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“Every Minute Counts”: EFD Studios at the heart of this major production

EFD Studios reaffirms its commitment to large-scale productions through its expertise and cutting-edge technology. In the dramatic series Every Minute Counts (Aka “Cada minuto cuenta), produced by Amazon Studios and Traziende Films, the technical team and know-how of EFD Studios were fundamental in bringing to the screen a gripping story of survival and tension, delivered with impactful realism. Jorge Michel Grau, director of Every Minute Counts. Courtesy of JORGE Michel Grau, property of AMAZON Studios. Directed by Jorge Michel Grau, the series stars a remarkable cast, including Osvaldo Benavides (La Suerte de Loli, Monarca, Lo que la vida me robó), Maya Zapata (Horario Estelar, At Midnight, El Secreto de Selena), Jesús Zavala (Club de Cuervos, Búnker, Dime cuando tú), and Antonio de la Vega (Club de Cuervos, ¿Quién mató a Sara?, Un extraño enemigo). With cinematography by Santiago Sánchez, AMC (Somos lo que hay, La gran seducción), the 10-episode series transports viewers to the days following Mexico City's devastating 1985 earthquake, portraying the lives of those who fought to survive and protect their loved ones. Courtesy of: JORGE Michel Grau, property of AMAZON Studios State-of-the-Art Technology for Unparalleled Realism The production of Every Minute Counts combined real locations with Mexico City's Churubusco studio facilities, featuring a wide array of high-quality equipment provided by EFD Studios. From grip equipment like the Fisher 11 dolly to an advanced lighting setup featuring industry-leading HMI units, including ARRI Max 18K, M40, and M90, as well as SkyPanel (S60, S120, S360), Aputure (60X, 600C, and MCs), Asteras (Titan and Helios), Litegear (LiteTile 8), and Kino Flo. This selection ensured that each shot captured the intensity and visual realism demanded by the series, particularly in its most dramatic scenes. Courtesy of: JORGE Michel Grau, property of AMAZON Studios EFD Studios had the chance to speak with director Jorge Michel Grau, who shared how lighting was crucial in conveying a claustrophobic atmosphere: “To give a sense of entrapment, we decided that each space would have its own type of lighting...during the earthquake scenes, we moved not only the objects but also the shadows. We moved lights that cast shadows on walls or characters, which allows light to function as a narrative tool. It wasn’t just about illuminating what’s in front of the camera; it was about making the audience feel what’s in front of the camera.” Courtesy of: JORGE Michel Grau, property of AMAZON Studios Large-Scale Virtual Production: A Milestone for Latin America Every Minute Counts is a milestone for Latin American production, marking the region’s first large-scale virtual production. This ability to manipulate environments in real-time granted creators unique creative flexibility, allowing for more authentic scenes that made the storytelling immersive and genuine. Grau elaborates on this innovation: “The context helps embrace your characters. With green screen, the cinematographer lacks full reference and usually resorts to medium shots. In contrast, virtual production is like shooting on location, giving us a lot of control over backgrounds, and the cinematographer can frame, balance, and compose a shot that enhances the actor, the story, and especially the character’s emotional moment.” Courtesy of: JORGE Michel Grau, property of AMAZON Studios EFD Studios and the Future of Virtual Sets The use of virtual sets in productions like Every Minute Counts represents a significant shift in the film industry, where studios increasingly explore this technology to overcome the physical limitations of traditional sets. EFD Studios, committed to advancing this technology, plans to open Europe’s largest virtual production studio space in Spain. With state-of-the-art LED screens and advanced rendering and lighting control technology, filmmakers will be able to create diverse, real-time environments that maximize realism and creative control. Virtual production is emerging as a solution that promotes safer, more sustainable, and more efficient filming, expanding narrative and aesthetic possibilities for the audiovisual industry. Every Minute Counts premieres on Prime Video on November 8. Teaser | Amazon Prime:  

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EFD Studios Announces the Largest Virtual Production Set in Europe and Unveils Training Initiatives in Mexico with Inna Payán and in Spain

This new set will be the largest on the European continent and will bring about a transformation in European audiovisual production. This set will not only boost technology, but also promote greener practices within the audiovisual industry. Circa 24, EFD Studios' training initiative in collaboration with Animal de Luz Films (Inna Payán), will promote film education in Mexico and develop talent in the industry. EFD Studios Academy has a new approach to Technical Training in Spain, offering training to young talent as well as providing updating training for working professionals. Madrid, October 3rd, 2024 – During Iberseries & Platino Industria, Georgina Terán, EFD Studios CEO, announced today the construction of the largest virtual production set in Europe, marking a milestone in the audiovisual industry. This innovative facility will have more than 2,000 m² of set space equipped with LED technology and state-of-the-art computer and processing chain. The set will be located in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, offering creators an advanced working environment to explore new dimensions of creativity and production efficiency.  The panel entitled “Virtual Production: A Game-Changer”, Georgina Terán (CEO of EFD Studios), Mauricio van Hasselt (VP On-Set Producer, Pixomondo), David Monguet (VP Producer, MO&MO Studio), Migue Amoedo (Director of Photography AEC), and Amaya Muruzábal (Showrunner and CEO of M Content), moderated by Ismael Issa (Director of Photography AEC), discussed the tremendous advantages and possibilities offered by this technology, as well as its impact on current productions.  This set construction reinforces EFD Studios' dedication to the modernization of the audiovisual industry in Europe. This cutting-edge space will not only attract major international productions but will also help to optimize resources and reduce environmental impact, consolidating Spain as a benchmark in European film production.  Commitment to the Training and Development of Local Talent in Mexico and Spain  EFD Studios also reaffirmed its commitment to the training and development of local talent through two important initiatives announced during a cocktail party that took place after the panel:  CIRCA 24: In collaboration with Animal de Luz Films and its director Inna Payán, Circa 24 seeks to foster film training in Mexico, providing new opportunities for emerging talent and strengthening the country's audiovisual industry. Circa 24 is a school specializing in professional training in film, television and performing arts, distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach. Its methodology combines theory and practice, allowing students to integrate into both the creative and technical areas of the audiovisual industry. The programs cover areas such as directing, scriptwriting, production, acting, as well as a wide range of technical specialties, providing a complete and updated training that promotes a creative community focused on all areas of the audiovisual industry. Learn more about it here: https://circa24.mx/ EFD STUDIOS ACADEMY: EFD Studios Academy in Spain will focus its efforts on technical training, offering programs designed for both young talents and working professionals. In this vocational school, highly qualified professionals will be trained with a comprehensive approach in the technical and specialized areas most in demand at present. The audiovisual sector has traditionally relied on the transmission of knowledge, which is currently insufficient given the accelerated growth of the industry at a national and international level.  With the increasing demand for highly qualified professionals, driven by streaming platforms and tax incentives, EFD Studios is standing as a recognized and trusted expert in the industry. Its approach combines practical training, rigor and specialization, responding to the opportunities offered by an ever-expanding industry. Learning will be focused on technical areas that have been historically underserved in the academic offerings, aiming to be a genuine steppingstone to the professional arena and add value to the audiovisual industry. EFD Studios Academy's mission is to unite training and industry in a single process, ensuring that trained professionals have the required skills to excel and meet the demands of the market.  Innovation and Sustainability Impact  These initiatives not only drive technological innovation in the audiovisual production, but also reflect EFD Studios' commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, contributing to the growth of a stronger and more diverse film ecosystem.  About Animal de Luz  Animal de Luz is the production company headed by Inna Payán, Mexican producer with more than 20 years of experience in the audiovisual industry, with over 30 films produced and 6 TV series. Since 2011, the company has positioned itself as one of the leading Mexican film production companies.  Inna actively participates in the Mexican Association of Independent Producers, is the Vice President of the Mexican Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and is member of The Academy.  Her filmography includes La Jaula de Oro (Dir. Diego Quemada-Diez), winner of 81 international awards, including Un Certain Regard at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival; La Libertad del Diablo (Dir. Everardo González), winner of the Amnesty International Film Prize at the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival; Todos están muertos (Dir. Beatriz Sanchis), starring Elena Anaya; and Los Lobos (Dir. Samuel Kishi), winner of the Generation KPlus Grand Prix at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival.  EFD Studios at Iberseries & Platino Industria 2024 – A Visual Journey.

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EFD Studios at Iberseries & Platino Industria 2024 – A Visual Journey

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“La Máquina”: The new series that brings together the duo of Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal once again, in collaboration with EFD Studios

Disney+ is set to exclusively premiere La Máquina, a new series that marks the reunion of Mexican actors Diego Luna (Andor, Narcos: Mexico, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) and Gael García Bernal (Old, Mozart in the Jungle, The Motorcycle Diaries) as both producers and protagonists, with technical support from EFD Studios. Luna and García Bernal’s relationship solidified when they both rose to stardom with Y Tu Mamá También (2001), directed by Alfonso Cuarón. This successful production, which also used equipment from EFD Studios, launched them to international fame. Beyond their on-screen connection, the two founded the production company La Corriente del Golfo, establishing themselves as undisputed leaders in Latin American cinema. Like their first major success together, this new project also benefits from the technical expertise of EFD Studios, closing a collaborative circle that spans over two decades. La Máquina, produced by Searchlight Television for Hulu and brought to life by La Corriente del Golfo, features the collaboration of ESPN KNOCKOUT. The cinematography is handled by Emiliano Villanueva, AMC (A Cop Movie, The Thin Yellow Line, Lu's Dream). For this production, EFD Studios deployed state-of-the-art technology, utilizing Alexa 35 cameras with Hawk V-Lite lenses and a sophisticated lighting system featuring SkyPanels and Asteras. This technical partnership ensures a top-tier visual experience. La Máquina tells the story of a boxer at the end of his career, played by Gael García Bernal. With limited opportunities ahead, his shrewd manager, portrayed by Diego Luna, secures him one last chance to fight for the title. Marco Ramírez, known for his work on Daredevil, serves as showrunner, while the series is directed by Gabriel Ripstein, acclaimed for films like 600 Miles and An Unknown Enemy. Gerardo Gatica, Leandro Halperin, and Adam Fishbach also join as producers. This series promises to be one of the most anticipated of the year, combining renowned talent with an adrenaline-filled, emotional story set in the world of boxing. La Máquina | Official Trailer | Disney+  La Máquina premieres exclusively on Disney+ on October 9, with a total of six episodes.

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EFD Studios at IBC 2024: Exploring the Latest Trends in the Audiovisual Industry

The EFD Studios team attended the 2024 edition of the IBC (International Broadcasting Convention), held in Amsterdam from September 13th to 16th. This prestigious event, recognized as one of the most influential in broadcasting and audiovisual production, brought together global experts to showcase the latest innovations redefining the industry. During the convention, the EFD Studios team had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge trends and technological advancements, ranging from advanced AI solutions to innovations in cloud-based broadcasting. The event remains a pivotal platform for exploring new technologies and advanced solutions within the audiovisual realm, gathering key players such as ARRI, Sony, Fujifilm, Sigma, DJI, Angenieux, Canon, and Teradek, to name a few of the +1,250 companies attending this year. Key Highlights: Blazar and Caldwell Among the many surprises at the event was Blazar, an emerging Chinese company that unveiled the world’s first anamorphic lens with autofocus. This breakthrough represents a significant milestone in optical technology. Anamorphic lenses are crucial in cinematic production, and the addition of autofocus has the potential to revolutionize the industry.   Caldwell optics also made a strong impression, known for their outstanding performance in high-profile productions like The Mandalorian. These lenses stood out for their ability to produce visually striking images and have been used in other acclaimed series such as Silo, showcasing their versatility and excellence in demanding production environments. Digital Transformation and Remote Production: The New Standard in Broadcasting A major highlight of IBC was the ongoing digital transformation reshaping the broadcasting industry. IP technologies and cloud-based solutions are revolutionizing broadcast operations, making remote and distributed production models not only possible, but increasingly essential. This approach not only offers greater flexibility but also optimizes resources by reducing the need for on-site staff and equipment. Cloud technologies provide scalability and agility, allowing broadcasters to quickly adapt to market demands, enhancing both efficiency and production quality. The Rise of China’s Technology Industry One of the standout aspects of this year’s convention was the strong presence of Chinese technology companies, occupying a large number of booths and displaying an impressive range of products. Chinese companies are making rapid strides in innovation and quality, gaining prominence on the global stage. This growth highlights China’s increasing influence in the audiovisual sector, solidifying its position as a major player in the development and manufacturing of advanced equipment, from cameras and lenses to post-production solutions. Final Thoughts Attending events like IBC offers a unique chance to understand and engage with emerging trends in the industry. It serves as a key platform for interacting with the developers of cutting-edge audiovisual technologies who are driving the future of the sector. The presence of advanced technologies, such as cloud solutions and remote production capabilities, underscores the industry’s ongoing shift toward digitalization. Meanwhile, innovative lenses from companies like Blazar and Caldwell prove that even in well-established fields like cinematic optics, there is always room for modernization. EFD Studios will continue to monitor these developments to ensure we deliver the best technology and services to our clients worldwide.

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Pedro Páramo: A Cinematic Adaptation Directed by Rodrigo Prieto with EFD Studios’ Equipment

The celebrated novel by Mexican author Juan Rulfo, first published in 1955, is being brought to the big screen under the direction of Rodrigo Prieto, ASC, AMC. Known for his work on Barbie, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Argo, Prieto. The screenplay is adapted by Mateo Gil (Vanilla Sky, Agora, Realive). The film stars Manuel García-Rulfo (The Magnificent Seven, Murder on the Orient Express) as Pedro Páramo and Tenoch Huerta (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Forever Purge) as Juan Preciado. Rodrigo Prieto, who’s not only directing but also overseeing the cinematography, relied on cutting-edge equipment from EFD Studios to achieve his vision. For this production EFD Studios provided mobile lighting and grip equipment, ARRI’s M-series lights, SkyPanels, power generators, and a Fisher Dolly 11. These advanced tools were essential in capturing the high cinematic quality visible in the film's early images. The plot follows Juan Preciado (played by Huerta), who embarks on a journey to find the father he never knew, Pedro Páramo. However, upon arriving in the town of Comala, he encounters only ghostly memories of a place long dominated by the shadow of his father.  Pedro Páramo is produced by Redrum and will premiere on November 6, 2024, exclusively on Netflix.

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EFD’s co-production “Casi el Paraíso” opens in Mexican theaters on September 12

In 1956, Luis Spota wrote the first great Mexican bestseller, Casi el Paraíso, as an attempt to portray a Mexico marked by corruption, power and ambition. 68 years later, the long-awaited film adaptation finally arrives in theaters in a co-production by Film Tank, Interlinea Films, Cinépolis Distribución, Telemundo Studios and EFD in association with The Lift.  September features one of the most eagerly awaited premieres of the year for Mexican cinema. Directed by Edgar San Juan and with a stellar cast headed by Karol Sevilla (Soy Luna, Siempre fui yo), Andrea Arcangeli (Romulus, La primera profecía), Miguel Rodarte (Destilando México, Tiempo Compartido) and Esmeralda Pimentel (El Color de la Pasión, Cachito de Cielo), the film promises a new take on this classic work. Cinematography for Casi el Paraíso was handled by AMC's Alejandro Cantú (Carmín Tropical, El Juego de las Llaves) who worked with his production team using an Alexa 35 camera stabilized with a Scorpio 38, Cooke lenses and a lighting design with Asteras. The film combines classic elements of the original novel with a contemporary vision, addressing topics such as power, corruption and social media's impact on today's society.

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EFD Digital Supports Post-Production of Pimpinero: Blood and Oil

EFD Digital is proud to have contributed to the post-production of Pimpinero: Blood and Oil, a Dynamo production for Prime Video. The film had its world premiere on September 9 at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival. The film showcases a renowned cast including Alberto Guerra (El Señor de los Cielos, Ingobernable, Ladrón de Corazones), Alejandro Speitzer (La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta, Dark Desire, Someone Has to Die), and Laura Osma (El Chapo, Fugitivos, El Suspiro del Silencio). Furthermore, the film marks the on-screen acting debut of Colombian singer Juanes.  Directed by Andrés Baiz (Griselda, Narcos, The Hidden Face), who also produced the film and co-wrote the screenplay together with María Camila Arias (Soleil de Nuit, Candelaria, Clara Sola), the film features Mateo Londoño (AMC) as its director of photography. Pimpinero: Blood and Oil follows the Estrada brothers, oil smugglers known as "Pimpineros", who risk their lives transporting illegal fuel across the dangerous Colombian-Venezuelan border. The film will be released in theaters on October 10, with a subsequent release on Prime Video.

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