Magaluz-Mallorca Connection: How AI, Microdramas and Buzz-Driven Headlines Are Shaping the Future
Conecta Magaluf Mallorca marked its 10th edition from May 25-28 at the Meliá Calvià Beach Hotel in Magaluf, Mallorca, bringing together 400 delegates from across the international television and streaming industry. Executives and representatives from companies including HBO Max, Prime Video, YouTube, France TV, RAI, RTVE, SkyShowtime, TVI, Atresmedia, Telemundo Studios, Mediaset Italia, Movistar Plus, 3Cat and IB3 attended the boutique-format event, which organizers said was designed to streamline networking and maximize time together. The conference combined business discussions, pitching sessions and screenings with a strong emphasis on the growing role of Mallorca and Spain in the audiovisual sector.
A major theme was the changing global TV market, especially the rise of the long tail in streaming viewing. Analyst Jonathan Broughton of Plum Research said most viewing now comes from older titles rather than breakout hits, with “neo-evergreens” becoming a crucial part of platform libraries. He said the industry is moving from a primarily direct-to-consumer model toward a more mixed business where advertising plays a larger role. Other sessions focused on how local and regional content is gaining influence worldwide, with Spain presented as an increasingly important production hub supported by national and regional incentives.
Mallorca’s own audiovisual sector was also highlighted. Several pitched projects and award-winning titles were linked to local companies, while the island’s setting inspired crime, comedy and thriller concepts. One standout was “Mallorca Confidential,” which premiered at the event. Speakers pointed to Spain’s growing output, noting that the country produced 426 feature films in 2025, nearly double France’s total, according to a Cannes Marché du Film report cited during the conference.
Microdramas emerged as another major topic. Industry experts said the format is expanding rapidly in Latin America, with Brazil and Mexico showing especially strong user growth. The format’s rise reflects broader shifts in how audiences consume video, particularly on smartphones. Streaming and platform strategies were also discussed through the lens of Spanish-language content, which has seen a major increase in viewing over the past several years.
Comedy was another strong trend at Conecta, with many of the pitch winners in the genre. Speakers said Spanish comedy has found new commercial strength through recent hits and lighter approaches to contemporary issues. The event also included a screening of “Many People Need to Die,” which underscored the appetite for sharp, character-driven stories from Spanish creators.
Artificial intelligence, tourism-linked audiovisual investment and the future of public broadcasters were also key discussion points. Organizers and speakers framed Conecta as both a showcase for industry trends and a platform for Mallorca’s evolving role in film and television production.
