Despite being an island, Mallorca serves as a perfect backdrop for any kind of production, no matter how ambitious it may be. Whether it's its crystal-clear beaches, mysterious caves, or the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, the island has been a prime choice for directors and filmmakers seeking the best locations for their movies.
As a curious fact, the first sound film shot by a woman in Spain was set in Mallorca between 1932 and 1934. Directed by María Forteza, it featured images of the island, showcasing iconic spots such as the cathedral seen from the harbor along the Paseo Marítimo, the Paseo del Borne, or the Paseo de Sagrera. For decades, Mallorca has been a highly sought-after location for audiovisual productions.
One example is the film "Sword of Honour" (2001), which used various locations on the island, including Valldemossa, representing an Italian village, the Porreres quarry as an Egyptian camp, and the coves of Cala Torta and Cala s’Almunia for depicting soldier landings and escapes.
Another film that made extensive use of the island's diverse landscapes is "Cloud Atlas" (2011), featuring actors like Tom Hanks and Susan Sarandon. Viewers can see Sa Calobra (one of the most popular beaches for filming alongside Es Trenc), the port of Sóller, and the Serra de Tramuntana.
The film "The Kovak Box" (2006) also shot several scenes at different locations across the island, including the old town, specifically the La Calatrava district, the roads of Sóller and Formentor, and even the airport (where the film "The Great Heist Ever Told" was also shot four years earlier).
But it's not just about movies. From Raffaella Carrà in her music video for "Hay que venir al sur" (1978), featuring the locations of the Andratx harbor and the nautical club of Palma, to Rosalía with her video "Despechá" (2022), filmed on Palma Beach, Mallorca has served as a backdrop for many artists to bring their songs to life. Laura Pausini and King África were other singers who used the islands as a setting in their respective songs "Primavera anticipada" (2008) and "La Bomba" (2000).
Mallorca also attracts commercial productions. Advertisements see Mallorca as a key point for promotion, not just of products but also of the sensations the island can convey. A prime example of this is the Estrella Damm summer advertisements, aiming to convey the warmth, tranquility, and unique experiences provided by Mallorca's coves and beaches.
As we can see, Mallorca has nothing to envy to the streets of Madrid, Barcelona, or even the beaches of California as an audiovisual backdrop. All it takes is a camera and a pair of eyes that can capture its chameleon-like essence.
