Prime Video Spain Executives María José Rodríguez, Koro Castellano Outline Streamers’ Original Drama Production Plans

Prime Video had huge plans for its authentic programming in 2020, with a number of main scripted tasks leaving growth and going into manufacturing. As was the case in many of the world, nonetheless, COVID-19 threw a wrench within the streamer’s plans and compelled the corporate to focus its efforts in different areas for a time, notably in sports activities documentaries and unscripted sequence.

Now, with greatest practices established for secure taking pictures and work again in full swing, the streamer has huge plans for its 2022 scripted content material lineup and past, outlined at an in-person presentation in Madrid final week.

After the presentation, Maria José Rodríguez, Amazon Studios’ head of Spanish Originals, and Koro Castellano, director of Prime Video España, met with Selection to debate what units Prime Video other than different streamers, creating range on each side of the digital camera and the assorted initiatives that may direct the corporate’s actions over the approaching years.

It’s excess of may be coated within the time we have right here, however I’m wondering should you may define a bit what it’s your Prime Video Originals workforce hopes to do right here within the Spanish market.

Rodríguez: Our ambition is to provide the best high quality content material we will make. We consider that what units us aside is our concentrate on how we choose content material. We don’t need to produce for quantity, however as a substitute concentrate on high quality and dealing with the easiest expertise. However as essential as discovering that expertise is giving it the time it wants and the instruments to make their creations shine.

Does that imply that Amazon will even have a look at producing extra “arthouse,” auteur content material which may not draw big viewing numbers, however might be in line to play at festivals and have awards ambitions?

Rodríguez: Sure, completely. In authentic manufacturing we have now choices to do the whole lot. We need to inform good tales, tales that should be advised, and if that signifies that big audiences watch them, that’s nice. If they’re smaller tales however with a powerful emotional part and from a singular standpoint, a distinct voice, we’re right here for these tales too. I can’t share any titles proper now, however we’re creating a number of tasks that match that description.

The productions teased at your Madrid presentation had been all Spanish, however previously Prime Video has delivered a number of worldwide authentic productions that required enter from a number of nations. Is that one thing you’d prefer to proceed doing?

Rodríguez: Sure, that’s one of many nice benefits we profit from at Amazon, that the unique manufacturing groups from all over the world are very interconnected. With sturdy communication and assist we will current ourselves as producers wherever we see potential all over the world and current what we discover to our worldwide groups. There’s a direct line of communication.

I think about these synergies exist inside the totally different places of work at Prime Video in Spain as nicely.

Castellano: Inside our group right here we have now the originals workforce and the acquisitions workforce, with the latter specializing in getting rights to current IP and on co-productions. “The Boarding Faculty” is an efficient instance of a present from the latter. The connection between these two departments can be key when discussing reboots or remakes. This yr we have now “Sin Limites” with Álvaro Morte, and an upcoming documentary with Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone that are nice examples of how our groups have labored collectively on authentic productions.

One main buzzword throughout your presentation was “range.” How do you virtually apply the will to be extra various, and the place do you assume Amazon can proceed to enhance in that regard?

Rodríguez: That’s one among our principal manufacturing focuses that we’re engaged on with all our originals. We’re in search of that range within the tales we’re telling. We need to discover new voices, tales and views.

Castellano: And never simply in entrance of, however behind the cameras as nicely. That’s equally essential.

Are there mandates or packages inside the firm to hunt out or develop a extra various expertise pool?

Castellano: It’s one thing we’re engaged on proper now really, however we will’t announce something but. We hope to have the ability to inform you quickly.

Are you able to speak a bit about Amazon’s relationship with theatrical releases in Spain?

Castellano: The one movies which might be assured to go on to streaming are our Amazon Originals. However for our Amazon Unique co-productions and acquisitions we totally assist theatrical releases. Then after the theatrical window, we work intently with the producers and distributors to get these movies on our service as quickly as potential. There’s a big portion of our catalog that’s designed to encourage folks to go see movies in theaters.

Everybody appears to have an opinion on the easiest way for sequence to be launched. Netflix, by and enormous, drops their exhibits all on the identical day permitting viewers to binge the whole lot in a single sitting, whereas different providers choose a extra conventional weekly mannequin. Is there one rule at Prime Video Spain for the way sequence might be launched?

Castellano: No, and it’s an open and ongoing debate. What we attempt to do is perceive what every bit of content material is asking for. There are sequence or exhibits that we expect work higher if we will get the viewers hooked, whereas others are extra episodic. For now, although, we don’t consider there may be one rule that ought to apply to the whole lot. We try to know and study what works greatest in every case.