By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Christina Daniels and Viva Filmes are partnering with The Rio Times, Latin American Training Center (LATC) and XperienceRio to host the Rio Film MixUp, on Wednesday, March 23rd, in Leblon. The event is a chance for filmmakers in Rio de Janeiro to come together, connect and talk about the art and industry.
Daniels explains how she became involved in the film and video industry here in Rio de Janeiro, “I started Viva Filmes in 2013 when I moved back to Rio after fifteen years in London. With ten years of those producing TV series in London, I arrived in Rio with a desire to produce TV content both for the UK and for Brazil.”
She adds, “Sean Nolan, a top British cameraman who now lives in Brazil, is a partner in the company. I saw an opportunity to bring British production values to a very young TV documentary market. I think its making for a good combination.”
Despite the political and economic turmoil in Brazil, Daniels describes her view of the market at present. “When I moved back to Rio, the thirty percent content from independents for cable tv had just come to fruition.”
She adds, “To me this has opened the market incredibly, albeit with smaller budgets all round. With series like Narcos the industry is also growing exponentially. At the recent Rio Content Market it was announced that Netflix has just picked up their first Brazilian series co-production. Brazil is an exciting place to be at right now for the audio visual market.”
In terms of what is next for the Viva Filmes, Daniels says, “[We are] working on several TV documentary series as well as its first feature film, which is being produced together with Tigerlilly productions in the UK. We also work with foreign productions offering logistical and creative support.”
Editor and publisher of The Rio Times, Stone Korshak, explains how the Rio Film MixUp event took shape with Daniels and Viva Filmes. “Initially we reached out to our friends at the British Consulate Rio de Janeiro, and they put us in touch with Viva Filmes. After speaking with Christina, I’m really excited about what they are doing and looking forward to hear a lot more.”
For Daniels, she explains the appeal of the Rio Film MixUp, “I would like to see much more networking and social events for the film and TV industry in Rio. I hope to meet like minded people and help to foster new connections and creative possibilities. I would like to see, and be interested in actively make happen, more regular Mix ups and a more formalized network by and for creatives in Rio.”
The Rio Film MixUp event will be hosted at La Calaca, a gourmet Mexican eatery in Leblon, with a drink promotion of 2-for-1 glasses of sangria and bottles of Sol and Budweiser, from 7-8PM and 10PM to Midnight. Make sure to RSVP on the Facebook page so the venue can plan accordingly.
Also, all are welcome to post their short film video projects on the event page, or teasers for longer format films, look-books for actors and shooter or editor reels.
What: Rio Film MixUp @ La Calaca
When: 7PM-Midnight, Wednesday, March 23rd
Where: La Calaca, Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, 1240, Loja B, Leblon, RJ
Entrance: FREE