Virtual scenarios
EL ESCORIAL
What the project consists of
In November 2024, Patrimonio Nacional and Spain Film Commission, with the support of the Secretariat of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, agreed to scan the Royal Site of El Escorial with photogrammetry, and then process it into standardised assets for use in audiovisual productions. The project, carried out between January and July 2024, is part of Spain Virtual Locations. This is one of the action plans set out in Royal Decree 937/2021 of 26 October 2021, published in the Official State Gazette on 27 October, according to the guidelines of the Spain Audiovisual Hub of Europe Plan.
The initiative’s specific objectives are as follows:
- To provide Spanish and international production companies with assets by digitising images of an outstanding monument that is representative of Spanish architecture and urban planning, and recognised as a symbol of our history and culture. These assets can be directly used in various working environments, such as virtual scenes for film, series or video game productions.
- To raise awareness of the potential of the Spanish audiovisual sector in the field of virtual production.
- To position and defend audiovisual production as a major economic objective to create qualified
employment, attract investment, create companies, develop Spain’s tourism, image and positioning
and, in short, wealth for Spanish territories.
The Spain Film Commission received several bids for the production and selected El Ranchito, a Spanish company that is a leader in visual effects for audiovisual production. The company has won several Goyas and two Emmys and recently received the Medal of Merit in Fine Arts.
The project’s scope is as follows:
- Filming and adaptation of locations in the Monastery of El Escorial:
- The monastery’s main façade
- Courtyard of the Kings
- The monastery’s Royal Library
- Photogrammetric scanning techniques, with post-processing into standardised assets, allow them to be used directly in various working environments, such as virtual scenes for film, series or video game productions, ensuring that the final result works properly on screen.
- Advanced techniques, such as photogrammetry and LIDAR, are used to scan and recreate these features in great detail. These techniques allow numerous photos or laser measurements to be taken of an object or location from different angles. That material is then used to create a three- dimensional digital model. After they have been scanned, the ideal optimisation processes are performed so they can be directly used by companies that wish to include them in their productions.
Patrimonio Nacional has authorised the Spain Film Commission to film and has assigned use of the images free of charge. The images are then made available to production companies that require them at no cost. However, the Commission reserves the right to authorise, or not authorise, each individual use, depending on the intended use of the images.
Objectives
To provide Spanish and international production companies with assets by digitising images of an outstanding monument that is representative of Spanish architecture and urban planning, and recognised as a symbol of our history and culture. These assets can be directly used in various working environments, such as virtual scenes for film, series or video game productions.
To raise awareness of the potential of the Spanish audiovisual sector in the field of virtual production.
To position and defend audiovisual production as a major economic objective to create qualified employment, attract investment, create companies, develop Spain’s tourism, image and positioning and, in short, wealth for Spanish territories.
About Spain film commission
Spain Film Commission is a not-for-profit association that coordinates Spain’s film commission and film offices network, spearheading the drive to position the country in the film industry and convert it into an attractive destination for productions of all types.
What is the Monastery of El Escorial?
The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, on the southern slopes of Mount Abantos in Sierra de Guadarrama, is a monumental testimony to the reign of Philip II and the Spanish Golden Age. With a floor area of 33,327 m2, this imposing building is not only remarkable for its architectural value and beauty, but also its profound historical and cultural significance. A World Heritage Site since 1984, its design is a unique combination of Italian and Flemish artistic influences. It was used as an actual monastery, but also as a palace, pantheon, college and seminary, reflecting the many facets of power and religion in Spain in that era.
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Monastery Façade
The façade of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, with its impressive granite structure and symmetrical design, is an ideal location to film a variety of productions. This iconic architectural feature provides a backdrop with great visual impact. It is perfect for any production seeking to highlight the majesty and historical heritage of Spain. Its details and grandeur are captured to perfection, ready for use in any virtual environment.
Monastery Library
The Library of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a place of great cultural and aesthetic richness. The painted vault and scholarly atmosphere offer a virtual environment that adds depth and authenticity to any production. This location allows the unique atmosphere of the library to be recreated. It provides a historical and artistic setting that can be easily incorporated into a variety of audiovisual projects.
Courtyard of the Kings
The Courtyard of the Kings in the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial stands out for its grandeur and rich history. The imposing statues of biblical kings and monumental architecture, make this location an impressive virtual environment that can be easily integrated into any audiovisual production. Its design provides a unique atmosphere that enhances any scene with a touch of majesty and solemnity.
