Money Talks in San Sebastián

The 2026 San Sebastián-CAA Media Finance Creative Investors’ Conference is a gathering of industry heavyweights, venture capitalists, and sovereign fund representatives from around the world. This year’s lineup features a who’s who of Hollywood and beyond, including Ryan Kavanaugh, Laura Austin-Little, Elissa Federoff, and Rodrigo Teixeira.

The conference offers a unique window into the entertainment industry, where high-stakes deal-making, industry expertise, and creative innovation converge. As the global market adapts to new technologies, changing audience habits, and shifting geopolitics, San Sebastián’s Creative Investors’ Conference is a bellwether for industry trends and developments.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this year’s conference is the presence of SETT, Spain’s sovereign venture capital fund at the Ministry of Digital Transformation. With €215.6 million invested in the Spanish film and television sector, SETT has sparked private sector investment of an additional €230 million through co-investment between public and private sectors. María Coronado, director of audiovisual for SETT, will share her insights on this innovative approach.

Spain’s long history as a haven for international filmmakers and producers is particularly noteworthy given the country’s ability to produce high-quality content that resonates with global audiences. However, traditional financing models have come under pressure due to the rise of streaming platforms.

As industry experts gather in San Sebastián, they will discuss the challenges of scalability, tax breaks, and shifting audience habits. Vincent Maraval, producer behind Goodfellas, will deliver a keynote address on the market that promises to be incisive and provocative.

Beyond high-profile names and industry talking points, what’s at stake here is the convergence of technology, talent, and capital in San Sebastián. This offers a glimpse into the future of entertainment – one that is rapidly evolving towards global production models, new financing structures, and shifting audience expectations.

Traditional studios and independent producers must adapt to these seismic changes or risk being left behind. As the industry hurtles towards a more decentralized, tech-driven future, San Sebastián’s Creative Investors’ Conference offers a unique chance to take stock of where we are now – and where we might be headed next.

The Evolution of Financing

The entertainment industry is grappling with how to adapt financing models to meet changing audience needs. Traditional studios and producers are struggling to keep pace with shifting viewer habits, technological advancements, and the rise of streaming platforms. SETT’s innovative approach to co-investment has disrupted traditional financing structures by offering a new model for public-private partnerships.

María Coronado will share her insights on SETT’s successes and challenges, providing industry insiders with clues on how to navigate these increasingly complex waters.

The Rise of Global Production

As global audiences continue to grow in size and diversity, producers are seeking international collaborations to access new markets, talent, and resources. San Sebastián’s Creative Investors’ Conference offers a unique platform for industry experts to share their experiences and insights on this rapidly evolving landscape.

From Rodrigo Teixeira’s From Local to Global session to Vincent Maraval’s keynote address, this year’s conference promises to deliver valuable knowledge and expertise on co-production agreements, global distribution strategies, and more. For producers looking to take their projects to the next level, San Sebastián’s Creative Investors’ Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking, deal-making, and idea-sharing.

The Industry’s Future

The entertainment industry is hurtling towards a more decentralized, tech-driven future, where traditional financing models are no longer tenable. With streaming platforms on the rise and global audiences demanding ever more diverse content, producers must adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve.

San Sebastián’s Creative Investors’ Conference offers a unique window into this rapidly evolving landscape, with its star-studded lineup and forward-thinking agenda delivering insights and expertise on co-investment, global production models, and more. As industry insiders gather in San Sebastián for what promises to be one of the most significant events in the global entertainment calendar, it’s clear that the future of film and television has never looked brighter – or more uncertain.

As the lights dim on this year’s Creative Investors’ Conference, one question remains: will we see a new era of collaboration and co-investment emerge from these high-stakes deal-making sessions? Or will the industry continue to grapple with the same old challenges and obstacles that have held it back for so long?

Only time will tell – but one thing is certain: San Sebastián’s Creative Investors’ Conference has once again delivered a masterclass in industry insight, expertise, and forward-thinking vision. As we bid farewell to this year’s event, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds – and whether we’re ready for it.