenters and physical audiences, unlocking exciting potential applications across television studios, live entertainment events, and social media platforms.
This final case study will examine both the technical development and the practical application of the system, serving as a prime example of successful research and development transitioning smoothly from an experimental prototype into fully functional production technology. The presentation will feature Jose Luis Farias, CEO of HaMo, and Alfonso Fulgencio, CTO of HaMo.
