Writer Ximena Suárez: OTT Platforms Have Positively Impacted Audiovisual Narratives By Exploring New Themes

Renowned for telenovelas that have captivated audiences worldwide, such as Rubí and Teresa, Ximena Suárez is currently working on Juegos de Amor y Poder, a production by Carlos Bardasano set to premiere in the first quarter of this year at 9:30pm on Las Estrellas by TelevisaUnivision. Suárez revealed she is also developing a script marking her entry into creating series for streaming platforms. She shared her insights on the opportunities and challenges these platforms offer, along with her perspective on the current state of melodrama.

“I’d love to work with platforms like Amazon Prime or Netflix. I think there’s so much to contribute, especially in melodrama. Shorter formats allow for more intense storytelling and capturing new audiences,” Suárez remarked, confirming her work on a streaming series, though she refrained from sharing further details.

THEMATIC OPENNESS ON PLATFORMS

According to Suárez, streaming platforms have positively impacted audiovisual storytelling, “opening the door to explore themes that were rarely tackled on traditional TV, such as abuse or certain diversities. However, I believe we’ve reached a point where some topics are being overused, which may alienate audiences.”

She emphasized that this openness grants creators greater freedom to tell relevant, complex stories where balance is essential: “Addressing topics organically is crucial. Audiences can tell when something is included just to tick a box, which can disengage them.”

CHALLENGES FOR WRITERS IN THE DIGITAL ERA

With the growing demand for content, Suárez highlighted the main challenge for writers: maintaining originality. “The fast-paced consumption sometimes leads platforms to repeat narrative patterns, like the classic avenging hero. This can exhaust viewers and underscores the need to refresh formulas while retaining the essence of melodrama.”

For Suárez, melodrama remains the foundation of storytelling: “Without characters who suffer, love, and fight for their goals, there’s no story. Melodrama transcends eras, cultures, and genres — it’s evident in Mexican, Korean, and Turkish productions.”

THE EVOLUTION OF MEXICAN TELENOVELAS

Discussing the resurgence of Mexican telenovelas, Suárez noted that local productions are revisiting elements adopted by industries like Turkey and Korea. “They embraced structures Mexico used 20 years ago, like the Cinderella story. Now, our telenovelas are bouncing back by adapting to current tastes while preserving their essence.”

COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Another significant issue for the La Paloma writer is the need to regulate copyright for writers in Mexico and Latin America, particularly with platform contracts. “In the U.S., you’re paid once for a commissioned work, but here, writers can regain their rights after a time. We don’t oppose one-time payments, provided they’re fair and reflect the value of our work,” she stated.

Suárez stressed the importance of legislative balance to protect writers, ensuring they can earn a living and leave a legacy for their families. “We’re working to unite regionally to safeguard our rights, despite legal differences between countries.”

COLLABORATION AND NARRATIVE DIVERSITY

For Suárez, diversity in creative teams is key to enriching stories: “I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. It enriches the narrative and creates more authentic characters. It’s not a battle between men and women but an exchange of ideas that elevates the quality of storytelling,” she concluded.