For the first time, polycrystalline thin films of europium-doped barium magnesium aluminate (BAM) have been prepared by spray pyrolysis of an aqueous solution of the corresponding metal nitrates. Stoichiometric BAM films were obtained at temperatures as low as 350 degrees C, in sharp contrast to the commonly used high-temperature powder route. The deposition procedure can be applied to other phosphor materials as well, allowing for efficient one-step thin-film phosphor preparation. The prepared films were comprehensively characterized. Their luminescent properties are discussed.