Scripted outfit will work with Banijay Americas’ recently launched A Fábrica Mexico & US Hispanic on ‘high-impact’ dramas
EndemolShine Boomdog and Banijay Entertainment are backing a new production company from Leonardo Padrón, the LatAm producer behind Netflix hits Pálpito and Accidente, Broadcast International can reveal.
Leonardo Padrón Productions will work with Banijay Americas’ recently launched label A Fábrica Mexico & US Hispanic to create and produce “high-impact, character-driven” dramas, the companies said.
The label will focus on the Mexican and US Hispanic markets but also collaborate with Banijay Entertainment’s scripted companies across its 21-market footprint.
It will be able to use the group’s central scripted fund and leverage the French group’s distribution operation, Banijay Rights. Part of Banijay Americas, EndemolShine Boomdog is the super-indie’s Mexico City-based Spanish-language producer.
Venezuelan Padrón is one of Latin America’s best-known screenwriters, having worked on two-series crime thriller Pálpito (The Marked Heart) and suspense tragedy Accidente (The Accident).
He has also written and produced for Univision and Televisa with shows such as La Mujer del Diablo, Si nos Dejan and Amar a Muerte, as well as the revival of classic Mexican novela Rubí.
Padrón, who is from Caracas, has also written films such as Manuela Sáenz, La Libertadora del Libertador, La primera vez and Miranda.
The deal underlines the growing focus on Lat Am originated series, following the launch of A Fábrica Mexico & US Hispanic in January. The production company is led by Luiz Noronha and EndemolShine Boomdog chief exec Alejandro Rincón and is currently developing multiple scripted drama series with Padrón for Spanish-language audiences in the US, Mexico and LatAm.
A handful of Spanish-language projects are expected to be available on the marketplace later this year.
“Forming an alliance with EndemolShine Boomdog and Banijay Entertainment allows us to build on the most powerful tool we have, collaboration,” Padrón said of his prodco’s launch.
“Further building our shared creative muscle, this partnership will enable us to craft cross-border stories which connect with global audiences,” he added.
Rincón said: “When establishing our new scripted division, Leonardo Padrón was the top choice to develop new projects with. His work is second-to-none in Latin America, across both TV and film, and his words resonate directly with audiences globally.
“Having Banijay Entertainment onboard reinforces our ambition to expand globally, and we can’t wait to take our development with Leonardo to the marketplace and bring his amazing stories to life.”
Frédéric Balmary, chief business officer at Banijay Entertainment, added: “Leonardo Padrón is a master in dramatic tension, with a creative voice that’s both gripping and culturally impactful.
“As we grow our premium Spanish-language slate, this partnership offers an impressive opportunity to develop stories that reflect the Latin American identity while speaking to audiences everywhere. With the creative drive of A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, and the global reach of Banijay Entertainment, we are well-positioned to further bring Leonardo’s vision to the world.”
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