Table of contents

1. Start here: how Barcelona works for locations

2. Picking the right neighborhood & look

3. Permit basics (what affects timing & costs)

4. Hiring assistants & local crew (roles & expectations)

5. Logistics: access, parking, power, sound

6. Notes for UK, French & German teams

7. Location brief checklist (copy/paste)

8. FAQs

9. Next steps & booking your digi tech

1) Start here: how Barcelona works for locations

Barcelona packs a lot of looks into a compact city: historic stone, modern beachfront, rooftops, leafy parks, industrial textures. For a bigger-picture view of production support (producers, rentals, workflow), see the Barcelona Production Guide.

2) Picking the right neighborhood & look

Use creative references + constraints (crew size, stands, vehicles) to narrow where you scout:

• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): narrow alleys, stone, arches; foot traffic control can be tricky.

• Born/La Ribera: textured streets, cafes, artisan feel; great for lifestyle.

• Eixample: sunlit grids, elegant doorways, wide sidewalks; rooftop access possible via buildings with lift and proper approvals.

• Poblenou / 22@:
  modern/industrial, murals, wider streets; good for tech/urban looks.

• Montjuïc / Parks: green backdrops, viewpoints; some areas require approvals and time windows.

• Seafront / Barceloneta: boardwalks, sunrise light, wind/salt considerations for gear.

Tip: Pair a hero location (permit-sensitive) with a nearby “quick win” spot for schedule insurance.

3) Permit basics (what affects timing & costs)

Permits vary by location type and footprint. A local service producer or locations manager will confirm specifics, but plan around:

• Footprint & visibility: stands, lighting, vehicles, larger crews and brand presence increase scrutiny and lead time.

• Public vs private: public streets, parks and beaches often require municipal permissions; private interiors need owner agreements (and sometimes building/HOA approval).

• Rooftops & balconies: typically require owner permission, building safety compliance and extra time.

• Vehicle access & parking: loading zones, cones, and lock-ups should be arranged in advance.

• Sound & early/late hours: amplified sound or very early/late shooting often needs additional approvals or restrictions.

• Neighbors: courtesy notices and good set etiquette go a long way.

Rule of thumb: Lock your locations early, share accurate crew/equipment counts, and let your producer manage dialogue with the city/location owners.

4) Hiring assistants & local crew (roles & expectations)

Barcelona has a strong assistant pool. Clarify responsibilities and language needs up front.

Common roles

• Photo Assistants (1st/2nd): lighting plan, rigging, battery & media, grip moves, safety.

• Production Assistants: lock-ups, releases, talent flow, runs, craft support.

• Drivers/Runners: vans, airport pickups, gear shuttles.

• Digi Tech: tether, color, calibrated viewing, backups, delivery (see Digi Tech in Barcelona).

Working norms

• Days: 10h base is common; overtime transparent and pre-agreed.

• Communication: English works on most professional sets; bilingual crew is easy to source.

• Briefing: share lighting diagram, call sheet, access notes, and file rules (naming, folder tree) 24–48h before day one.

When crew is set, hire a local digi tech to run tethering, color and backups.

5) Logistics: access, parking, power, sound

• Access: older buildings and the Gothic Quarter can mean stairs or tight elevators—budget extra time and smaller carts.

• Parking: plan van parking near set; avoid last-minute street hunts.

• Power: interiors vary; bring distro or battery solutions for heavier lighting.

• Weather cover: mild climate, but have shade, rain cover, or wind plan.

• Sound: street musicians, traffic and crowds—consider early call times or buffer for sound takes.

6) Notes for UK, French & German teams

• Pre-pro cadence: calendar invites with CET times, single source of truth (shared deck or doc), and a named on-site decision-maker.

• Paperwork: we provide clean English documentation; NDAs welcome.

• Invoicing: EU-compliant invoices; we’ll align with your company details and PO flow. (For specific VAT/tax questions, consult your finance team.)

• Language/culture: English on comms; local crew comfortable switching as needed.

When your locations and assistants are set, make sure on-set workflow is covered—hire a local digi tech in Barcelona for calibrated monitoring, stable tether and verified backups.

7) Location brief checklist (copy/paste)

Share this with your service producer or locations manager:

• Project name, client/agency

• Dates, shoot hours, preferred light (sunrise/sunset?)

• Crew size + talent count

• Camera format + lighting footprint (stands, modifiers, power)

• Vehicles (number, size), parking needs

• Sound (dialogue? playback?)

• Wardrobe/HMU holding, green room needs

• Brand sensitivities, signage, props

• Safety & insurance details

• Must-have looks + “nice to have” alternates

• Weather cover plan

For a broader view of production support, read the Barcelona production guide

8) FAQs

Can we shoot in iconic spots (cathedrals, Gaudí sites, parks, beaches)?
Many signature sites permit filming/photography with proper approvals and timing. Expect coordination and lead times—lock a service producer early.

How long do permits take?
It depends on footprint, location type and calendar. Smaller public setups can be faster; complex scenes require more notice. Accurate crew/equipment counts speed things up.

Is rooftop access easy?
It’s doable with the right building and permissions. Factor safety, elevator size, and load-in paths.

Do we need assistants if we have a small crew?
A local 1st/2nd assistant saves hours on rigging and keeps you on schedule—especially in dense or historic areas.

Can you recommend production companies or scouts?
We collaborate with local service producers and scouts regularly. Share your brief, and we’ll align you with the right partner.

9) Next steps & booking your digi tech

Once locations and crew are moving, secure your on-set workflow. Gelatin Digital provides digi tech services in Barcelona: calibrated monitors, reliable tether, and verified backups that keep approvals smooth.

→ Book a Digi Tech in Barcelona
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