Endemol Shine Boomdog: “We Already Have Twelve Original Unscripted Projects”

With twelve original projects, some with pilot episodes produced, Jaime Escallon-Buraglia steps into his role as Executive Director of Development at Endemol Shine Boomdog. He also brings several key priorities, including introducing new formats such as docu-follow, true crime, and docudrama.

In a conversation with PRODU, he stated that beyond developing original content, his goal is to innovate and continue engaging with audiences. He also aims to keep existing properties relevant—those already adapted for Mexico, the U.S., and Latin America—and ensure that successful programs reach their full potential.

“We want to innovate. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the industry and hesitation to take risks, but we have great partners in broadcast television and streaming platforms. They are very interested in innovation, using live TV as a tool to attract audiences, introducing strong characters, and creating content around them,” he explained, emphasizing that the support and resources of Banijay and Endemol Shine Boomdog are crucial in achieving these goals.

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

Endemol Shine Boomdog’s decision to bring Escallon-Buraglia into such a key position was not taken lightly. The company has a longstanding relationship with the producer and creator, having collaborated on productions in Colombia, Mexico, and the U.S. Over the past two years, Jaime has been part of the development team.

Some of the shows Escallon-Buraglia has worked on with Endemol Shine Boomdog include Married at First Sight, Wendy: Lost but Famous, The 50 (Season 2), and Enamorándonos.

With 25 years of experience in independent production, he has worked across different genres and regions. “I’ve filmed in almost every country in Latin America, the U.S., Canada, and Europe, in multiple languages. I’ve extensively explored the documentary genre, with over 150 documentaries.” He has also worked on fiction, films, and series.

This is the first time Escallon-Buraglia is joining a corporation. Before making this move, he ensured he understood the company and its people well. “I already know everyone. It’s a very diverse company, with people from different regions and various talents. We have a strong creative team, and I work closely with production. I’m also highly involved in ensuring that the creative aspects align with budgets and our clients’ needs.”

INNOVATION AS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE

The executive stated that one of his roles is to innovate within existing formats. “We need to work on formats so that audiences don’t get fatigued and always have new reasons to keep watching. We also need to expand into digital so that linear and non-linear content are connected. This is the future—it’s how people are consuming content,” he noted.

Regarding original productions, they are exploring new genres, leveraging available talent and infrastructure to create content designed for the next three to five years.

He highlighted the importance of technology in streamlining and optimizing processes while keeping creativity in human hands. “Technology should make processes more efficient and enhance storytelling so it connects more deeply with audiences. Many times, it takes a year and a half to develop a format, and by the time it’s released, it already feels outdated,” he pointed out.

EXPANDING CLIENT BASE

He mentioned that they are strengthening relationships with existing clients by tailoring content to their audiences. At the same time, they are also reaching out to new clients in the digital space, including brands and groups involved in sports, cooking, and adventure programming.

“We are leveraging Banijay’s infrastructure, which allows us to build relationships with other production companies and professionals from Spain, England, and Brazil. It’s a great opportunity,” he emphasized.

His background in documentaries also gives him an edge in reality TV and other formats, as these stories revolve around real people. “You create somewhat structured situations, but the people in those situations are real. That’s where my documentary experience is relevant. In the end, the key is creating an ecosystem, an environment with rules, challenges, and goals, and then observing how real people react. That’s what makes it compelling.”

CONNECTING WITH AUDIENCES

Authenticity is the key ingredient to engaging audiences, according to Escallon-Buraglia. He pointed out that viewers are increasingly skilled at distinguishing between real and fabricated content. “Audiences want authentic shows across all genres. Some prefer deep topics, others enjoy fashion, weddings, or fame-related content, but everyone wants authenticity.”

Achieving this requires rigorous attention to detail, honesty, and authenticity in character development, storytelling, and production processes. “Beyond authenticity, audiences want to consume content anytime, anywhere. We must craft stories that work in traditional formats but also adapt to alternative ways of consumption. Audiences enjoy interacting and forming relationships with the shows they watch. This must be considered when creating content,” he noted.

He emphasized that audiences are diverse—some shows are designed for mass appeal, while others target niche markets. “At all times, we must have the humility to listen to the audience and communicate in an honest, authentic tone.”

He concluded that when viewers feel included and recognize the authenticity of a show, it succeeds. “Audiences are becoming more demanding because there’s so much content available,” said the new Executive Director of Development at Endemol Shine Boomdog.