Álex Rodríguez, Natalia Lara and, Jesús Álvarez, co-founders of Movie Box Productions
Colombian production company Movie Box Productions has secured a distribution deal with Roku for three of its series through its distributor Green Brain Lab. The comedies La Niña Julia (12×24′) and Sí Fue Gol de Yepes (12×24′) – both winners of MinTIC Colombia’s first regional stimulus call in 2020 – will be available on the streaming platform, alongside the period drama Esclava (12×24′).
“The beauty lies in the fact that these were our first endeavors as producers, fresh off our acting careers,” Álex Rodríguez and Natalia Lara, co-founders of Movie Box Productions, shared with PRODU. They, along with Jesús Álvarez, are the driving force behind the company. “Facing the production world was a fantastic challenge, and the success is incredibly gratifying. Now, to see these projects, born from mere ideas on a blank page, enter the Anglo market on a platform like Roku – it’s truly exciting!”
THREE SERIES
Coming to Roku on June 1st is La Niña Julia, a series centered around Julián Gaona, a young Colombian man who becomes La Niña Julia, a flamboyant and outspoken transgender icon who has become a champion for the LGTBI community. However, Julián’s secret is under threat. No one knows he’s La Niña Julia, not even his girlfriend. If his true identity is revealed, it could shatter his career and his life.
The series boasts a stellar cast, including established Colombian actors like George Slevi (La Venganza de Analía), Ana Wills (Rojo Carmesí, Pálpito), Laura de León (La Luz de Mis Ojos and La Ley del Corazón 2), and José Lombana (Manual para Galanes, Ema Reyes). At the helm is director Alberto ‘Pet’ Restrepo, known for his work on Sin Tetas No Hay Paraíso and La Primera Noche.” The original concept and script were penned by Socorro González Ocampo.
Si Fue Gol de Yepes, a new comedy hits Roku on July 1st. The series follows Bernardo Yepes, a young Colombian man from the Caribbean coast who decides to combine his honeymoon with a road trip to take his grandfather to see his favorite soccer team play live, bringing also his best friend in their new truck. The series is directed by Mario Ribero (Betty la Fea and Amor a la Plancha), and the original idea and script by Héctor Rodríguez (Canto para no Llorar and La Influencer).
Premiering on Roku on August 1st is the period series Esclava. Directed by Daniel Bautista and written by Hector Rodríguez and Álex Rodríguez (Infierno en la Torre and Keko), the series unfolds the story of Salma. Escaping her life in the Arab province where she grew up, Salma arrives in Colombia to face an arranged marriage with Farid, a man chosen by her father. But fate takes a turn when she meets Kike, who ignites a forbidden love that will challenge everything she thought she knew. Vivian Ossa (Rigo and Los Morales), Carlos Vergara (Colmenares and Diomedes) and Margarita Reyes (Cartel de los sapos and Enfermeras), lead the cast.
NEXT TO COME
Movie Box Productions has a slate of upcoming projects, including seven series, two films, and two documentaries.
“We’ve been prolific producers, working with incredibly dedicated teams,” Lara remarked. “Our latest series was a breakthrough for us. It not only opened doors for collaboration across the Colombian, Mexican, and American industries on even bigger projects, but it also solidified our reputation as a top player in the international market,” commented Lara.
Lara elaborated that this year, Movie Box Productions is prioritizing international collaboration, specifically with Spain. Their focus is on developing content that spotlights untold Colombian stories. “We see it as both a moral and an audiovisual debt,” Lara explained, “and it’s a core pillar of our goals for this year.”
“We’re driven by a social and national purpose,” Rodríguez declared. “We want to tell stories that transcend traditional Colombian narratives, stories that elevate our country’s voice on the global stage. We’re moving beyond love stories and exploring a wider spectrum of themes that resonate with international audiences.”
The Roku deal is a major stepping stone for Movie Box Productions’ international expansion, according to Rodríguez. “We’re sending a clear message to the market: we’re here, we’re ready, and we’re equipped to deliver exceptional projects. We see ourselves as strategic partners within Colombia’s production landscape. Our presence on a platform like Roku, as a new player in the market, demonstrates the caliber of stories we’re developing and distributing.”
“For any project or platform seeking to produce in Colombia, we are the ideal partner in the Colombian Caribbean region,” Lara asserted. “Our deep knowledge of the region, its people, and permitting processes makes us the strategic ally for any platform or producer considering Colombian Caribbean projects.”
