New Joint Venture 12K Films Launches to Elevate Spain’s Film Industry

In an exciting development for Spain’s film landscape, two notable powerhouses, Mogambo and 4Cats Pictures, have announced a 50/50 joint venture named 12K Films. This collaboration is poised to reshape the production scene with a diverse slate of projects that blend animation with gripping narratives.

A Bold Beginning for 12K Films

Based in Madrid, 12K Films is being touted by its founders as the next big production arm in the industry. It kicks off with an impressive lineup that includes the animated films “Mummies 2” and “Mummies 3,” alongside the inspirational project “Dreams” and “Idols,” an action-packed motorcycle film directed by Mat Whitecross. This blend of projects signifies a commitment to both entertainment and artistic storytelling.

4Cats’ involvement in “Idols,” which is budgeted at over $12 million, marks a significant leap for the studio into international co-productions. “Idols” is set against the backdrop of MotoGP racing, yet it aims to delve deeper into the emotional landscape of its characters. This focus on human perspectives is a key theme, according to Joaquín Gasull, head of 4Cats Pictures, who emphasizes the importance of sentiments in storytelling.

Diverse Storytelling in Animation and Action

Another highlight is “Dreams,” which follows a young girl’s quest to become a professional singer while overcoming her father’s fears. This dual focus on both animated features and live-action films exemplifies 12K Films’ ambition to appeal to a broad audience and cater to various tastes.

The collaboration brings together the extensive experience and resources of both Mogambo and 4Cats Pictures. Mogambo has previously worked on prestigious projects like Pedro Almodóvar’s “Pain and Glory” and was instrumental in facilitating tax rebates for Netflix’s hit series “Elite.” On the other hand, 4Cats has a proven track record in animated films. The studio’s most successful release, “Mummies,” grossed $54.5 million globally, becoming the second-highest-grossing and most profitable Spanish animated film to date.

Strategic Goals and Vision

The intention behind 12K Films goes beyond local interests. The partnership aims to enhance international collaboration, offering opportunities for foreign producers to partner on investments and financing, as well as co-production and animation services in Spain. “We’d like to be involved in international co-production and service international productions in Spain, export more of our films, and create bigger movies,” Gasull told Variety.

“Joining forces with Mogambo will undoubtedly allow us to broaden our reach and influence across the globe,” said Toni Novella, co-founder of 4Cats Pictures. Salazar-Simpson, Mogambo’s co-founder, added that 12K Films is set to “help Spanish and foreign producers finance their projects in a quicker and more efficient way.”

The Future of Spanish Cinema

12K Films embodies the fusion of expertise and ambition between two leading production houses that are committed to quality filmmaking with a global perspective. As they embark on this exciting venture, the industry can look forward to a blend of creative storytelling that is both locally grounded and internationally appealing.

In conclusion, the launch of 12K Films signals a promising future for the Spanish film industry at a time when collaboration and innovation are more important than ever. For those interested in the evolution of Spanish cinema, this new partnership stands as a compelling development worth watching.

This initiative not only intends to elevate Spanish cinema but also aims to create a vibrant hub for animation and film production in Europe.