The sixth edition of Iberseries & Platino Industria (I&PI) is set to consolidate its position as the premier bridge between Ibero-American creativity and the global audiovisual market, confirming the selection of 84 projects for its highly anticipated Pitching Sessions. These projects, spanning both feature films and serialized content, represent the creative output of 13 countries, underscoring the vast geographical and cultural reach of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking industries. The final selection was distilled from a highly competitive pool of 488 proposals, reflecting a rigorous curation process designed to identify works with high international potential. Primarily hailing from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, and Peru, the chosen creators will now prepare for in-person presentations before top-tier executives from international streaming platforms and major production houses.
Strategic Framework and Event Logistics
Organized by EGEDA (Entidad de Gestión de Derechos de los Productores Audiovisuales) and Fundación Secuoya, in close collaboration with FIPCA (Federación Iberoamericana de Producción Cinematográfica y Audiovisual), Iberseries & Platino Industria has evolved into a vital node for the audiovisual ecosystem. The upcoming edition is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 2 at the Matadero Madrid, a historic industrial complex transformed into a leading contemporary arts center.
The primary objective of this four-day gathering is to facilitate direct connections between content creators and the financial and administrative engines of the industry. The event caters to projects in various stages of development, including early-stage conceptualization, active production, works-in-progress, and projects seeking gap financing or final packaging. By providing a centralized venue for these interactions, I&PI aims to accelerate the production cycle of Ibero-American content, ensuring that local stories receive the resources necessary to compete on a global scale.
Detailed Breakdown of Selected Projects and Studio Partnerships
The 2024 Pitching Sessions are structured around partnerships with specific industry giants, each seeking unique voices and commercially viable narratives. One of the most prominent segments is the Pitch 3Pas Studios, the production company co-founded by Eugenio Derbez and Ben Odell, which focuses on content that bridges the gap between Latin American sensibilities and global appeal.
Among the Mexican projects selected for 3Pas Studios are "Bienvenido a casa" and "Ejecutivo x accidente," both penned by the duo David Barraza and Saúl Masri. Mexico’s strong showing continues with "Madre para siempre" by Valentina Sachetti and the cross-continental co-production "De catrinas, tequila y yo qué sé" by Cristina Marybel Velázquez Obregón, which involves Spanish partnership.
Colombia is well-represented in the 3Pas category with "Encuentro de fin de semana" by Birna Avila and "Educando a mamá" by Harold Trompetero Saray and Yesid Alejandro Fernández Vivas. From the Southern Cone, Argentina contributes "Betta" by Alejandra Bustamante and Enrique Meziat, as well as the ambitious tripartite co-production "Quiroga y el monstruo" by Roxana Ramos and Fernando Diaz, involving Uruguay and Brazil. Chile’s cinematic presence is highlighted by "Que nadie le diga," a collaborative effort by Macarena Cardone, Clara Larraín, and Cristián Donoso.
The involvement of Amazon Studios México further emphasizes the high stakes of the event. Their dedicated pitch session includes Mexican projects such as "Antes de la cena" by Concepción Taboada and the multi-national co-production "Andromeda" by Alejandro Sugich and Ida Cuellar, which integrates talent and resources from Spain and the United States. Other notable selections for Amazon include "Entrenando a Hoffmann" by Rafael Tres (a Mexico-Guatemala co-production) and "Vuelve siempre Sebastiana," a project involving Regina Blandón, Alessandro Pederzoli, Antonio Acosta, and Horacio Alcalá, bridging Mexico and Spain. Spain’s solo entry for this category is "Lola está sola" by María del Puy Alvarado and José Manuel Carrasco.
Furthermore, BH5 Studios, a powerhouse in the development and distribution of commercial Latin American cinema, will evaluate "Hola, Guapo" by Javier Durán Pérez and Antón Goenechea Caballos, a project that typifies the modern, character-driven narratives currently trending in the regional market.
Chronology of Selection and Industry Response
The road to the sixth edition of I&PI began months ago with an open call that saw a 15% increase in submissions compared to previous years, indicating a burgeoning interest in Madrid as a central hub for the Spanish-language industry. Following the closing of the call, a committee of international experts and representatives from the participating platforms spent weeks evaluating the 488 submissions based on criteria such as narrative originality, feasibility, and international marketability.
The announcement of the 84 finalists has been met with positive reactions from regional film institutes and trade organizations. Industry analysts suggest that the high number of co-productions—specifically those involving three or more countries—signals a maturing market where producers are increasingly looking to pool resources and tax incentives to create higher-budget, "premium" content.
"The diversity of the selection is a testament to the health of our creative industries," noted a representative from a participating production guild. "Having platforms like Amazon and 3Pas Studios directly involved in the selection process ensures that the projects are not just artistically sound, but are also aligned with current consumer demands and platform strategies."
Supporting Data: The Rise of Ibero-American Content
The surge in projects at Iberseries & Platino Industria is mirrored by broader market data. According to recent industry reports, Spanish-language content is the fastest-growing non-English language category on global streaming platforms. The "exportability" of content from countries like Mexico, Spain, and Argentina has reached record highs, driven by the success of high-concept series and films that resonate across borders.
In 2023, the Ibero-American audiovisual sector contributed significantly to the GDP of its respective nations, with Spain alone seeing a double-digit percentage increase in international shoots hosted on its soil. Events like I&PI are credited with maintaining this momentum by providing a structured environment for "packaging"—the process of attaching talent, financing, and distribution to a script—which remains the most difficult hurdle for independent producers.
Strategic Consultancies and Capacity Building
Beyond the high-pressure environment of the pitch sessions, I&PI offers a comprehensive program of strategic consultancies. This initiative is designed to empower creators who may have a strong narrative concept but require assistance in the professional "polishing" of their pitch.
Selected participants will receive mentorship from seasoned industry veterans focused on three key areas:
- Narrative Structure: Refining scripts to ensure they meet the pacing and structural requirements of modern streaming audiences.
- Commercialization: Developing a clear understanding of the target demographic and identifying the most effective distribution channels.
- Presentation Skills: Training creators to deliver concise, compelling "elevator pitches" that capture the attention of busy executives within the limited timeframes of the Matadero sessions.
These consultancies are viewed by organizers as a long-term investment in the professionalization of the Ibero-American talent pool, ensuring that even projects that do not secure an immediate deal at the event leave with a stronger foundation for future negotiations.
Broader Impact and Industry Implications
The implications of the 84-project selection at Iberseries & Platino Industria extend far beyond the individual success of the filmmakers. The event serves as a barometer for the health of the Ibero-American audiovisual market and its ability to attract foreign investment. By hosting the event in Madrid, the organizers leverage the city’s status as a "gateway" between Europe and Latin America, facilitating a unique cross-pollination of ideas and financial models.
As the industry prepares for the September 29 opening, the focus remains on the potential for these 84 projects to become the next global hits. In an era where "content is king," the ability of I&PI to curate nearly 500 proposals into a streamlined selection of 84 high-potential works provides a vital service to platforms looking for the next "Money Heist" or "Roma."
The presence of projects from smaller markets like Costa Rica and Guatemala alongside giants like Mexico and Spain also points to a more inclusive future for the industry. This diversity ensures that the Ibero-American "brand" remains multifaceted, offering everything from high-budget action thrillers to intimate, culturally specific dramas. As the delegates prepare to descend on the Matadero, the stage is set for a week of intense negotiation that will likely shape the landscape of Spanish- and Portuguese-language television and cinema for years to come.
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