‘Money Heist’ creator to debut ambitious bunker thriller

Alex Pina, the mastermind behind Netflix’s global phenomenon “Money Heist,” is set to debut his most ambitious Spanish production yet with “Billionaires’ Bunker” premiering September 19. The eight-episode thriller, filmed at Netflix’s massive European Production Hub in Tres Cantos, Spain, represents what Diego Ávalos, Netflix’s Vice President of Content for Spain and Portugal, calls “the most ambitious series” in Spanish television history.the-express

The new series arrives as Netflix marks its 10th anniversary in Spain with an unprecedented €1 billion investment commitment through 2028, underscoring the streaming giant’s confidence in Spanish-language content that has captured global audiences.totalapexentertainment

High-Tech Production Sets New Standards

“Billionaires’ Bunker” breaks technological ground as Netflix Spain’s first series to extensively use virtual production techniques, employing 30 LED screens measuring 6×4 meters and an 8×4 meter ceiling screen to create immersive 360-degree environments. The production utilized Netflix’s Tres Cantos facility, the largest studio in the European Union, constructing a sprawling 66,700 square foot set with over 100 interconnected spaces that took seven months to build.aol

Victor Martí, Netflix’s head of production, highlighted three key factors driving this technological evolution: collaboration with virtual production supervisor David Monguet, development of an open-source tool called Open VPN that synchronizes color camera spaces with LED panels, and the decreasing costs of LED technology.aol

Apocalyptic Premise With Contemporary Relevance

Set against the backdrop of an impending World War III, the series follows a group of billionaires who retreat to the luxury underground bunker known as Kimera Underground Park, located 900 feet below ground. The narrative centers on Max, played by Pau Simón, who is released from prison by his remorseful father as nuclear conflict erupts overhead, forcing him into close quarters with the family of his deceased girlfriend in the bunker.imdb

Co-creator Pina, who developed the concept during the coronavirus pandemic after observing the construction of buildings with 13 underground floors, described the show as starting with “an apocalyptic tone, then becomes a fun show”. “We wanted to make a show that was naughty, witty and about rich people during an apocalypse,” Pina told Deadline.aol

From Global Success to Spanish Innovation

The series comes at a pivotal moment for Netflix Spain, which has produced eight of Netflix’s top 10 non-English language films and series, including three seasons of “Money Heist” in the top six positions. In 2024 alone, Spanish-made Netflix titles accumulated over 5 billion viewing hours globally.variety

Pina’s career trajectory from journalist to Netflix’s most successful Spanish creator illustrates the platform’s transformation of local content into global phenomena. His Vancouver Media production company, founded in 2016 after leaving Globomedia, has become Netflix’s primary Spanish content engine, producing hits including “Berlin,” “Sky Rojo,” and “White Lines”.wikipedia

“I think we can all compete with the English-speaking shows,” Pina said, reflecting on how Spanish-language content has gained international recognition. The success of “Billionaires’ Bunker” could further cement Spain’s position as Netflix’s leading European content producer, with 29 titles scheduled for production compared to other regional hubs.the-express