Amazon MGM Studios’ Gato Grande label will launch a new division focused on producing English language series and films sourced from Latin American intellectual properties. Its first project, “Clipperton,” is based on best-selling Colombian author Laura Restrepo’s novel “The Isle of Passion.”
“Clipperton” follows the true story of a group of Mexican castaways stranded on a remote island who must try to survive while maintaining their relationships.
The new division’s goal is to produce premium, scripted television and features for mainstream U.S. and global audiences. The idea is to create commercial content across all genres that escapes the “commonplace tropes of Latinos generally seen in media,” according to the company’s statement.
The film projects will focus on developing and producing high-concept stories in comedy, drama and sci-fi, with budgets ranging from $5 million to $30 million. In television, Gato Grande plans to develop a wide range of content to be distributed across both linear networks and streaming platforms. This will include half-hour sitcoms, serialized dramas and limited series.
“Our expansion into English language film and television is a natural progression for our business,” said Gato Grande CEO Carla Gonzalez Vargas in a statement. “In doing so, it will allow us to advance storylines that include Latino-based characters that are not limited to Spanish-speaking territories or storylines.”
Prior to the launch of this arm, the Mexican-American production company had exclusively produced content in Spanish.
As for “Clipperton,” though a release date and cast are yet to be announced, the logline reads: “Eager to indulge in a boundless honeymoon adventure, Ramon and Alicia Arnaud arrive at the remote island of Clipperton, where Ramon is set to fulfill his duties as governor. Instead of getting to enjoy the tropical paradise they had envisioned, the newlyweds soon find themselves trapped on a hostile island, struggling to deal with its treacherous inhabitants. Inspired by true events.”
“Clipperton” will be written and produced by Carlos Portugal (“East Los High,” “House of Payne”) and executive produced by Carla Gonzalez Vargas (“Wednesday,” “Luis Miguel: The Series”) and Juan Manuel Borbolla (“Bandidos,” “Cada Minuto Cuenta”) under Gato Grande creative executive Moises Amsel.
Brian Dobbins and Kimberlin Belloni represent Gato Grande at Artists First. The Independent Artist Group represents Portugal.
