Andrés Budnik of Vision Entertainment: “With Vision Entertainment Studios, We Are Developing Several Projects in Latam, the U.S., and Spain”

Following the launch of its studio division, Vision Entertainment is developing and has sold several projects in the U.S., Latin America, and Spain, including projects for Netflix, a film for Amazon, a development with ViX, and a film in Spain with Secuoya aimed at the U.S. market later this year. Andrés Budnik, co-founder and co-CEO of the company, discussed these developments and other topics with Ríchard Izarra on #PRODUprimetime. “We are extremely happy with the results we’ve been achieving, even in a highly competitive and contracting market,” said Budnik.

GOOD STORIES AND PROJECTS THAT CAPTURE INTEREST AND EMOTION

Asked about the formula for standing out from the competition, Budnik replied that it comes down to “telling great stories and creating projects that genuinely interest people, grab their attention, that audiences want to hear and share, and that are worthy of their time. Obviously, successfully marketing shows or films, distribution, and many other factors are part of the equation, but I believe it all starts with telling truly compelling stories—stories that are attractive, engaging, commercial, and that people genuinely want to watch.”

He added that stories should also “move people emotionally, touch them, make them cry, laugh, feel angry—take them on a roller coaster of emotions. Those are the kinds of compelling stories we actively seek.”

As an example, he cited a case in Mexico involving two 17-year-old influencers and content creators, where one stabbed the other 16 times over a boyfriend.

“It was a story that exploded on social media and became a major topic of conversation. The girl went to prison for a period of time, but because she was a minor, the Mexican justice system released her after a few months. We optioned the life rights of this young woman and several others involved in the story, and we’re telling it through the eyes of these teenagers—how they experienced it, how they saw the events unfold, and why things happened the way they did. It’s a very interesting project. Stories like that capture people’s attention,” he said.

Another project Budnik discussed involves the Australian woman at the center of the Folbigg case, who was accused of murdering her young children and imprisoned for many years.

“A Spanish scientist began investigating the case and ultimately discovered that the children had actually died of natural causes. We already have a script for the film and Spanish partners who optioned the rights to this woman’s story. It is essentially a semi-political thriller about how the Australian justice and judicial system treated her and ultimately sent her to prison.”

The company is also working on a project about Frida Kahlo and her romance with Leon Trotsky while the Russian exile was staying at the Blue House, where Kahlo lived with her husband, Diego Rivera.

“There is a great deal of intrigue. Trotsky faces multiple assassination attempts, creating constant tension, danger, and suspense over whether he will be killed. At the same time, there’s the romance with Frida, unfolding right under the noses of Diego and Trotsky’s wife. It’s a fascinating period, highly compelling, and a story worth telling—a sexy thriller. We’re developing it with one of our clients, Carlos Cuarón,” he explained.

TALENT REPRESENTATION

Budnik also spoke about the company’s talent management business. He noted that many of their clients are currently working on “interesting and important projects” in both Latin America and the United States.

“For example, Fernanda Urrejola has just premiered her series The House of the Spirits, where she served as creator, showrunner, and actress. Priscilla Delgado, a young Spanish actress, appeared in Season 3 of Euphoria. She is incredibly talented, and I think she has a wonderful career and tremendous potential ahead of her. Mariana Treviño recently wrapped filming on a new season of Stick with Owen Wilson. Diana Bovio, who starred in Mentiras, is one of the talents with the greatest potential and one of the hottest names in Mexico right now.

“On the writing side, Silvia Ortega Vettoretti wrote the latest season of Like Water for Chocolate, and Ilse Apellaniz also wrote on Mentiras and has several exciting projects that will soon come to market. Jorge Dorantes, whom we also represent, created Gringo Hunters. He is a very talented writer and is now working on another Amazon project. Carolina Aguirre, who created Envious, a tremendous hit, is someone we believe will soon begin working in the U.S. as well. I could spend all day talking about projects and clients, but at the end of the day, we represent incredibly talented people, and we are very proud of them,” Budnik said.