Diana Mejía-Jones, VP of Development at Campanario Entertainment: We were inspired by a highly successful Russian format that ran for ten years, but we completely reimagined it with original characters
Continuing its commitment to original productions with local flavor and international appeal, the ViX platform added the series Profe Infiltrado to its offerings on Monday, June 10th. The series, produced by Campanario Entertainment, exemplifies the opportunity streaming platforms offer independent producers for creative freedom. Diana Mejía-Jones, VP of Development at Campanario Entertainment, and director Poncho Pineda, spoke about this advantage, highlighting Profe Infiltrado – a series based on a Russian story.
“This project originated with Campanario,” Mejía-Jones explained. “We were inspired by a highly successful Russian format that ran for ten years, but we completely reimagined it with original characters. We deliberately steered away from drug trafficking narratives, opting instead for a very real portrayal of Mexico centered around a private school. This creates a unique blend of two contrasting worlds, all delivered with a touch of humor and warmth.”
For the director, this was entirely new territory,” Pineda said. “Having never seen the Russian version, I was drawn to the script’s deeply Mexican roots. The world of ‘fayuca’ (smuggled goods) has always been a part of life where I live, and it was refreshing to see a series tackle it in a comedic light. I’m a big fan of productions that make us laugh, and this one seamlessly integrates its characters with Mexican culture.”
Pineda acknowledged the popularity of comedies on streaming platforms, noting that it’s the most requested genre. However, he emphasized the variety within comedy, highlighting the prevalence of dramedies in Mexico.
“Profe Infiltrado is an all-out comedy that embraces the power of absurdity, but the humor is well-written and lands perfectly. It succeeds on multiple levels: the story is edgy, the absurd elements are cleverly woven into the narrative without feeling out of place, and that’s what keeps it from becoming slapstick. Today’s audiences are discerning critics – young, sharp, and well-educated. We have to meet them on their level, which means crafting stories with greater care and attention,” he explained.
The challenge for industry players, he said, is to make comedies that captivate and make people laugh, keeping the audience fully engaged.
Filming for the first two seasons of this project, produced by Tita Lombardo, took approximately 14 weeks and included locations in Mexico City. Two directors, Miguel Necochea and Poncho Pineda, helmed the project, utilizing a two-camera setup.
“Having the showrunner on set every day was crucial. Their presence ensured the tone and intention of the project resonated with both directors,” noted the executive.
Finally, Mejía emphasizes the role of streaming platforms: “Streaming has opened the door for us to develop this type of series.” She expresses his gratitude to ViX: “I thank ViX for granting us creative freedom on this project. They encouraged us to realize our vision, which is a valuable opportunity for independent producers like ourselves to create this kind of content.”
Profe Infiltrado tells the story of Julián, a good-hearted dreamer who has never known the world of crime. Julián falls into the hands of Commander Aurelio Maldonado, head of the police’s anti-smuggling division. To avoid jail time for himself and his mother, Julián is blackmailed into becoming an informant within the Ochando drug cartel. His mission is twofold: to gather evidence proving Don Rafael is using the school as a clandestine warehouse, and to approach Paola, Don Rafael’s daughter, in an attempt to turn her against him. Ultimately, the plan aims to dismantle the entire operation by arresting Don Rafael.
