Spanish publishers are positioning their national literature as untapped intellectual property for global screen adaptations. Fernando Benzo, secretary general of the Spanish Federation of Publishers and an author himself, frames books as a safer creative foundation than original screenplays. "Books are a safe intellectual property," Benzo told Variety, noting that literary works arrive with existing fan bases and established narratives that reduce production risk.
The strategy reflects broader industry trends. Hollywood and streaming platforms increasingly mine published fiction for content, from blockbuster fantasy epics to prestige television dramas. Spanish literature offers particular advantages: a rich tradition spanning from classic works to contemporary bestsellers, combined with relatively untapped international markets compared to Anglo-American publishing juggernauts.
Benzo emphasizes language itself as Spain's competitive advantage. "Our petrol is the language," he suggests, positioning Spanish literature's lyrical qualities and cultural specificity as attractive to international audiences seeking distinctive voices. This sentiment mirrors efforts by other national publishing industries to export their literary catalogs as screen properties, though Spanish publishers have historically lagged behind British, Scandinavian, and even Latin American counterparts in film and television deals.
The timing aligns with global demand for diverse storytelling. Streaming services aggressively acquire international content to satisfy viewer appetite for non-English narratives, particularly from markets with strong literary traditions. Spanish publishers recognize this opening as a chance to increase rights sales and elevate their authors' international profiles simultaneously.
However, challenges remain. Translation quality, cultural adaptation, and the scattered nature of Spanish publishing houses relative to consolidated industry players elsewhere could complicate global deal-making. Still, Benzo's push suggests Spanish literary leaders believe their catalog deserves greater Hollywood and streaming attention. Whether Spanish literature becomes the next Scandinavian crime wave or German literary adaptation boom depends partly on how effectively publishers market their backlist to production companies hunting for proven stories with built-in audiences.