Inspired by the tragic case of Spanish toddler Jonathan Vega, abducted in broad daylight from a Madrid shopping center, writer-director Marc Romero (“75 Days”) is set to begin production on “Hour and Twenty” (“Hora y Veinte”), alongside producers El Orgullo Producciones, La Cochera, Sorenfilms, La Raíz, Shift Dif and Corax Films.
The directors’ second high-octane feature shoots later this month, filming in Torrevieja (Alicante), Martos (Jaén), and Madrid over a five week stretch, further sponsored by Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja (Alicante) in collaboration with Ayuntamiento de Martos (Jaén). The film is slated to hit theaters this fall.
“We chose locations such as the Parque Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja (Alicante), because of its picturesque landscape of huge salt mountains surrounded by pink waters—it’s the perfect contrast to our thrilling, dark story,” Romero relayed.
The narrative centers on Manuela, played by Goya nominee Macarena Gómez (“Shrew’s Nest...
The directors’ second high-octane feature shoots later this month, filming in Torrevieja (Alicante), Martos (Jaén), and Madrid over a five week stretch, further sponsored by Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja (Alicante) in collaboration with Ayuntamiento de Martos (Jaén). The film is slated to hit theaters this fall.
“We chose locations such as the Parque Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja (Alicante), because of its picturesque landscape of huge salt mountains surrounded by pink waters—it’s the perfect contrast to our thrilling, dark story,” Romero relayed.
The narrative centers on Manuela, played by Goya nominee Macarena Gómez (“Shrew’s Nest...
- 1/8/2024
- by Holly Jones
- Variety Film + TV
Leading Spanish indie Plano a Plano has snagged TV adaptation rights to “Lejos de Luisiana” by Luz Gabás, last year’s winner of Spain’s prestigious Planeta Award.
Plano a Plano acquired the rights from Book & Film Rights, the Editorial Planeta division which oversees local and international audiovisual adaptation deals as well as translation rights in international markets.
Since 1952, Planeta has bestowed an annual reward to outstanding unpublished Spanish-language works with the largest endowment worldwide, one million Euros.
Gabás’ acclaimed debut novel “Palm Trees in the Snow” (“Palmeras en la nieve”) was successfully adapted to the screen in 2015, winning two Goya, translated to multiple languages and grossing $18.3 million in Spain.
“Lejos de Luisiana” (translated to “Far from Louisiana”) follows a love story between a Native American and a French Creole Woman in Mississippi at the end of the 18th century. It takes place over four decades during the time when...
Plano a Plano acquired the rights from Book & Film Rights, the Editorial Planeta division which oversees local and international audiovisual adaptation deals as well as translation rights in international markets.
Since 1952, Planeta has bestowed an annual reward to outstanding unpublished Spanish-language works with the largest endowment worldwide, one million Euros.
Gabás’ acclaimed debut novel “Palm Trees in the Snow” (“Palmeras en la nieve”) was successfully adapted to the screen in 2015, winning two Goya, translated to multiple languages and grossing $18.3 million in Spain.
“Lejos de Luisiana” (translated to “Far from Louisiana”) follows a love story between a Native American and a French Creole Woman in Mississippi at the end of the 18th century. It takes place over four decades during the time when...
- 4/6/2023
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Mario Casas, one of Spain’s biggest film and TV stars, and Goya Award winner actress Anna Castillo, will headline “Escape,” the new film by writer-director Rodrigo Cortés.
Produced by Adrián Guerra and Núria Valls at Barcelona-based Nostromo Pictures, “Escape” is a free adaptation of same-title novel penned by Spanish author Enrique Rubio.
Nostromo announced the new film project after completing an intense 2022, in which the company lensed seven films and released two more titles – Marçal Forés’ “Through My Window” and Oriol Paulo’s “God’s Crooked Lines” – both achieving a standout global reach.
“Escape’s” story turns on N., a young man who wants to live in prison and will do whatever it takes to get there, raising questions such as if those who care about him will get to stop him from committing increasingly serious crimes and how far will the judge go to not grant him his proposal.
Produced by Adrián Guerra and Núria Valls at Barcelona-based Nostromo Pictures, “Escape” is a free adaptation of same-title novel penned by Spanish author Enrique Rubio.
Nostromo announced the new film project after completing an intense 2022, in which the company lensed seven films and released two more titles – Marçal Forés’ “Through My Window” and Oriol Paulo’s “God’s Crooked Lines” – both achieving a standout global reach.
“Escape’s” story turns on N., a young man who wants to live in prison and will do whatever it takes to get there, raising questions such as if those who care about him will get to stop him from committing increasingly serious crimes and how far will the judge go to not grant him his proposal.
- 1/25/2023
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Festivals
The Banff World Media Festival (Banff) has unveiled its masterclass lineup for this year’s online festival taking place June 14–July 16. Classes will be held by creative team members of major global programs including “It’s a Sin,” hosted by creator Russel T. Davies, director Peter Hoar and actor Nathaniel Curtis; Warner Bros. Television’s Peabody-winning series “David Makes Man,” led by creator Tarell Alvin McCraney; “Transplant” with creator and showrunner Joseph Kay; Finnish animated series “Moominvalley”; CBC’s “Sort Of”; and a previously announced presentation from the creative team behind FX’s new series “Reservation Dogs.”
*****
Thong Kay Wee has been appointed as program director of the Singapore International Film Festival, taking over from Kuo Ming-Jung. He will work alongside executive director Emily J. Hoe from June 21. Thong was previously program and outreach officer at the Asian Film Archive. There, he has presided over multiple film-centric programs with a...
The Banff World Media Festival (Banff) has unveiled its masterclass lineup for this year’s online festival taking place June 14–July 16. Classes will be held by creative team members of major global programs including “It’s a Sin,” hosted by creator Russel T. Davies, director Peter Hoar and actor Nathaniel Curtis; Warner Bros. Television’s Peabody-winning series “David Makes Man,” led by creator Tarell Alvin McCraney; “Transplant” with creator and showrunner Joseph Kay; Finnish animated series “Moominvalley”; CBC’s “Sort Of”; and a previously announced presentation from the creative team behind FX’s new series “Reservation Dogs.”
*****
Thong Kay Wee has been appointed as program director of the Singapore International Film Festival, taking over from Kuo Ming-Jung. He will work alongside executive director Emily J. Hoe from June 21. Thong was previously program and outreach officer at the Asian Film Archive. There, he has presided over multiple film-centric programs with a...
- 6/7/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Allying two of the biggest powerhouses in high-end Spanish-language drama series, Movistar Plus and The Mediapro Studio have joined forces to produce “Paraíso,” a banner 2021 Spanish series and determined push into Young Adult entertainment.
Previewed at MIPTV’s The Wit’s Young Adult Fiction, where it was also chosen among Variety’s 10 buzziest market titles, the genre blender is directed by Fernando González Molina (“Palm Trees In the Snow”). Set to bow June 4 on Movistar Plus, it marks the Spanish pay TV/SVOD biggest push to date into YA territory, following on university relationship drama “Merlí: Sapere Aude” and its first animated series, “Virtual Hero.”
Shot after Covid-19 hit Spain, “Paraíso” is set on the eastern coast of Spain, in a small town nestling by the beach and backed by spectacular sharp-buffed cliffs. Here, a group of high-school friends search desperately for three girls who have disappeared, including the sister of one of the protagonists,...
Previewed at MIPTV’s The Wit’s Young Adult Fiction, where it was also chosen among Variety’s 10 buzziest market titles, the genre blender is directed by Fernando González Molina (“Palm Trees In the Snow”). Set to bow June 4 on Movistar Plus, it marks the Spanish pay TV/SVOD biggest push to date into YA territory, following on university relationship drama “Merlí: Sapere Aude” and its first animated series, “Virtual Hero.”
Shot after Covid-19 hit Spain, “Paraíso” is set on the eastern coast of Spain, in a small town nestling by the beach and backed by spectacular sharp-buffed cliffs. Here, a group of high-school friends search desperately for three girls who have disappeared, including the sister of one of the protagonists,...
- 5/17/2021
- by Emiliano Granada
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Josh Berger, President and Managing Director of Warner Bros UK, Ireland and Spain and President of Harry Potter Global Franchise Development, has decided to step down from his posts after working for the company for more than 30 years. The well-liked and respected veteran will depart Warners in December, but will remain as an advisor to senior management until the middle of 2021 for the Harry Potter franchise. Berger is an executive producer on the third installment of the Fantastic Beasts film series and the upcoming BBC documentary Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History, among other projects. An announcement regarding Berger’s succession is expected to be made soon.
On why he’s making this move now, Berger tells me, “I’ve been at Warner Bros for 31 years. I’ve spent as you know, my entire career here, and I’ve been unbelievably fortunate to be with one company in lots of...
On why he’s making this move now, Berger tells me, “I’ve been at Warner Bros for 31 years. I’ve spent as you know, my entire career here, and I’ve been unbelievably fortunate to be with one company in lots of...
- 10/29/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Nuria Valls
Valls already has 14 producer or exec-producer credits, including Eugenio Mira’s “Grand Piano,” Fernando González Molina’s Spanish blockbuster “Palm Trees in the Snow,” and Dan Krauss’ “The Kill Team;” all alongside her partner Adrián Guerra at Nostromo. Her latest productions include Alex and David Pastor’s “The Occupant” and Molina’s “Offering to the Storm,” both acquired by Netflix. Valls will shortly resume shooting on “Los favoritos de Midas,” created by Mateo Gil, her first TV series. “I’d like to do exactly what we’ve done so far: Making all kinds of movies we’d like to watch, not only genre.”
Oriol MAYMÓ
Maymó participated in the production of Rodrigo Cortés’ “Buried,” Marcel Barrena’s “Little World” and Pau Freixas’ TV-series “The Red Band Society” among many other titles. Now based out of Corte y Confección, he has produced Leticia Dolera’s Canneseries winner “A Perfect...
Valls already has 14 producer or exec-producer credits, including Eugenio Mira’s “Grand Piano,” Fernando González Molina’s Spanish blockbuster “Palm Trees in the Snow,” and Dan Krauss’ “The Kill Team;” all alongside her partner Adrián Guerra at Nostromo. Her latest productions include Alex and David Pastor’s “The Occupant” and Molina’s “Offering to the Storm,” both acquired by Netflix. Valls will shortly resume shooting on “Los favoritos de Midas,” created by Mateo Gil, her first TV series. “I’d like to do exactly what we’ve done so far: Making all kinds of movies we’d like to watch, not only genre.”
Oriol MAYMÓ
Maymó participated in the production of Rodrigo Cortés’ “Buried,” Marcel Barrena’s “Little World” and Pau Freixas’ TV-series “The Red Band Society” among many other titles. Now based out of Corte y Confección, he has produced Leticia Dolera’s Canneseries winner “A Perfect...
- 6/22/2020
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
Opening up multiple shoot possibilities during Covid-19 and beyond, top Spanish producer Adrian Guerra is bowing Orca Studios, a new Spain-based virtual production facility that uses the same Led volume technology employed by Ilm on its Stagecraft system for “The Mandalorian” – hailed by some as the biggest technological step-forward since green screen.
Head of studio at Orca is Adrian Corsei, former head of studio at Trixter, Germany’s biggest VFX studio whose prolific Hollywood credits take in “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” 2.
Orca Studios has developed its cutting-edge technology with the support of Epic Games and collaboration of Kinolux in Spain.
Also pioneered by Jon Favreau on 2019’s “The Lion King” sequel, Led wall volumes replace static backgrounds in virtual studios with exterior or interior images that adjust in sync with camera movement, powered by video game PC engines, such as Unreal for “The Mandalorian.”
Allowing...
Head of studio at Orca is Adrian Corsei, former head of studio at Trixter, Germany’s biggest VFX studio whose prolific Hollywood credits take in “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” 2.
Orca Studios has developed its cutting-edge technology with the support of Epic Games and collaboration of Kinolux in Spain.
Also pioneered by Jon Favreau on 2019’s “The Lion King” sequel, Led wall volumes replace static backgrounds in virtual studios with exterior or interior images that adjust in sync with camera movement, powered by video game PC engines, such as Unreal for “The Mandalorian.”
Allowing...
- 6/3/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
San Sebastian — Warner Bros. Pictures Intl. has grabbed near-worldwide distribution rights to “El verano que vivimos,” a romantic melodrama directed by “Fariña” Carlos Sedes and co-produced with Atresmedia Cine, Bambú Producciones and La Claqueta.
One of the most awaited local releases of next year, “El verano que vivimos” rolls from August for nine weeks in Jerez de la Frontera and one week in Galicia. It is scheduled for a fall 2020 theatrical release.
In Spain, Warner will handle theatrical rights, while Amazon Prime nabbed rights to a first pay TV window. Private broadcaster Atresmedia, Atresmedia Cine’s sister company, will exploit a first window in free-to-air.
“Warner has the rest of worldwide rights,” Warner Bros. Pictures Intl. Spain managing director Pablo Nogueroles told Variety.
“El verano que vivimos” was presented Sunday at the San Sebastian Film Festival in a press conference that also served to unveil the ambitious plans for feature...
One of the most awaited local releases of next year, “El verano que vivimos” rolls from August for nine weeks in Jerez de la Frontera and one week in Galicia. It is scheduled for a fall 2020 theatrical release.
In Spain, Warner will handle theatrical rights, while Amazon Prime nabbed rights to a first pay TV window. Private broadcaster Atresmedia, Atresmedia Cine’s sister company, will exploit a first window in free-to-air.
“Warner has the rest of worldwide rights,” Warner Bros. Pictures Intl. Spain managing director Pablo Nogueroles told Variety.
“El verano que vivimos” was presented Sunday at the San Sebastian Film Festival in a press conference that also served to unveil the ambitious plans for feature...
- 9/23/2019
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Madrid — Spain’s premier soccer organization, La Liga, held a high-profile presentation in Madrid on Tuesday evening for a new anthem as part of its “Latidos del futuro” (Heartbeats of the Future) program, which will be used for years to come as a soundtrack at each of its fixtures and during league TV programming, similar to UEFA’s now-iconic Champions League anthem.
Tuesday evening’s event was held at the Fundación Francisco Giner de los Ríos in downtown Madrid, where stars from the world of Spanish soccer, TV and music braved 100 degree plus temperatures and an exceedingly-rare daytime-rainstorm to mingle with club representatives from across the country and international press. Popular Spanish TV presenter Roberto Leal Mc’d the day’s festivities.
Most of the league’s high-profile teams are in the middle of their offseason tours outside of Spain, but videos were played of Spanish national team and Barcelona...
Tuesday evening’s event was held at the Fundación Francisco Giner de los Ríos in downtown Madrid, where stars from the world of Spanish soccer, TV and music braved 100 degree plus temperatures and an exceedingly-rare daytime-rainstorm to mingle with club representatives from across the country and international press. Popular Spanish TV presenter Roberto Leal Mc’d the day’s festivities.
Most of the league’s high-profile teams are in the middle of their offseason tours outside of Spain, but videos were played of Spanish national team and Barcelona...
- 7/24/2019
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Madrid-based production hub The Mediapro Studio has announced finalized details of an arrangement with Madrid’s Complutense University (Ucm) and the National Film and Television School of London (Nfts) on a new Master’s program designed to develop new screenwriting talent.
Mediapro general director Juan Ruiz de Gauna, Ucm dean of information sciences Jorge Clemente and Irene Ortega, who will fill the role of director for the new program, made the announcement at Madrid’s Matadero, an early 20th century slaughterhouse now converted into an arts center, where the course will be taught.
Ran Tellem, Daniel Burman, Maikol Sánchez Romero (“The Intermediate”), Fernando León de Aranoa (“A Perfect Day”), Iván Escobar (“Locked Up”), Fernando González Molina (“Palm Trees in the Snow”), Diego San José (“Vota Juan”) and Marc Cistaré (“Victim Number 8”), among others, will tutor or lecture in the program’s first year.
Classes will prepare the students – as many...
Mediapro general director Juan Ruiz de Gauna, Ucm dean of information sciences Jorge Clemente and Irene Ortega, who will fill the role of director for the new program, made the announcement at Madrid’s Matadero, an early 20th century slaughterhouse now converted into an arts center, where the course will be taught.
Ran Tellem, Daniel Burman, Maikol Sánchez Romero (“The Intermediate”), Fernando León de Aranoa (“A Perfect Day”), Iván Escobar (“Locked Up”), Fernando González Molina (“Palm Trees in the Snow”), Diego San José (“Vota Juan”) and Marc Cistaré (“Victim Number 8”), among others, will tutor or lecture in the program’s first year.
Classes will prepare the students – as many...
- 5/21/2019
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Despite even more outlets, thanks to the arrival of global streaming giants, Spanish sales agents and producers are caught in a current double-bind.
Sales to Netflix are diminishing, as it drives more into original production, but bullish theatrical distribution at home and abroad remains restricted to high-profile auteurs, big-budget productions or breakout titles.
In international, “a culture of fear has set in: independent distributors fear that smaller films don’t have a theatrical public,” says Antonio Saura of Spanish sales shingle Latido.
Both overseas and in Spain’s market, “average, mid-range movies no longer work,” says Mercedes Gamero of production house Atresmedia Cine. “Either you have real auteur-driven movies or big blockbusters.”
There’s an onus on originality. “It’s no longer about budgets but titles that impact, have something special,” whether that’s the cast or an novel concept or idea, says Iván Díaz at production and sales shingle Filmax.
Sales to Netflix are diminishing, as it drives more into original production, but bullish theatrical distribution at home and abroad remains restricted to high-profile auteurs, big-budget productions or breakout titles.
In international, “a culture of fear has set in: independent distributors fear that smaller films don’t have a theatrical public,” says Antonio Saura of Spanish sales shingle Latido.
Both overseas and in Spain’s market, “average, mid-range movies no longer work,” says Mercedes Gamero of production house Atresmedia Cine. “Either you have real auteur-driven movies or big blockbusters.”
There’s an onus on originality. “It’s no longer about budgets but titles that impact, have something special,” whether that’s the cast or an novel concept or idea, says Iván Díaz at production and sales shingle Filmax.
- 5/17/2019
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Award winner Pedro Almodovar returns to the helm with Julieta.
This female centered film looks at Julieta, in her older and younger days, as she navigates through her story as a brokenhearted woman who faces the painful mystery of her long alienation from her daughter.
The film stars Emma Suarez (Vacas) and Adriana Ugarte (Palmeras En La Nieve) in the title role.
It also stars Daniel Grao (Julia’S Eyes), Inma Cuesta (The Bride), Dario Grandinetti (Talk To Her), Michelle Jenner (Our Lovers) and Rossy de Palma (Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown).
The bonus materials on the Blu-ray and DVD will include two featurettes featuring commentaries from Pedro Almodovar, Rossy de Palma and Adriana Ugarte. It also has a red carpet presentation and look into the opening night at the Museum of Modern Art’s Almodover Retrospective in “Celebrating Director Pedro Almodovar.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
In Julieta,...
This female centered film looks at Julieta, in her older and younger days, as she navigates through her story as a brokenhearted woman who faces the painful mystery of her long alienation from her daughter.
The film stars Emma Suarez (Vacas) and Adriana Ugarte (Palmeras En La Nieve) in the title role.
It also stars Daniel Grao (Julia’S Eyes), Inma Cuesta (The Bride), Dario Grandinetti (Talk To Her), Michelle Jenner (Our Lovers) and Rossy de Palma (Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown).
The bonus materials on the Blu-ray and DVD will include two featurettes featuring commentaries from Pedro Almodovar, Rossy de Palma and Adriana Ugarte. It also has a red carpet presentation and look into the opening night at the Museum of Modern Art’s Almodover Retrospective in “Celebrating Director Pedro Almodovar.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
In Julieta,...
- 3/20/2017
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
Internationally acclaimed auteur and Academy Award winner Pedro Almodóvar (Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Talk to Her, 2002) is back in the director’s chair for his 20th feature film when Julieta debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and digital March 21 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Emma Suárez (Vacas) and Adriana Ugarte (Palmeras En La Nieve) share the title role as older and younger versions of the same character in the story of a brokenhearted woman who faces the painful mystery of her long alienation from her daughter during flashbacks on her life and the most important events concerning her estranged daughter. Julieta also stars Daniel Grao (Julia’s Eyes), Inma Cuesta (The Bride), Darío Grandinetti (Talk to Her), Michelle Jenner (Our Lovers) and Rossy de Palma (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown).
Bonus materials on the Julieta Blu-ray and DVD include two featurettes. Fans join Pedro Almodóvar, Rossy de Palma and...
Bonus materials on the Julieta Blu-ray and DVD include two featurettes. Fans join Pedro Almodóvar, Rossy de Palma and...
- 3/11/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Álex de la Iglesia’s comedy will head a strand of Spanish films set to play at the 33rd Miami International Film Festival that runs from March 4-13, 2016.
My Big Night (Mi Gran Noche) follow the backstage shenanigans before a TV special celebrating a legendary pop singer. Star and Spanish pop icon Raphael is scheduled to attend the festival.
The film also stars Mario Casas, Santiago Segura, Carlos Areces, Blanca Suarez, Hugo Silva, Carmen Machi and Carolina Bang.
“Álex de la Iglesia has made a perfect pop movie with My Big Night,” said the festival’s executive director and director of programming Jaie Laplante. “This riotously funny film is much more than one of the very best films by de la Iglesia, it is a party!”
The Spanish line-up includes Cinedwntwn Galas Truman from Cesc Gay starring Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara; Emilio Martínez Lázaro’s Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho Apellidos Catalanes) – now the biggest Spanish film of...
My Big Night (Mi Gran Noche) follow the backstage shenanigans before a TV special celebrating a legendary pop singer. Star and Spanish pop icon Raphael is scheduled to attend the festival.
The film also stars Mario Casas, Santiago Segura, Carlos Areces, Blanca Suarez, Hugo Silva, Carmen Machi and Carolina Bang.
“Álex de la Iglesia has made a perfect pop movie with My Big Night,” said the festival’s executive director and director of programming Jaie Laplante. “This riotously funny film is much more than one of the very best films by de la Iglesia, it is a party!”
The Spanish line-up includes Cinedwntwn Galas Truman from Cesc Gay starring Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara; Emilio Martínez Lázaro’s Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho Apellidos Catalanes) – now the biggest Spanish film of...
- 12/10/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
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