Netflix ups investment in Brazilian originals

RIO2C: Global streaming giant Netflix is linking with some of Brazil’s top actors, writers and directors to increase its slate of original movies and series from the country to 30 projects.

Ted Sarandos

The streamer announced at the Rio Creative Conference today that it was working with actors Maisa Silva and Larissa Manoela and comedian Fábio Porchat on an expanded film slate.

Projects are also being planned with actors Giovanna Lancellotti and Danilo Mesquita, author and screenwriter Thalita Rebouças, and directors César Rodrigues, Bruno Garotti and Leandro Neri.

The 30 Netflix series, films and documentaries premiering in Brazil over the next two years include thriller, horror, romance and comedy titles, as well as kids’ and family content.

The new projects also include the first animated version of The Nutty Boy, the iconic work of Brazilian writer and cartoonist Ziraldo. Produced by Chatrone (The Book of Life), it will launch in 2021.

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said: “Brazil has extraordinary talent and a long tradition of great storytelling. It’s why we’re so excited to increase our investment in the Brazilian creative community. These 30 projects, which are in various stages of production in different locations across the country, will be made in Brazil and watched by the world.”

Silva (Cinderela Pop, Tudo Por um Pop Star) will feature in three original productions, while Porchat is set to star in a trio of Netflix movies following the success of comedy special The Last Hangover.

Meanwhile, Manoela will star in feature film Modo Avião, which is being written and directed by Rodrigues (Vai que Cola – O Filme). Produced by A Fábrica, it revolves around Ana, a young social media influencer who crashes her grandfather’s classic car while taking a selfie.

Writer Rebouças will make her Netflix debut with Quem Nunca?, a story about three teenage girls who go on a school camping trip. The girls have made a pact to stay single, but all bets are off when their exes appear and unexpected crushes develop.

Elsewhere, Garotti (Cinderela Pop) is directing romantic comedy Ricos de Amor for the streamer. The Anana Produções title stars Mesquita (Spectros) as Teto, a wealthy 20-year-old who is in line to inherit a successful factory belonging to his father, the ‘Tomato King.’ However, his world turns upside down when he meets down-to-earth Paula, played by Lancellotti (Segundo Sol).

Carnival, directed by Neri (A Padroeira) and produced by Camisa Listrada (O Candidato Honesto, Os Farofeiros), is a comedy about 23-year-old Nina. After a video of her boyfriend cheating on her goes viral, Nina uses her influencer connections to get an all-expenses-paid, all-access, all-you-can-do trip to Brazil’s most famous Carnival, bringing along her three best friends.

In addition to these new films, Netflix also recently announced Sergio, a feature that will be produced by Narcos star and Golden Globe nominee Wagner Moura. The biopic focuses on Brazilian United Nations diplomat Sérgio Vieira de Mello.

Previously announced original series filmed in Brazil include Soccer, a drama by Elena Soares that focuses on the relationship between two teenagers who are picked from among thousands to join the junior squad of the country’s top football club.

The Chosen One, adapted by fantasy authors Raphael Draccon and Carolina Munhóz, and Sintonia, created by Konrad Dantas (aka KondZilla), Guilherme Quintella and Felipe Braga, are also slated.

Nobody’s Looking, a comedy featuring Daniel Rezende in his first solo project for Netflix, is also in the works. Starring Victor Lamoglia, Júlia Rabello and Kéfera Buchmann, the show is being produced by Gullane.