Gal Raday exits Beta Film to launch Janeiro Studios with Beta and Brazilian partners

Koby Gal Raday and Ilda Santiago (photo: Philipp Lavra)

A new player in international film and TV production has emerged with the formation of Janeiro Studios, a partnership between veteran producers Koby Gal Raday and Ilda Santiago together with Beta Film of Germany and Mymama Entertainment of Brazil.

Gal Raday has stepped down from his position as chief content officer at Beta Film to launch Janeiro. He will lead the company as CEO, while Santiago will serve as MD.

Based in Rio de Janeiro, Janeiro Studios aims to produce premium scripted series and feature films originating from Brazil and Latin America, as well as international high-end projects.

Janeiro Studios will have offices in both Brazil and Europe, and plans to build on its founders’ experience, talent network and passion “for singular, curated and auteur-driven” content, the company said.

Gal Raday was appointed chief content officer at Beta Film in July 2020. He has previously had stints at Israel’s Yes TV, Germany’s Pro.SiebenSat.1, July August Productions and Reshet TV. His production credits include La Storia and Rise of The Raven.

Santiago is known for her work with Brazilian art-house distributor Estação Group, while she is also co-founder, CEO and artistic director at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival. She counts Andrucha Waddington’s latest film Vitoria among her production credits.

Mayra Faour Auad, founder and CEO of São Paulo- and Rio de Janeiro-based prodco Mymama Entertainment, is also part of the new partnership. Her work includes International Emmy-winning productions such as Hack the City and Our Blood, Our Body, as well as Beat Diaspora and White Noise.

Beta CEO Jan Mojto said the launch of Janeiro with Beta backing allows the German company to expand into Latin America: “After expanding our network of partners and subsidiaries throughout Europe, we are ready to move overseas. Together with Koby, Ilda and Mymama Entertainment, we wish to explore new opportunities and business models in Brazil and South America and create programs for the world.”

Gal Raday said: “With over 20 years on the broadcaster, sales and coproduction side, I’m ready to return to my roots as an independent producer and focus on my ever-lasting passion: facilitating and enabling the creation of untold stories for film and cinema, delivered in bold and unique ways.

“In this challenging global market, I truly believe South America and Brazil are in the right moment to champion the work of emerging and established local filmmakers, connect international talent to create within these exciting local industries and explore innovative models of collaboration, coproduction and creation.”

Santiago added: “I’ve been ‘preaching’ for coproductions and alliances between Brazil and other countries for many years. It’s exciting to dive into this new chapter, which allows my passion to work with talent across new borders. It opens new doors for Brazil and our industry, as well welcoming stories and talent from abroad to explore Brazilian potential.”

Faour Auad said: “In my experience both in Brazil and abroad, it is about time we build and develop bridges for bigger productions. Brazil is ready to expand its creative and commercial boundaries, and the international market expects it from us now.”