Every time a production hits the screens, the same question arises: how long does it take to film a series? The answer depends on numerous factors, but what is truly fascinating is discovering how the magic behind each episode is created.
At Ciudad Inmersiva Madrid (CIM), we fully understand that passion for creative processes. Our space in Madrid is designed to bring together technological innovation and culture, offering unique immersive experiences as well as resources for audiovisual and artistic projects. Just as a TV series combines art, script and technique to move its audience, at CIM we strive to ensure that every visitor experiences an unforgettable sensory journey.
In this article, we invite you to take a closer look at the process that turns a script into images and sounds, in the same spirit of creativity that drives our activities at Ciudad Inmersiva Madrid.
How long does it take to film a series?
Filming a series can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on its scale. For example, a light-hearted comedy with 20-minute episodes, filmed on studio sets, can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 months. By contrast, a big-budget drama series, with one-hour episodes and multiple locations, may require 8 to 12 months of continuous work.
An interesting fact is that a series is not filmed episode by episode in chronological order. Filming days are generally organised according to locations, actors’ availability and production logistics. This means that, on the same day, a scene from the pilot episode and another from the final episode may be filmed.
To illustrate this more clearly, please see this comparative table:
| Series type | Average duration of an episode | Estimated filming time per series |
|---|---|---|
| Comedy (sitcom) | 20-30 minutes | 3-4 months |
| Teen drama | 40-50 minutes | 5-7 months |
| Historical series | 50-60 minutes | 8-10 months |
| Series with visual effects | 45-60 minutes | 10-12 months or more |
This shows that the question ‘How long does it take to film a series?’ depends, above all, on the type of production and the resources available.
Factors affecting recording time
Not all film shoots follow the same pace. Producers must take into account variables that significantly affect filming schedules. Some of the main factors are:
- Number of episodes: A season of 6 episodes can be filmed in half the time it takes to film a season of 12 or 15.
- Complexity of the locations: If filming is required in different cities or countries, travel and permits extend the schedule.
- Availability of lead actors: The schedules of famous actors sometimes mean that filming days have to be rescheduled.
- Number of special effects: The more action scenes or computer-generated animation there are, the more time will be spent on filming and post-production.
- Available budget: Although it goes without saying, it’s worth mentioning… A large budget allows you to hire more technical crews and film in parallel, speeding up the process.
A clear example is the difference between a sitcom filmed in a studio with a live audience, such as Friends, and a blockbuster series such as Game of Thrones. Whilst the former could complete a series in a few months, the latter took almost a whole year per series and… it took as long as 55 days to film a single battle!
The recording process, step by step
To understand in more detail how long it takes to film a series, it is essential to be familiar with the process followed by the audiovisual industry:
- Pre-production: Everything required is organised before filming begins: casting, locations, costumes, sets and the shooting schedule. This phase can last between 1 and 3 months.
- Filming: This refers to the actual filming process. This is where all the scenes are shot according to the established schedule. It can take between 3 and 12 months, depending on the type of series.
- Post-production: This includes editing, colour grading, special effects, dubbing and music. Although it is not part of the actual filming, it does affect the total time taken before the film’s release.
Real-life cases from Spanish TV series
The Spanish audiovisual sector has grown significantly in recent years, producing programmes that have not only been successful at home but have also won over international audiences. Analysing real-life examples of Spanish TV series provides a better understanding of filming schedules and working practices within the local industry.
- La Casa de Papel (Antena 3 / Netflix): The first series, comprising 15 episodes in its original version, was filmed in approximately five months. The complexity of the action scenes and the use of multiple locations, such as the iconic building of the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid, meant that a very tight schedule was required.
- Élite (Netflix): This teen drama, set in an elite school, is usually filmed over a period of around four to five months each season. By focusing on recurring locations, such as the school or the protagonists’ homes, it manages to shorten production times without compromising on quality.
- Cuéntame cómo pasó (TVE): One of the longest-running series on Spanish television, with over 20 series, films its episodes in continuous cycles that usually last between 6 and 7 months a year. The historical realism, the costumes and the setting for each decade require meticulous attention to detail during every shoot.
- Veneno (Atresplayer Premium): This miniseries, based on the life of Cristina Ortiz, known as La Veneno, took around six months to film. Although it consisted of only a few episodes, the production was very demanding in terms of setting, period recreation and characterisation.
- 30 Monedas (HBO Spain): Álex de la Iglesia’s series, packed with special effects and horror scenes, took around eight months to film. The use of outdoor locations in various Spanish villages and the inclusion of fantastical elements significantly lengthened the process.
These examples show how Spanish TV series vary greatly in terms of their production schedules, depending on their genre, budget and narrative requirements. They also confirm that Spain has become an international benchmark, with productions capable of competing in the global market.
The answer to the question How long does it take to film a series? varies between three months and a year, depending on the type of production and its specific characteristics. What remains constant is the dedication and hard work of the creative and technical teams who bring each story to life.
At Ciudad Inmersiva Madrid (CIM), we believe in the same transformative power of art and technology. Just as film shoots turn scripts into visual worlds, at our venue in Madrid we transform ideas into immersive experiences that connect with our emotions. We invite everyone to discover how cultural innovation can be just as inspiring as a major audiovisual production.
If you’d like to find out more about our creative projects and enjoy some unique experiences, we look forward to welcoming you to Ciudad Inmersiva Madrid.
Frequently asked questions: How long does it take to film a series?
Are all the series filmed in chronological order?
No, most of them are filmed according to the availability of sets and actors, rather than in the order of the episodes.
Do animated series take less time to film?
Not necessarily. Although it does not require actors on physical sets, animation can take even longer due to the detailed digital work involved.
Is a short series always filmed more quickly?
Generally speaking, yes, but it depends on the complexity. A historical miniseries may take longer than a light-hearted comedy with 12 episodes.
What happens if an actor falls ill during filming?
Filming is often delayed or rescheduled, which can extend the overall production time.
Is post-production included in the filming time?
No. Although both are essential, filming refers only to scenes shot on camera. Post-production is a separate process.
How long does it take to film a single episode?
It depends on the genre. A sitcom can film an episode in 3 to 5 days, whilst a drama featuring special effects can take 10 to 15 days.
