Netflix Preps First Spanish Original

AMSTERDAM: Netflix is developing its first original series filmed entirely in Spain, working with the producers of the acclaimed Spanish dramas Gran Hotel and Velvet.

The new series will start production in Madrid in 2016 and debut exclusively on Netflix around the globe in 2017. The story centers on four women from different backgrounds, hired to be switchboard operators for the country’s only telephone company in 1920s Spain.

The series is produced by Madrid-based Bambú Producciones, led by Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández Valdés, producers of Gran Hotel and Velvet, and co-created by Gema Neira. The first season will have 16 50-minute episodes.

“It is incredibly exciting to have Netflix in Spain. We are enthusiastic fans of its original series and it is a real honor for us to now be part of this project,” said Campos, co-creator and executive producer of the show.

“It is a joy to work with Netflix’s extremely talented team, who is revolutionizing the television industry worldwide,” added Fernández Valdés, executive producer of the series.

Erik Barmack, the VP of international original series at Netflix, added, “We’re delighted to be working with Bambú Producciones, director Carlos Sedes and co-creator Gema Neira on our first original series filmed in Spain. We’re huge fans of their work on Gran Hotel and Velvet, epic romances that have been embraced by our members around the world. We’re certain that our members will love this unique and engaging drama created by some of the best storytellers in Spain.”