Julia Chirkova
Jaime Zatarain has stepped into the complex persona of Jacobo Valverde, a pivotal character in Telecinco’s family thriller "Pura Sangre." This series delves into the high-stakes world of equestrianism and the deeply guarded secrets of a powerful aristocratic lineage. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the opulent La Galana estate, weaving a tapestry of drama, mystery, romance, and criminal investigation. The ensemble cast, featuring prominent actors such as Ángela Molina, Pepón Nieto, Amaia Salamanca, Aitor Luna, and Blanca Romero, contributes to the rich and intricate storytelling.
In an exclusive interview with Cultura en Serie, Zatarain shared his insights into the demanding yet rewarding experience of embodying Jacobo. "Jacobo is a very damaged character, and he has beautiful scenes where he can truly be revealed, which is a tremendous gift," he stated. The actor also elaborated on the production’s visually stunning outdoor shoots, the psychological evolution of his character, and his current career trajectory, which follows notable appearances in productions like "Intimidad," "Rapa," and "Angela."
With a diverse career spanning musical theater, film, and television, Zatarain, originally from Cantabria, has a notable filmography that includes roles in "La cocinera de Castamar," "Amar es para siempre," "Vergüenza," and "El Ministerio del Tiempo." His more recent contributions to television include the series "Angela" and "Desde el mañana."
The Allure of Jacobo: A Villain Beyond Stereotypes
The genesis of Zatarain’s involvement with "Pura Sangre" began with an invitation from casting directors Eva Leira and Yolanda Serrano to audition for the role of Jacobo. He expressed profound gratitude for this opportunity, recognizing the character’s substantial dramatic arc as a dream for any actor. "When I read the scripts, what most attracted me to the character was the challenge of portraying a villain without resorting to the label of ‘bad guy’," Zatarain explained. "It was about delving into the character’s underlying wounds to justify his actions and to approach the role creatively. Jacobo is a deeply wounded individual, and the scenes offering him such vulnerability are a genuine joy to perform."
Immersive Filming: The Visual Spectacle of "Pura Sangre"
A significant draw of "Pura Sangre" is its distinct aesthetic, characterized by striking cinematography, picturesque natural settings, the presence of animals, and a pervasive rural atmosphere. Zatarain highlighted how this immersive environment significantly facilitated his portrayal of Jacobo. "Filming in such surroundings greatly aids in embodying your character and provides a crucial boost for getting into the right mindset," he noted. He revealed that approximately 80% of the series’ sequences were shot on location, spanning 25 distinct sites across Castilla y León and the Community of Madrid. The logistical challenges of reaching some of these remote locations, situated up to two hours from Madrid, were considerable, impacting the entire production team.
However, Zatarain emphasized that upon arrival at these locations, a palpable sense of awe permeated the crew. "There was a general feeling of amazement among everyone regarding the settings where we were filming, which translated into a genuine enjoyment of the process, something not always guaranteed," he shared. The visually inspiring and photographic quality of these locations, he believes, is evident in the final product. "Iván Caso, our director of photography, did a phenomenal job in this regard."
The experience of working with horses also proved memorable. Zatarain had previously acquired riding skills for the series "La cocinera de Castamar" but found the work on "Pura Sangre" to be more intense and exceptionally enjoyable. He expressed a desire to continue this activity in his personal life. "When I watch the series, I feel that the landscapes, the animals, and the locations, in general, are as much protagonists as the characters themselves."
"Pura Sangre": A Unique Offering in the Spanish Series Landscape
In an era saturated with Spanish television productions, "Pura Sangre" distinguishes itself through its compelling narrative and distinctive production values. Zatarain described the series as a "super ensemble piece with a luxury cast, a meticulously crafted script, and a multitude of interconnected storylines that keep viewers engaged from the very first episode." He believes its unique selling proposition lies in its "production quality and the way it is filmed, which could easily compete with international series of the caliber of ‘Yellowstone,’ but with a Spanish setting."
He further posited that the Spanish television market had been awaiting a family saga with a police procedural element that is adapted to contemporary cinematic standards and the evolving aesthetic of the industry. The series’ ability to blend these elements with a sophisticated visual style sets it apart in the current television landscape.
Navigating Jacobo’s Descent: A Psychological Study
The narrative arc of "Pura Sangre" sees Jacobo increasingly ensnared by the repercussions of his choices. Zatarain discussed his approach to portraying this psychological unraveling. His initial conversations with directors Rómulo Aguillaume and Belén Macías focused on avoiding the cliché of a villain who easily compartmentalizes his double life. "We decided to approach it with absolute sincerity: Jacobo loves his family and is indeed in love with Miranda, his wife," Zatarain explained. This grounding in genuine affection allowed for a more profound exploration of his character’s moments of losing control. "Working on the scenes where the character loses his grip on reality took on a completely devastating depth, which even surprised me during filming."
Moments of Intense Dramaturgy: The Demands of Performance
The series is punctuated by scenes of intense dramatic weight. Zatarain recounted several particularly challenging performances. "Yes, the truth is I’ve had many dramatically complex scenes. Many of them required us to work with intimacy coordinators due to their complexity, and in others, I was facing the challenge alone with the directors."
He recalled a specific scene involving a panic attack, filmed within Jacobo’s car while he was ostensibly driving. "There were many hours of filming to capture the correct scene, which ultimately lasted only a few seconds," he said. "It was a challenge to sustain such an extreme emotional state for the character for such a prolonged period without losing concentration, but it was incredibly rewarding!"
Jacobo’s Future: An Actor’s Hope for Redemption
When asked about his vision for Jacobo’s fate, Zatarain expressed a dual perspective. As an actor, he relishes the complexity of such characters. "As an actor, I would love for Jacobo to continue down this path of madness, because it’s a pleasure to embody such complex characters, hahaha… But ideally, I’d like to see him saved and imagine him finding a happy ending, capable of reconciling with his dark side and achieving peace with his life and reality."
A Flourishing Career in Television
Zatarain’s recent television work has garnered significant attention, with roles in popular series such as "Intimidad," "Rapa," and "Angela." He described this current phase of his career with immense satisfaction and eagerness. "After so many years working as an actor, I feel that all of this is arriving at my best personal moment, so I have the sensation that this is just the beginning, and that is a very gratifying feeling," he stated.
He conveyed a strong desire to collaborate with directors he has long admired and with fellow actors he deeply respects. "I am very happy with this professional moment!" he exclaimed.
The Global Impact of "Angela"
The international success of "Angela" has undeniably elevated Zatarain’s profile as an actor. He reflected on this phenomenon: "I believe ‘Angela’ has placed me in a different position as an actor compared to where I was before the series. But then, what I experienced with ‘Angela’ last summer, when it had a second life by premiering on Netflix and was watched by millions of people worldwide, was incredible!"
He described the public’s recognition and the outpouring of appreciation as a profound experience. "All the recognition from the public when you go somewhere and they congratulate you on your work, and all the affection they show you, is something I hadn’t experienced like this before ‘Angela.’ It’s a project I hold very dear!"
The Foundational Power of Theater and Musicals
Before focusing more intently on audiovisual projects, Zatarain cultivated a significant career in theater, including a notable tenure in musicals. He attributed much of his growth as an actor to this stage experience. "Especially the musicals!!! For me, musicals have given me a lot of life as an actor for many, many years. Without them, I don’t know what would have become of me, to be honest," he admitted.
Through musicals, he learned the importance of perseverance and, crucially, the value of patience and avoiding haste. He feels fortunate for his extensive background in musical theater, which included a formative three-year period studying musical theater in New York. "I believe that through musicals, I learned to know myself as an actor to the point of feeling prepared to make the leap to audiovisual, which is what I have always dreamed of and whose language is what I identify with most as an actor. Although I hope to continue doing musicals and theater in general as long as my body allows!"
A Promising Cinematic Debut: "A una isla de ti"
Zatarain is set to star in the upcoming film "A una isla de ti." He expressed particular affection for this project, citing several reasons. "This is a project I hold especially dear for several reasons: it’s my first leading role in a film, it represents an absolute change of register compared to the roles I’ve been doing, and it’s also a beautiful LGTB comedy that we all involved in the project filmed with immense dedication and affection," he shared.
The film premiered on March 10th at the Málaga Film Festival and was released in cinemas on April 10th. Zatarain voiced his hope that it would reach a wide audience and be enjoyed as much as it was by those who created it. "Here’s to many more stories like ‘A una isla de ti’!" he concluded.
Future Projects on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Zatarain revealed that he is currently involved in two undisclosed projects. While details remain confidential, he anticipates that audiences will be informed of these new endeavors soon.
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