Japanese series «Magi», filmed in Salamanca, premieres
The localization and advisory work carried out by Salamanca Film Commission over a long period has allowed this production to be attracted to the city, which will provide significant promotion for our destination
The series narrates the true story of the 8-year journey undertaken by 4 Japanese children in the 16th century across Europe, known as the Magi (magical) children. The mission, then called the Tensho Embassy, was received by King Philip II and the supreme pontiff
On Thursday, Amazon Prime will exclusively stream in 180 countries worldwide, including Spain, the new Japanese miniseries Magi: The Tensho Embassy. The production, filmed by Barcelona-based production company b-mount Film and Japanese companies TBS Vision Inc and Cross Media, consists of 10 episodes, 8 of which were shot in different locations in Spain, specifically in Salamanca, Valladolid, and Cádiz.
The localization and advisory work carried out by Salamanca Film Commission over a long period has allowed this production to be attracted to the city, which will provide significant promotion for our destination.
Mariona Carrera, executive producer of b-mount Film, explains: "we are proud to have found locations in Spain that match the story and script." The Historic University Building, the Patio de Escuelas Menores, the Cathedral, the Pontifical University, La Salina, Fonseca College, the Convent of San Esteban, Compañía Street, Plaza Anaya, Plaza San Boal, Plaza Juan XXIII, the Roman Bridge, or the Faculty of Philology, were transformed into the Vatican, the headquarters of the Society of Jesus, El Escorial, Florentine streets and palaces, and even a hospital of the era.
Salamanca Film Commission contacted TBS Vision Inc/Cross Media and b-mount Film in January 2018 to offer Salamanca as a filming location for Magi. From that date, various location scouting trips took place where buildings and streets were evaluated, in addition to numerous logistics and filming viability studies being conducted. Finally, filming took place between May 14 and 28.
Due to the complexity of the filming, the City Council collaborated with the work of the Local Police, cleaning services, lighting, civil engineering, maintenance, water, parks and gardens... in addition to providing La Torre de los Anaya/Palacio de Abrantes as a logistical center for filming, where makeup and wardrobe were already set up, and the Charrería car park was also used as a base camp for heavy vehicles.
The miniseries had a significant presence from Salamanca: 10 technicians from the city were part of the series' work crew, and the production company also held a casting call at La Torre de los Anaya for the selection of 100 extras, to which 576 people applied. Training was also provided, as three students from the Faculties of Communication of USAL and the Pontifical University were selected to do their internships on the set.
Magi, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Shunichi Nagasaki, known for productions such as Heart, Beating in the Dark and The Witch of The West is Dead, among others, narrates the true story of the 8-year journey undertaken by 4 Japanese children in the 16th century across Europe, known as the Magi (magical) children. The mission, then called the Tensho Embassy, was received by King Philip II and the supreme pontiff.
This historical event, which now for the first time becomes a cinematic production, is considered the beginning of diplomatic relations between Japan and Europe, which celebrate 150 years this year.
Magi: The Tensho Embassy, which features Spanish actors such as Simon Andreu and Fernando Gil, has been a 3-year production and is supported by various institutions such as the Embassy of Japan, Salamanca Film Commission, Turismo de Salamanca, Salamanca City Council, University of Salamanca, Pontifical University, Convent of San Esteban, Valladolid City Council, Turismo de Valladolid, and Valladolid Film Office, among other entities.