Prime Video Spain Executives María José Rodríguez, Koro Castellano Outline Streamers’ Original Drama Production Plans
variety.comJamie Lang Prime Video had big plans for its original programming in 2020, with several major scripted projects leaving development and going into production.
As was the case in most of the world, however, COVID-19 threw a wrench in the streamer’s plans and forced the company to focus its efforts in other areas for a time, notably in sports documentaries and unscripted series.Now, with best practices established for safe shooting and work back in full swing, the streamer has big plans for its 2022 scripted content lineup and beyond, outlined at an in-person presentation in Madrid last week.After the presentation, Maria José Rodríguez, Amazon Studios’ head of Spanish Originals, and Koro Castellano, director of Prime Video España, met with Variety to discuss what sets Prime Video apart from other streamers, creating diversity on both sides of the camera and the various initiatives that will direct the company’s activities over the coming years. It’s far more than can be covered in the time we have here, but I wonder if you could outline a bit what it is your Prime Video Originals team hopes to do here in the Spanish market.Rodríguez: Our ambition is to produce the highest quality content we can make.
We believe that what sets us apart is our focus on how we select content. We don’t want to produce for volume, but instead focus on quality and working with the very best talent.
But as important as finding that talent is giving it the time it needs and the tools to make their creations shine.Does that mean that Amazon will also look at producing more “arthouse,” auteur content that might not draw huge viewing numbers, but could be in line to play at festivals and have awards ambitions?Rodríguez: Yes, absolutely.
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