Co-production economics, creative pitch
Iberseries & Platino Industria 2025 opened with fresh cross-border deals, including “Past Waters,” a thriller from Portugal’s Caracol Studios and Spain’s TV ON Producciones. The project will pitch for financing and distribution, reflecting Iberia’s growing role as a cost-efficient, talent-rich hub for premium series. Crews, tax rebates and bilingual writers’ rooms have turned Madrid and Lisbon into frequent stops for global streamers. The new package leans into grounded crime and maritime intrigue—genres that travel well and dub cleanly.
Why it matters to global buyers
In a tighter market, buyers want sharp budgets, flexible rights and territory-specific marketing hooks. Iber co-pros have learned to pre-assemble these pieces, bundling festival showcases and trans-Atlantic casting to de-risk pickups. If “Past Waters” lands traction, expect more mid-budget thrillers that can slot into streamer “international originals” rows without top-tier price tags. For local broadcasters, the festival remains a marketplace to shore up prime-time with prestige drama that still plays to regional sensibilities.