Fernando Benzo, the secretary general of the Spanish Federation of Publishers, underscores the significant, yet often underestimated, value of Spanish literature as a source for global film and television adaptations. He champions the idea that books provide a 'safe intellectual property' with inherent advantages such as established fan bases and narratives that have already resonated with readers. This perspective positions Spanish-language literary works as a powerful and strategic asset for the audiovisual industry, capable of transcending national borders and reaching a vast international audience.
Benzo argues that the Spanish language itself acts as a 'petrol' for content, enabling books to reach a potential audience of 600 million people worldwide. This linguistic reach, combined with Spain's already globally recognized high-quality audiovisual productions, exemplified by successes like 'Money Heist,' creates a fertile ground for successful adaptations. He points to the rich landscape of both classic and contemporary Spanish literature, particularly the burgeoning genre of thrillers, as areas ripe for screen development, citing examples like Lorenzo Silva's police procedural series and the adaptation of his novel 'Carte Blanche.'
Literature as a 'Safe Intellectual Property' for Global Audiovisual Content
Fernando Benzo emphasizes that Spanish literature presents a robust and reliable foundation for film and television adaptations, calling it a "safe intellectual property." This safety stems from the pre-existing fan bases and established narratives that books offer. Unlike original screenplays, adapted literary works come with a built-in audience, reducing the risk for producers and increasing the likelihood of engagement. This inherent appeal, combined with the proven global success of Spanish audiovisual productions, makes literary adaptations a compelling strategy for expanding Spain's cultural influence and economic reach in the entertainment sector.
The argument for literature as a 'safe IP' is further strengthened by the extensive reach of the Spanish language. Benzo notes that a Spanish book isn't confined to a national market but can connect with 600 million Spanish speakers worldwide. This broad linguistic appeal, coupled with the rising quality of Spanish film and TV productions—such as the international phenomenon 'Money Heist'—creates an unparalleled opportunity. Producers gain access to stories that are not only compelling but also pre-validated by reader interest, offering a significant advantage in a competitive global content market. The synergy between a thriving book industry and a dynamic audiovisual sector promises high-quality adaptations with widespread appeal.
Tapping into Spain's Literary Riches: Classics and Contemporary Thrillers
Spain's diverse literary landscape, encompassing both revered classics and cutting-edge contemporary works, offers an abundant reservoir of stories waiting to be adapted for the screen. Fernando Benzo highlights the enduring potential of classic Spanish literature, eagerly anticipating a definitive adaptation of 'Don Quixote' as an example of untapped narrative wealth. Beyond the classics, he draws attention to the vibrant and prolific contemporary thriller genre, asserting that it is currently a particularly strong area for Spanish writers and holds immediate appeal for adaptation, exemplified by the successful screen version of Lorenzo Silva's novel 'Carte Blanche.'
The shift in Spanish literature from a historically localized focus to more universal themes has made its stories highly adaptable for international audiences. Benzo explains that many contemporary Spanish narratives, especially thrillers, possess a portability that allows them to be easily transposed to different global settings without losing their core appeal. This universal resonance is a key factor in their success, mirroring how Spanish series like 'Money Heist' have captivated viewers worldwide, regardless of their original setting. Despite this vast potential, there remains a significant gap between the publishing and audiovisual industries, which Benzo believes can be bridged through closer collaboration and a mutual understanding of each other's processes and pitching strategies, ultimately fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that maximizes the global impact of Spanish stories.
