U.S. HISPANIC
BTF Media: V de Víctor achieves a star system comparable to US productions
Vanessa Maldonado| 22 de mayo de 2024
Director Frank Ariza, actors Adriana Montes de Oca, Memo Villegas, Jonathan Alonso, and Francisco Cordero from BTF, from the film V de Víctor
On Thursday, May 16, the film V de Víctor, produced by BTF Media and AF Pictures and directed by Frank Ariza, will premiere in Mexican cinemas, with its subsequent release on Star+. In an interview, Francisco Cordero, CEO of BTF Media, discussed the film, highlighting its foundation in a true story, strong script, and star system that aligns it with American productions.
“V de Víctor emphasizes family values, which are often forgotten. Our industry is becoming more niche-focused, targeting specific themes and genres and neglecting diversity. Creating content that brings the whole family together, with a positive message, is what makes this film special. It also highlights the importance of fighting for your dreams and goals,” said Cordero.
This film marks the fourth collaboration between BTF Media and Ariza, aiming to deliver family-friendly content that speaks to all generations. “It’s a story that resonates with children, parents, and grandparents alike,” added Cordero.
Regarding the filming process, Ariza explained that the production took six and a half weeks, with an additional seven weeks of post-production. The film was shot in locations across the Canary Islands and Madrid. One significant challenge was making the lead actor, Memo Villegas, believable as a boxer. “He had to undergo extensive boxing training to ensure his performance in the ring looked authentic,” Ariza noted.
Another challenge was recreating Mexico outside its borders. “We approached this with great respect, given Mexico’s cultural significance and distinctive color palette. Though the entire cast was Mexican, we aimed for cultural authenticity through expert consultation, focusing on customs and family values,” Ariza explained.
Following its theatrical release, V de Víctor will be available on Star+ through an ongoing partnership with the platform. Cordero emphasized that returning to cinemas post-pandemic has been challenging but rewarding, as audiences are eager for family comedies. “We pitched this idea to Disney from the start, and they supported it, allowing us to premiere in theaters before moving to Star+. This is our seventh film with them, and the results have been excellent, often surpassing those of US films,” he said.
The film’s key elements lie in its relatable story, resonating deeply with Mexican society. “The industry and market trends show we are increasingly similar to the US, where a strong star system exists. We have a potent one ourselves, which enhances audience connection with the characters,” Cordero stated.
Ariza added that the production’s strength lies in BTF’s creative experience and strategic direction, ensuring the film captures audience attention. “We’ve meticulously planned every aspect to succeed on the big screen,” he said.
V de Víctor combines humor with the dynamics of personal relationships, offering a heartwarming family story that will resonate with Mexican audiences. The film is produced by V de Víctor Producciones Cinema SL, AF Pictures (Frank Ariza), and BTF Media (Francisco Cordero and Ricardo Coeto), in collaboration with Grupo Expansión, and distributed by Star Distribution.
