C21’s Content Americas and a shifting market
Regarding the company’s presence at Content Americas, Zapata noted: “We’re here to reconnect with clients and partners, showcase the projects we have in development, and explore different business models.”
The executive acknowledges that the industry is going through a unique moment: “Perhaps the only constant in the content industry right now is that it is in a state of constant change.” For that reason, he explains, the company is approaching business models “with the same creativity we bring to storytelling, seeking structures that benefit the client, us, our partners, and the audience as well.”
Film and emerging formats
That vision translates into an expansion of formats. “In addition to traditional series, we’re beginning to move into film—both fiction and documentary—and we’re also exploring new emerging formats, such as vertical microdramas,” he adds.
Zapata links this openness to his own professional background: “I come from a career where film has been very important, and it was exciting to bring that experience into the company—something that is already part of Endemol Shine Boomdog’s creative DNA.”
The rationale behind this strategy is to create more vehicles for storytelling. “We’re no longer focused solely on series; we’re adapting to how the industry is evolving and broadening the range of formats to connect with audiences.”
A creative alliance on three fronts
Zapata highlights the alliance with Leonardo Padrón, initiated late last summer, as one of the key strategic pillars at present. “Witnessing the incredible talent he brings to storytelling has been a privilege.”
According to Zapata, the collaboration is structured around three lines: “First, bringing Leo’s new original ideas to life. Second, leveraging his supervision and mentorship to develop stories from new authorial voices. And third, modernizing and adapting some of his most iconic works for today’s market, including markets beyond Latin America.”
He emphasizes the breadth of the partnership: “It’s an alliance that covers absolutely everything—new original projects, third-party ideas that interest us, and part of his most representative catalog.”
IP, books, and original content
Beyond this collaboration, A Fábrica continues to develop additional intellectual properties. “Within the company’s slate, we’re working on IP based on books, other types of intellectual property, and original content,” he notes, confirming a diversification strategy aimed at reducing risk and expanding opportunities for international sales.
