Is LatinX content reaching an inflection point?
We are aware of everything in this article--https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywoods-call-diversity-are-latinx-movie-stars-1205010
But good to see it in one place. A studio head once said off the record that they don’t worry about LatinX audiences because they already over-index, they need to figure out how to do more business with China etc etc. Salma Hayek responded to this in an interview by saying: “That’s like saying ‘My wife and I have a great relationship so I’m going to take on a lover.’’
I also agree with and wholeheartedly agree that “In the Heights” can be the Crazy Rich Asians for LatinX movies. First of all because you are starting with IP that is amazing. Secondly because Lin Manuel has transcended and is a global or at least national brand (and wildly talented as we know) and yet stays true to who he is and where he comes from. Thirdly because from what I can tell he is trying to cast it authentically. And finally, because its NOT trying to be Crazy Rich Mexicans, in other words, its not trying to chase a trend. It’s its own thing, and overseen by Lin Manuel it will have global appeal with a specific local and authentic sensibility. We live in the “You never know” business but I could see a world where there is the BH and AH for LatinX content— before in the Heights and after. I hope Dora and the City of Lost Gold is that for the family space.
This feels like a moment of inflection for this space unlike all the false moments before. I mean — you need to ask yourself— if Spy Kids made the money it did and spawned 3 sequels and an animated series, if Zorro did what it did in its moment, even movies like Selena, Instructions Not Included, even Overboard... why do we keep having to prove this works?
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11 个月Benjamin, thanks for sharing!
Dynamic storytelling over 20 years as a television and film editor, playwright, producer, and screenwriter.
5 年I love the Crazy Rich Asians model. But it's a starting point. I've seen us put all the eggs in one basket in the past, and then - crickets. Now we need a whole bunch of baskets overflowing with eggs (to stretch the analogy). The wonderful thing is the projects are lining up and folks are taking chances on them. Let's keep it up.
Film Producer| Educator| Author| Entrepreneur
5 年Fascinating article. I think the real issue is not with casting more Latinos/as rather Hollywood needs to work more with Latinx directors and screenwriters because it’s almost a given their stories and characters will be diverse. Dora the film as far as I know does not have Latinx creatives behind it which I find problematic. Lin-Manuel is an amazing talent yet we need more female creatives also.
Screenwriter, Producer, and Cultural Consultant. I’m doing my part trying to keep kids and teens from joining gangs through storytelling and film in the south side of Chicago.
5 年Great article sir. But one thing I’d like to know is how you feel about non-Mexican or non-Chicanos playing Mexican characters in movies? No answer needed, it’s just something to think about, because I grew up watching Puerto Ricans and Cubans playing Mexican characters on TV most of my life.