The 11th edition of the most important talent project organized by the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster closed its doors on November 28th with a smaller environmental impact than in previous years.

In terms of data, this translates to a reduction of more than 4 percentage points in the event’s carbon footprint compared to the 2024 edition.

The cumulative reduction since the 2023 edition is more than 9 percentage points, a 54.7% decrease, meaning that in just two editions the carbon footprint has been reduced by more than half.

To achieve this improvement, a series of measures have been implemented, such as selecting venues with aligned sustainability policies to host events, minimizing paper consumption, reducing air travel for participants and prioritizing train travel, using public transport as much as possible instead of taxis, and choosing suppliers focused on sustainability, such as the catering service, a socially responsible company that has incorporated plastic reduction practices and is committed to using ecologic products.

The Cluster is committed to continuing this non-negotiable policy in favor of the event’s sustainability and has set a goal of further reducing the number of paper consumption figures by the 2026 edition.

The 2016 edition of ISE took place from February 3rd to 6th, closing with a record 92,170 visitors, an 8% increase over the previous edition, and 1,751 exhibitors.

Since the announcement in 2019 that the trade show would be held in Barcelona, ​​the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster has acted as a connector between the event and the Catalan industry, creating opportunities to enhance the visibility of its member companies and the internationalization of the sector. Barcelona and Catalonia are positioning themselves internationally in the field of audiovisual technology thanks to the incorporation of new technologies into the solutions offered by Catalan companies.

Once again, the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster acted as a key identifier of the most innovative trends in the thematic areas of Audiovisual Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Production, Immersive Experiences, Retail, and Emerging Talent.

It represented Catalan industry with 31 partner companies present at the fair, organized and participated in 23 activities and conferences, bringing 51 speakers, and collaborated in the organization of the ISE Tech Tours and in the dissemination of the ISE Open Innovation Challenge.

The Switch Observatory Presents the First Audiovisual Robotics Report

The Switch Observatory, an initiative of the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster dedicated to analyzing technological trends with a direct impact on the sector, presented its first Audiovisual Robotics Report. The document is available in Catalan and English.

The study analyzes the current state and trends of robotics applied to audiovisual production, with a clear focus on how these technologies are redefining image capture, virtual production, location shooting, and studio automation. With this analysis, the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster aims to contribute to anticipating changes, generating debate, and positioning the Catalan audiovisual ecosystem as an active player in building this new technological landscape.

Joan Rosés, editor of the Switch Observatory and author of the report, noted: “Robotics is no longer just a matter of efficiency. In audiovisual media, it is opening up new narrative possibilities: camera movements that were previously impossible, much more precise integration with virtual production, and adding ‘intelligence’ to physical devices.”

As part of the ISE 2026 program, three sessions on audiovisual robotics were organized, where the following report was presented:

• “How Audiovisual Robotics Are Transforming the AV Industry”, which featured a presentation by Joan Rosés; and a panel discussion with Natàlia Prats, Director of Digital and Technological Infrastructures at 3Cat; Joan Guasch, Director of International Development and R&D&I Policies at Eurecat; and moderated by Carlos Gómara, from the Department of Innovation and Technological Transformation at ACCIÓ.
• “Challenges and Trends of Drones in Audiovisual”, which featured Joan Rosés; Fran Arnau, CEO of Flock Drone Art Studio; Carlos Miguel Cortés, European Account Manager at Airmedia360; and moderated by Guillem González, journalist at Betevé.
• “Presentation of the First Audiovisual Robotics Report 2026 from the Audiovisual Cluster of Catalonia”, in the form of a presentation by Joan Rosés.

Strengthening Audiovisual Ecosystems with the Cases of Catalonia and the United Kingdom

The session “Strengthening audiovisual ecosystems in Catalonia and the United Kingdom” explored how public policy, industry, research, and innovation can align to generate long-term impact, using the United Kingdom and Catalonia as complementary case studies.

It began with a presentation by Will Saunders, Chief Creative Officer of the CoSTAR National Lab and Professor of Creative Industries at Royal Holloway University. He focused on the UK’s CoSTAR program: a nationally coordinated network of five R&D and advanced production labs, supported by £75 million of public investment and connected to major industry hubs such as MediaCityUK in Manchester, where innovation is scaled thanks to infrastructure like Dock10 and the BBC.

Will Saunders emphasized that “creative industries are enormously important for helping to grow not only economies but also for driving commercial and social value. What is happening here in Catalonia is incredible.”

In a subsequent roundtable discussion, Richard Wormwell, Head of Innovation at Dock10; Miquel Rutllant, President of the Audiovisual Cluster of Catalonia and a driving partner of Barcelona XRLAB; Marc López, Director of the Catalunya Media City project; Cristina Brandner, Manager of the Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya; and moderated by Joel Mestre, Creative Services EMEA at Disguise, joined the panel.

Richard Wormwell remarked: “I believe the vision proposed for Catalunya Media City is the right vision, and I can only wish them every success.”

The sessions “Bridging broadcast and cinema: virtual production across industries” and “Cinema, entertainment and advertising: virtual production in all formats” continued the discussion on LED virtual production and the multiple solutions it offers, from the perspective of Catalonia’s leading virtual production studios. Participants included Xavi Cánovas, General Manager of Driving Studios; Isaac Bergadà, Lead Manager of Virtual Grupo Mediapro; and Antoine Vaxelaire, co-founder of APPIA; with Cristina Brandner, manager of the Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya, moderating.

Two conferences dedicated to Artificial Intelligence were organized; the first, “Fundamentals of the Digital Image with Arturo Fuentes”, was a technical presentation on the inner workings of pixel-by-pixel generative AI. The second session, “AI and Gender Biases”, featured Cristina Mont, director of Lavinia AI, Helena Oller, head of strategy at Filmin, and was moderated by journalist Mariola Dinarès; it provided a space for reflection on how AI systems incorporate gender biases.

Other conferences organized by the Audiovisual Cluster on the main stages of the fair included:

• “New Professional Roles in Immersive Experiences” with Sourcing Unicorns, Flop Work, Barcelona XRLAB, and UNIVRSE.
• “Designing Architecture with AV Solutions in Mind” with Garcés – De Seta – Bonet Arquitectes, Marvel Architecture, Charcoalblue International, and Panasonic.
• “Transmedia IPs from Film to the Gaming World” with DeAPlanetaEntertainment, Open House Games, SelectaPlay, and ENTI-UB.
• “End-to-End Digital Signage” with EGMStudio and DCLED.
• “How Surgeons Are Using Audiovisual Technology to Transform Medicine” with Joan Moya of Ditec Group.

With a jury comprised of Patricia M. Val (Futura Space), Mònica Andreu (Eurecat), and Rita Giménez (Music Tech Hub and Escena 4.0), this year’s edition of the Audiovisual Cluster organized the “Young Talents and Technology” session, a University-Industry event held as part of Audiovisual Talent Week in November 2025. The following projects were presented: Cartografías invisibles (Invisible Cartographies) by Humbert Torrego; Fuga (Escape) by Laura Gili; Bath Life by Adrián Carro and Marco Berrocal; and Mans d’aprenent (Learning Hands) by Judit Puig. Link3rs, a member company of the Audiovisual Cluster, also presented its AI-powered simultaneous translation tool, developed by Hector Bordas.

Alongside the conferences, two luncheons were organized this year with the aim of establishing international connections. The first was a matchmaking breakfast between Catalonia and the United Kingdom, organized by ACCIÓ, the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, and the British Consulate General in Barcelona. The second was a networking breakfast between Catalonia and Wallonia, organized by the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, the TWIST Cluster, and Wallonia.be.

As in previous editions, the Audiovisual Cluster prepared two guided tours that took attendees to visit some of the main stands of the partner companies at the fair; and organized the “What’s new?” session, where about fifteen partner companies with stands in the Catalonia Pavilion, the Innovation Park or the Barcelona City Council, were able to present their projects and solutions.

The Catalan Audiovisual Cluster also participated in the “Cluster Collaboration Session,” part of the European Latin American AV Forum, which was moderated by Noemí Cuní, Vice President of the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster. They also collaborated on the workshop organized by the Futures of Communication Chair from Pompeu Fabra University.

ISE, the world’s largest audiovisual and integrated systems trade show, celebrates its 22nd edition from February 3-6 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. The Audiovisual Cluster of Catalonia has been collaborating with ISE since 2019, when the trade show moved to Barcelona from Amsterdam. The Cluster acts as a liaison between the trade show and Catalan industry and institutions.

This year, the Audiovisual Cluster of Catalonia will be present at the trade show within the Catalonia Pavilion of the Government of Catalonia (CS100 – Stand 4) and at the stand shared with the Barcelona City Council (CS240). Both are located in Congress Square, between Halls 4 and 5.

A dozen partner companies will be present with their own stands:

Algam Enterprise (3R190 – Hall 3). Specializing in the distribution of professional sound equipment, AV and control systems, video, and lighting for technical service providers, AV integrators, broadcasters, and studios, they are the official distributor of HARMAN Professional in Spain and will be presenting the new Comtech D Series, an advanced processing solution that, together with Spat Revolution software, expands the possibilities for spatial audio control and rendering in professional environments.

The Comtech D Series has been designed for applications requiring high performance and operational stability for signal management in highly complex technical projects. The solution is complemented by Spat Revolution, a leading software for spatialization and immersive audio control, which provides a high-precision rendering engine and great flexibility in sound scene design. This offering is especially geared towards applications such as immersive installations, theaters, museums, cultural centers, live events, and high-level audiovisual projects.

Aura Vision (3E600 – Hall 3). A European leader in LED display solutions, Aura Vision will launch its new Comet-C Orbit. Designed for corporate and educational environments, this all-in-one LED display reflects Aura Vision’s belief that LED technology should be built around the people who use it every day, not just the spaces where it is installed.

They will also present the latest version of the Comet-C PRO HB. Recently updated to offer twice the brightness with the same power consumption, the display has been developed for environments such as control rooms, security operations centers, and broadcast facilities, where clarity, stability, and 24/7 operation are essential. The Comet-C PRO HB has also been shortlisted for an Invation Award in the Display Technology category.

d&b audiotechnik (7E190 – Hall 7 and Audio Demo Rooms D2). They offer training, technical service, application support, technical information, customized solutions, and financing, in addition to an expert worldwide sales and distribution network. They are presenting the new U Series, a range of compact and versatile point-source loudspeakers that redefines versatility, performance, and integration freedom for both touring and fixed installations, with a discreet, robust, and neutral design. The series incorporates an advanced electroacoustic concept with superior directivity control, coherent performance down to 55 Hz, rotating waveguides, and physically identical passive and networked versions, allowing users to choose the most suitable system architecture for each project. Furthermore, it integrates fully into the d&b ecosystem, offers flexible power options (amplifier, AC, or PoE++), is ideal for distributed or immersive systems such as Soundscape, and is complemented by the new compact B10 subwoofer, ensuring high-performance and highly adaptable solutions for any application.

EPSON (3J100 – Hall 3). Presenting one of its most ambitious video projection projects, centered on the immersive Infinity installation, which uses advanced projection technology to transform light and color into an immersive and artistic experience. Also showcasing is its new flagship high-brightness projector with 4K resolution and state-of-the-art connectivity, a new range of professional lenses for high-performance projection, and ultra-short-throw interactive projectors for education, demonstrating how these technologies can transform spaces into impactful and inspiring visual experiences.

Flock Drone Art (8G600 – Pavilion 8.1). Drone show production company. They perform Drone Light Shows with state-of-the-art drones equipped with powerful lights that allow you to enjoy a 360º light show with maximum safety and precision.

Fluge Audiovisuales (6E700 – Hall 6). With a stand designed as a high-impact, immersive visual and technological experience, they will showcase a proposal that merges stage architecture, digital creativity, and real-time interactivity. One of the main attractions will be the tunnel with double-sided LED screens, whose content was developed by the creative studio Girasomnis, with artistic direction by Paco Gramaje, who designed this experience to demonstrate the expressive potential of audiovisual media in events, cultural spaces, and brand environments. They will also present LYNTRA, their proprietary software for transforming large-format surfaces and screens into high-precision interactive experiences.

INFiLED (3B900 – Hall 3). Specializing in the manufacture and development of large LED video equipment, INFiLED will participate with a customer-centric approach, presenting a wide range of new LED display solutions designed for real-world applications in sectors such as corporate, retail, broadcast, DOOH, and car washes. A highlight will be an immersive exhibition space where displays define the architecture and visitor experience, as well as the launch of innovative new series such as GeminiLED, InfiPixmk2, Mirak, and Black Widow AMT, which combine advanced design, high visual performance, creative flexibility, and sustainability. Furthermore, INFiLED will reinforce its role as an industry leader by sharing knowledge with strategic partners, demonstrating its commitment to high-impact, people-oriented technological solutions adapted to the evolving needs of integrators and end users.

LANG (3H500 – Hall 3). It is one of Europe’s leading distributors of visual presentation devices, both for rental and sale. Through continuous research and development, LANG is always at the forefront of technology and, in collaboration with its partners, also offers customized solutions for professional users.

Panasonic Connect (3J500 – Hall 3). It presents a new projection light source platform and its first 4K LCD projector for pro AV applications, thus expanding its range of professional visual technologies. The new platform aims to offer features typical of 3-chip DLP systems, improving color reproduction and brightness in a compact format for fixed installations. In addition, it will showcase a 4K LCD projector in a simulation environment to highlight short-throw projection with a smaller visible pixel structure, ideal for immersive and interactive applications. It will also exhibit a 42,000-lumen projector for large spaces and live events, and a 55-inch modular LED platform for signage and video walls, under the Mevix brand, with the goal of optimizing performance, installation, and operational efficiency.

SONO (5F150 – Hall 5). They offer comprehensive solutions for events, integration and museum projects, and audiovisual installations. They have fully equipped physical and virtual studios with the latest technology, backed by nearly 50 years of experience creating audiovisual experiences.

3Cat (SPARK). 3Cat is Catalonia’s main public audiovisual media corporation. It is committed to exploring new formats that connect with audiences, especially younger ones, in digital environments. At Spark, 3Cat will present an immersive interactive experience inspired by Manairons, its new video game rooted in Catalan folklore and starring the manairons, mythical creatures of the Pyrenees. Visitors will enter a three-screen cube to explore the Manairons universe through gesture-based interaction, and will also be able to play a demo outside the cube. Co-produced with JanduSoft, with Flop Work as the technology and interactive partner, the project showcases 3Cat as a creative and technology hub for media and as a producer of innovative digital storytelling.

WindowSight (3F500 – Hall 3). They will be exhibiting for the first time at Samsung’s stand, the largest at the show, presenting a new integration with Samsung VXT, their flagship digital signage platform. They are the leading platform for transforming any television into a work of art, boasting the largest community of artists, including over 300 artists, more than 50 National Geographic photographers, and over 20,000 pieces of content.

Partner companies within the Catalonia Pavilion stand (CS100 – Congress Square):

CIT UPC – Centre d’Innovació i Tecnologia de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Booth8). Non-profit entity, which puts the university’s research capacity at the service of innovation in companies based on the knowledge and results of the UPC’s research and technology transfer centers.

Driving Studios (Booth 11). They offer comprehensive services to the automotive industry, and from Catalonia, they have established themselves as a leading audiovisual hub in Southern Europe. The complex, located 60 km from Barcelona, ​​boasts 16,000 m² (6,000 m² indoors and 10,000 m² of outdoor backlot) and has hosted international productions from top-tier brands and production companies. Its technological core is a 1,000 m² LED Volume Studio with a curved LED screen, LED ceiling, and integration with Unreal Engine, Disguise, and Mo-Sys, combined with the largest L-shaped cyclorama in Catalonia. It also features a 2,000 m² Stage 2 for large sets, a 10,000 m² outdoor backlot, and over 3,000 m² of production and service spaces, all TISAX certified, making it a strategic infrastructure for attracting major international productions and reinforcing Catalonia’s role as an audiovisual center.

Ebantic (Booth 20). Ebantic and Fujifilm are launching ProArchive worldwide, Fujifilm’s new service for the preservation, management, and access of large audiovisual archives, designed and developed in close collaboration with Ebantic. This service enables the centralized, secure, and accessible preservation and organization of high-value content, with advanced AI-powered ingest and search capabilities, combining cloud flexibility with long-term physical storage. The project leverages Ebantic’s expertise in digital archiving systems, technology integration, and workflows for cultural institutions, museums, and archives, delivering a robust solution that combines long-term storage, advanced AI-powered ingest and cataloging tools, and a flexible architecture tailored to each client.

Eurecat (Booth 14). Industrial R&D technology center, specializing in strategies for innovation and economic growth of cultural and creative industries.

EGMStudio (Booth 1). A creative studio based in Barcelona, ​​specializing in CGI image generation, 3D animation, and high-level post-production. With a solid track record in image processing and a clear focus on innovation, the studio creates high-impact visual content that combines creativity and photorealism. At ISE 2026, EGMS will present how Artificial Intelligence applied to the 3D production pipeline streamlines processes, reduces rendering time, and achieves even higher levels of photorealism. The combination of 3D with AI applied to the creation of graphic assets and a creative foundation redefines visual production standards, offering more efficient, flexible, and scalable solutions.

Fluendo (Booth 10). Developer of legal multimedia products using the two most versatile frameworks on the market: GStreamer and FFmpeg. They contribute to the global programmer community and help companies deliver the best multimedia experience to their users.

Gestmusic (Booth 13). Gestmusic and Amplify have launched KAI, a new AI-powered tool that unifies and streamlines the creative workflow in entertainment productions with large volumes of audiovisual material. KAI automatically indexes content, generates narratives from clips, and allows for the collaborative building and refinement of stories, which are then transferred directly to the editing timeline (NLE). Developed in a European innovation project with support from EIT Culture & Creativity and contributions from Fraunhofer IPK and Ugiat Technologies, KAI facilitates the search, organization, and reuse of clips, accelerating the process from capture to final edit, without sacrificing human creative control.

Mas Acoustics (Booth 12). Introducing the Platinum Blanket-Foil from Insuquilt, the world’s leading acoustic blankets for large creative spaces where good acoustics are essential, such as Film and TV Studios, Broadcast, Auditoriums, concert halls, nightclubs or even Gyms.

NRD Multimedia (Booth 26). A company that implements solutions for the automation and digitization of audiovisual production. They design and integrate advanced audiovisual production centers into infrastructures, organizations, and media outlets.

Watchity (Booth 2). They will demonstrate how Watchity enables the production, organization, and publication of audiovisual content from start to finish on a single platform, integrating websites, apps, social media, and OTT environments. Furthermore, they will present new AI-powered features that streamline production, automate content reuse, and amplify its impact: generating clips, summaries, subtitles, adapting to social formats, and creating faster, more efficient, and connected audiovisual workflows.

Partner companies within the framework of the Barcelona City Council booth shared with the Cluster (CS240 – Congress Square):

Blit. Creative content studio for brands, events, music, and art. They have worked with major companies and institutions on everything from visual design to immersive experiences.

Emogg. Emogg Analytics® is a technology solution that transforms events into strategic assets for companies, institutions, and brands. Through the objective measurement of audience nonverbal communication, Emogg converts the traditionally intangible—attention, emotional impact, or connection with messages—into objective data for decision-making.

The platform analyzes audience experience in real time and generates clear indicators that allow for evaluating communication effectiveness, optimizing content, and demonstrating the true value of events to management, communications, and marketing teams. The entire process is based on privacy-first technology, designed to strictly comply with GDPR, without identifying individuals or storing personal data.

Framemov. A producer of immersive audiovisual content and advertising, specializing in immersive installations, virtual production, and video mapping, Framemov presents two solutions. First, DYNAMIC PERSONA is an AI-based interactive installation that uses a Kinect camera to detect people. From the captured silhouette, artificial intelligence generates real-time visual content. The system is based on a series of fully customizable options, predefined and programmed by their team.

Second, VELORA is an experience that explores how spaces can be created and lived in, not just observed. At ISE, it serves as a creative showcase of Framemov’s approach: environments designed through interaction that transform into personal experiences. Through choices regarding atmosphere, color, and light, visitors create their own world and become part of it, demonstrating how technology and artificial intelligence can work invisibly to transform space into a narrative, emotional, and memorable medium.

Flop Work. They create, develop and build communication projects for brands, agencies and institutions, merging art, creativity and the latest technology.

Into Reality. This technology is transforming how we consume audiovisual content through disruptive technology that integrates immersive experiences with traditional content across multiple devices: mobile phones, computers, tablets, and virtual reality headsets, and on multiple platforms. Their approach not only offers entertainment but also breaks down barriers to accessing culture, making it accessible to all audiences. They focus particularly on hospitals, pediatric wards, schools, nursing homes, and prisons, where digital immersion helps improve the experience and well-being of patients.

Produktia. They present The Virtual Layer, a project in which they have experimented with Mixed Reality technology applied to interior design for hospitality projects. Thanks to optical viewing glasses with spatial positioning, products from Kriskadecor, Kave Home, Estiluz, and Niessen can be viewed at real scale with a photorealistic level of detail. In addition to the visual representation of each product, the application displays contextual information about sustainability attributes, materials, and technical characteristics, allowing for a more dynamic understanding of the product without the need for catalogs or static renderings.

Partner companies within the framework of the ICEC and General Direction of Innovation and Digital Culture booth (CS224 – Congress Square):

In this space, you can discover the creative work of six Catalan digital companies through the 20-minute piece Immersive Horizons: A Journey Across Catalan Digital Creativity, created especially for ISE. Of these six selected studios, two are part of the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster.

Eyesberg. A multimedia art studio specializing in immersive and interactive installations, with participation in prominent local and international festivals. Their piece, The Beauty of Destruction, inspired by Iceland’s Kerid crater, reflects on the violence of nature and its capacity for regeneration.

Onionlab. A creative studio that explores art, design, and technology through immersive experiences. 2100: The Outcome explores three future scenarios determined by the climate choices we make today, encouraging reflection on our collective responsibility.

Partner companies within the framework of the Innovation Park (Congress Square):

IT’S ON. Software specializing in real-time remote monitoring and streaming on set. They offer video assistance services, integrated solutions, a client application, and international services.

Partner companies of the Audiovisual Cluster participating in the ISE Open Innovation Challenge 2026: 3Cat, Abacus, Alguna Pregunta, CaixaForum+, Gestmusic, Grup Planeta, IT’S ON, Lavinia, Nextus and XAL.

Empresas socias del Clúster Audiovisual que participan en el ISE Open ISE Open Innovation Challenge 2026: 3Cat, Abacus, Alguna Pregunta, CaixaForum+, Gestmusic, Grup Planeta, IT’S ON, Lavinia, Nextus y XAL.

On 26–27 November 2025, the official kick-off meeting of the CR.EU.IN. HERITAGE project was held in Budapest, hosted by Innoskart Digital Cluster. The event not only marked the formal launch of the project, but also set the stage for something even more valuable: real funding opportunities to foster innovation in the cultural heritage sector.

The core mission of CR.EU.IN. HERITAGE is to foster innovation at the intersection of cultural heritage, creative industries and digital technologies – and to do so by channeling European funding directly to SMEs.

A key topic of the kick-off meeting was the design and preparation of the upcoming open calls, which will enable entrepreneurs to access financial support for innovative projects in the cultural heritage sector.

During the two-day event we:

• reviewed project milestones and tasks,
• aligned on communication and branding strategies,
• and selected the project’s official logo.

More importantly, the meeting strengthened the collaborative foundation that will support the entire project – ensuring not only professional progress but also tangible benefits for participating businesses.

With CR.EU.IN. HERITAGE, new EU-level resources will become available to support SMEs of the cultural heritage value chain improve their skills, grow and expand their impact.

Innoskart Digital Cluster is proud to be part of this initiative and looks forward to announcing the upcoming calls for proposals – creating real opportunities for the cultural heritage sector to thrive.

The report The Audiovisual Sector in Catalonia, prepared by ACCIÓ in collaboration with the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, was presented this Monday, January 27, at a conference attended by the main companies in the sector and with the participation of the Secretary of Business and Competitiveness and CEO of ACCIÓ, Jaume Baró Torres, the president of the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, Miquel Rutllant, and the general manager of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), Mike Blackman.

The audiovisual sector in Catalonia has increased its turnover by 14% in the last year, reaching €8.636 billion, equivalent to 3% of GDP. Overall, the sector encompasses 4,161 companies, 4% more than a year ago, and employs 41,866 people (a 13% increase).

According to Jaume Baró, “the audiovisual sector in Catalonia is highly strategic and a priority.” “Catalonia is a leading player in this field due to its economic potential, its first-class ecosystem, and its position as a hub for generating and attracting talent.” In this sense, he concluded, “if we have talent, new startups emerge that contribute innovative technologies, and established companies grow; it means the sector is healthy.”

According to Miquel Rutllant, “We are at a strategic moment for the Catalan audiovisual sector. Projects like the Tres Xemeneies will mark the future of our industry, turning it into an international benchmark. In Catalonia, we are very strong in audiovisual technology and talent. A very powerful audiovisual sector in film and television that includes new formats such as immersive experiences and video games, formats that are precisely characterized by their strong technological component. And Catalunya Media City must be the infrastructure that hosts cutting-edge international audiovisual technology sets. And all this requires collaboration between the public and private sectors.”

With just one week to go until ISE, the world’s largest audiovisual and integrated systems trade show, taking place from February 4th to 7th, ISE General Manager Mike Blackman stated that “Barcelona offered us sufficient space to grow, with the accessibility and ecosystem necessary to continue doing so now and in the future.” Along these lines, “with the expansion of the Gran Via Trade Fair, we have even more room to grow and project the future of ISE in Catalonia.”

In Catalonia, the report’s data speaks of a mature sector in which 62% of companies have been in business for more than 10 years. Furthermore, these companies, with more than a decade of experience, employ 81% of the sector’s workers. It also boasts a growing startup ecosystem, which has more than doubled in the last five years to 335 emerging companies. This sector is highly concentrated around Barcelona. In fact, the province of Barcelona is home to 87% of the sector’s companies, and more than half are located in the Catalan capital (56%).

Within the sector’s value chain, audiovisual development and production account for more than half of total revenue in Catalonia (51%), compared to brand promotion, i.e., the communication and advertising of productions (36%) and distribution by channel, including offline and online distribution and exhibition spaces (13%).

The study also highlights the first-class ecosystem of the audiovisual sector in Catalonia. Specifically, it refers to projects such as Catalunya Media City, which will be located in the 3 chimneys area of ​​Sant Adrià del Besòs, or notable infrastructures such as the Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya in Terrassa. It also highlights the importance of entities such as the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster and the up to 18 university centers that provide training in audiovisual communication.

ISE contributes to making Catalonia one of the main venues for the audiovisual sector

One of the factors contributing to making Catalonia one of the world’s leading venues for audiovisual production is its status as the host of the main trade fair in this field, Integrated Systems Europe (ISE). According to the study, this trade fair has generated a dynamic effect that has accelerated the growth and reactivation of the sector after the COVID-19 pandemic (its first edition in Barcelona was in 2021).

In this sense, the study indicates that ISE’s presence has boosted the sector’s economic performance. On the one hand, the number of companies has grown by 15% between 2021 and 2024. On the other hand, audiovisual companies that were already established in Catalonia prior to this event’s hosting have seen their turnover grow by 30% between 2021 and 2023, thanks in part to this.

Catalonia is establishing itself as a leader in virtual production thanks to a strong commitment to technological innovation, technical and creative talent, and the development of cutting-edge infrastructures. The Catalan ecosystem stands out for its flexibility, offering studios of various sizes and specializations to meet the needs of all types of productions. Additionally, Catalonia boasts an extensive network of companies, suppliers, and educational institutions already working with these technologies, facilitating the attraction of both local and international productions.

In this context, the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster is launching “Catalonia, Virtual Studio”, a three-episode video podcast supported by ICEC (Catalan Institute of Cultural Enterprises) and in collaboration with ISE (Integrated Systems Europe). Its goal is to bring virtual production closer to the audiovisual sector and the general public while showcasing Catalonia’s leadership in this field. Through discussions with experts and industry professionals, the podcast explores the challenges and opportunities this technology offers companies, such as reducing production costs and time.

Episode 1

The first episode features the participation of Cristina Brandner, manager of Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya, Antoine Vaxelaire, co-founder and creative director of Plató Nou-Appia, and Demian Sabini, executive producer of virtual production at Grup Mediapro, and is moderated by Bibiana Ballbè, journalist and CEO of TheCreative. In this episode, a detailed overview of virtual studios in Catalonia is provided, including their basic operation and the benefits they bring to the sector.

Episode 2

This episode focuses on the professional profiles involved in virtual production and the training programs being developed around it in Catalonia.

It features Ivan Garriga from Pijama Studio, Miquel Garcia from Gestmusic, Irene Figueres from APPIA, and Floren Magrinyà from FX BCN Film School, moderated by Antoine Vaxelaire from Plató Nou-Appia. The episode also includes the participation of Mike Blackman, Managing Director of ISE.

Episode 3

If you’d like to discover which companies are working with virtual production in Catalonia, check out the directories of the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster or the Catalunya Film Commission.

Supported by:

In collaboration with:

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Recorded at:

The largest audiovisual fair in the world is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in this edition that will take place from January 30 to February 2 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. The Catalan Audiovisual Cluster has collaborated with ISE since 2019, when the fair moved to Barcelona from Amsterdam. The Cluster acts as a connecting agent of the fair with the Catalan industry and institutions.

This year, the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster is present at the fair within the framework of the Catalonia Pavilion of the Catalan Government (CS100 – Congress Square) and at the stand shared with the Barcelona City Council (CS224 – Congress Square).

Some member companies of the Cluster present unique audiovisual experiences and solutions, such as:

Sono (4D330 – Hall 4): based in Barcelona, Sono is the leading company in audiovisual services, with comprehensive solutions for events, integration and museum projects, stages and permanent audiovisual installations. At the 2024 edition of ISE, Sono presents the star installation of the fair’s twentieth anniversary: the largest invisible LED screen in Europe. With 193 square meters, this screen will be located at the South Access of Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía and will become a permanent installation. Among others, the screen will broadcast the show Bee Barcelona, by digital artist Jeroen van der Most. It will be on Wednesday, January 31 at 12:30 and 7:00 p.m. at the South entrance of the Fira.

Epson (3J100 – Hall 3): the world’s largest manufacturer of projectors will present an immersive projection developed from the company’s latest technology. In the projection, a huge umbrella unfolds to give rise to a multicolored waterfall, which is intended to recall some of the most iconic festivities in the world (the Gràcia festivities in Barcelona; the Chinese New Year; the Japanese festivals Tango No Sekku, Kodomo – no-hi (Children’s Day) and Cherry Blossom; the Portuguese AgitÁgueda Art festival; the Busan fireworks festival; or the Thai Yi Peng & Loy Krathong festival). In addition, Epson will show how it uses its technology to drive the full transformative potential of projection in education, retail or corporate environments.

Eyesberg (CS100 – Catalonia Pavilion): multimedia art studio based in Barcelona specialized in transforming environments into interactive and immersive works of art. They present 1.5 grados, an adaptation of an immersive experience that wants to make us reflect on climate change and the importance of glaciers, on which the stability that life on Earth requires depends. Eyesberg has collaborated with La Fura dels Baus on several occasions as well as with the Gran Teatre del Liceu in the production Turandot.

Panasonic (3J500 – Hall 3): Panasonic Connect Europe is a division of the Panasonic Group focused on business-to-business (B2B) business transactions. They invite visitors to travel through the cosmos in an immersive experience with 4K content, where they can explore galaxies thanks to their projectors and an interactive globe. Additionally, Panasonic will introduce an immersive meeting room with projection to drive collaboration, training and learning in business and higher education.

Lang (3H500 – Hall 3): Lang Iberia is a German-Spanish distributor of technology for visual presentations. They showcase a wide range of new and innovative products, including displays, innovative applications in image processing as well as developments in the field of drones. In the Drone Arena (hall 6), attendees will be able to have a hands-on experience flying a drone.

INFiLED (3C100 – Hall 3): the global LED screen manufacturer celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and in Barcelona it will do so on January 31 and February 1 at 7 p.m. at the INFiLED Barcelona Experience Center (Avenida Diagonal 361, Local 2). At ISE, the company also offers the possibility of experiencing the latest innovations in LED screen technology. This includes demonstrations of INFiLED’s product portfolio, which includes the latest products as well as Infinite Colors and CBSF Technology to deliver unparalleled visual experiences.

Partner companies with their own booth:

d&b audiotechnik (7E150 – Hall 7 and Audio Demo Rooms E7 – Hall 8): present a range of new generation audio solutions, all under the banner of the MILAN standard. These new products demonstrate d&b’s dedication to driving the industry forward with future-proof technology. Additionally, in the Audio Demo Room E7 in Hall 8, visitors can hear from industry experts how they are innovating and exploring the power of sound in different types of projects and in a wide range of sectors.

Espronceda (4D200 – Hall 4): present IMMENSIVA, an international platform for artists and creatives working with advanced technologies such as VR, AR, AI, sensors and many others.

Watchity & Ebantic (4H820 – Hall 4): Watchity presents its video engagement platform, with more functionalities and features aimed at professional audiovisual communication of companies and entities. Ebantic presents the new functionalities that the programs that make up the DAM4cloud Suite incorporate. With special attention to Newsportal, a web portal, designed specifically for media and companies that need to publish news and events dynamically.

Partner companies at the Barcelona City Council booth (CS224 – Congress Square):

blit-studio: They present the creation of 3D content for outdoor screens, “Naked eye 3D advertisements” and how anamorphic 3D advertising works.

LOWKEYMOVES: present their new technological solution, the ‘AI Digital Avatars’, digital humans connected to a conversational AI capable of interacting with users through voice in real time, solving their needs efficiently thanks to the power of Artificial Intelligence.

OnInOff: Onionlab presents OnInOff, a powerful and scalable solution for designing interactivity in spaces. It simplifies capturing objects and people in multi-camera setups, allowing you to focus on creativity across various software platforms.

Partner companies at the Catalonia Pavilion (CS100 – Congress Square):

Blackfish: Specialized in innovative technical solutions, Blackfish offers a complete range of services that range from productions and streaming to the assembly and management of LED screens, mappings, projections and integration of extended and augmented reality.

Computer Vision Center: They present their projects and research capabilities in computer vision applied to the audiovisual industry.

EGM Studio: company that creates visual content for large formats. You can see how 3D Generation, 2D/3D Animation, Audiovisual Production and Post-Production and Augmented Reality work.

Eurecat: they work on technologies such as the application of sensors to improve the sustainability and conservation of structures, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Fluendo: they present their latest developments, among which the consulting services and the Fluendo Lab stand out, where their R&D&i projects are developed. They will present innovative solutions based on video processing, interactive content creation and audio enhancement, using AI-based computer vision, next-generation codecs and multimedia frameworks for edge devices.

NRDmultimedia: present Vector3 solutions, NRD’s brand of solutions for television and media automation. Automated solutions for content production, ingestion and multi-channel playout stand out.

WindowSight: they present the solution to integrate their platform into different signage software and have an installation in the Catering Area of Hall 6 with several screens.

Cluster members Blit, Eurecat, Espronceda and Lowkeymoves participated in Creativity Meets Clusters, an international matchmaking event in the field of creative industries held in Bari (Italy) between November 28 and 29. The Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, as well as the four partner companies, were invited by Distretto Puglia Creativa, a collaborating cluster in the Puglia region and organizer of the event. More than 100 companies from the audiovisual, technology, video games, performing arts, music and design sectors participated in this, accompanied by their respective reference clusters from 13 countries: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and Spain.

Each of the participating companies was able to enjoy twenty b2b meetings with the aim of exploring synergies and new business opportunities at an international level. The activity is part of the cluster’s strategic line for the internationalization of Catalan audiovisual companies, and also has an impact on revitalization through cross-sector collaboration with other creative industries. Eurecat, Blit, Lowkeymoves and Espronceda stand out precisely for a transversal use of digital technologies in this area.

The agenda of activities was completed with four round tables for the exchange of good practices in the fields of internationalization, innovation, social transformation and talent. In these, the need to develop common strategies in the face of challenges that affect the entire sector was confirmed, promoting the competitiveness of companies through international cooperation. Creativity Meets Clusters has therefore been a starting point for what we hope will become an increasingly extensive international network of clusters.

Blit is a creative studio for brands, events, music and art, spanning from visual design to immersive experiences.

Eurecat is an industrial R&D technology center, specializing in strategies for innovation and economic growth in the cultural and creative industries.

Espronceda is an art and culture center that promotes residency and artistic research programs in the fields of new media and technology, science and visual art.

Lowkeymoves is a creative agency and innovation studio that works at the intersection between music, culture, technology and brands.

The tenth edition of Zoom Brands, the annual event organized by the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, was held yesterday at Foment del Treball, putting artificial intelligence as a key tool for brands at the center of the debate. The latest AI trends and solutions for this sector were unveiled and how brands relate to this accelerated automation tool was discussed.

In the session David Lahoz, Product Strategist at TAPPX, showed a battery of AI solutions that brands are already using. Among them is virtual product placement, which allows you to add, update and customize, according to the type of audience, the products that appear in series and films. Or, the automated editing of videos that illustrate digital media news.

After that, the round table debate moderated by the journalist and CEO of TheCreative Bibiana Ballbè took place with Albert Giménez, Business Development Manager of Wildbytes; Josep M. Ganyet, CEO of Mortensen and Pompeu Fabra University professor; and Ramon Arteman, Director of Metropolitana.

Albert Giménez, from the experiential innovation agency Wildbytes, explained how through these technologies brands reach the user in innovative ways with a hyper-personalized message, fostering a more fluid relationship with audiences. Among them he showed a campaign for New Balance where, through computer vision, unusual clothing patterns were detected in Callao Square in Madrid to be able to make personalized product recommendations. This same technology was also applied in retail stores directly.

Ramon Arteman of Metropolitana, known for campaigns where, through the deepfake technique, they revive characters such as Lola Flores for Cruzampo, the comedian Cantinflas for Soriana food chain or Dalí for the Reina Sofía Foundation; he stressed that one of the biggest challenges is to make artificial creations not look too perfect and reflect human errors to be perceived as real. He also emphasized that brands often disclose as part of the campaign that they have used AI techniques so that the public does not have the perception that it is a hoax.

Finally, Josep Maria Ganyet provided the counterpoint as an expert in artificial intelligence, explaining that AI is not an unattended process that works alone, the objectives and the validation of its results always go through the human hand. He also emphasized that the most repetitive jobs will be replaced by machines, but those that require reflection, judgment, improvisation… will remain in the hands of humans.

They all agreed to emphasize that the most important thing is that the AIs that are being used in brand communication still have a long way to go, but the evolution is being exponential and it is impossible to know how far it will go. The big question will be who and how these tools are controlled.