DOS CORAZONES FILMS LAUNCHES IN MEXICO
New Film and TV Company is Led by Producer Pablo José Barroso
First Film is Animated Feature “Max & Me”
Mexico City – August 5, 2014 — A major new player in the world of independent film and TV development, finance and production has emerged out of Mexico as producer Pablo José Barroso Barroso has launched the independent production and finance outfit Dos Corazones Films.
Headquartered in Mexico City, Dos Corazones is a film and television production company dedicated to making high-end commercial films and TV series (English language) with positive messaging for a worldwide audience. Barroso will run the company as CEO, with producing collaborator Claudia Nemer serving as COO.
With a mandate to serve as a top-tier supplier of mainstream projects for the studios, networks, digital platforms and major independent distributors worldwide, Dos Corazones will develop/finance/produce two to four films a year and one to two television series.
Dos Corazones’ single-picture investments in movies will range from $10 million to $50 million, depending on the project, while television investments will hover in the $5 – $10 million range.
Backed by private equity sources out of Mexico, there are no set restrictions on how or where they allocate capital, which allows for maximum flexibility in sourcing projects and material and collaborating with various partners to build a diverse slate.
Devoted to fostering an artist-friendly environment for top filmmakers, show runners and talent, the company will focus on making films and TV series with positive messages and family values, but will not be beholden to ratings and will greenlight projects rated anywhere from G to R as long as these values are represented and meaningful.
The first two film projects from Dos Corazones are the animated feature “Max & Me” and “Maccabees” – a live action feature about the Jewish revolt against the Greek-Syrians, led by Judah Maccabee. The first TV series from Dos Corazones is titled “The Cave,” and is based on near death experiences.
“Max & Me” is written by Bruce Morris (Disney’s “Pocahontas,” “Hercules”), directed by Donovan Cook (movies) , animation company IMagica (Patricia García Peña and Gregorio Núñez), and features a voice cast of David Henrie (“Wizards of Waverly Place,” “How I Met your Mother”), Ashley Greene (“The Twilight Saga”), Neal McDonough (“Minority Report,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”), and Hector Elizondo (“Pretty Woman” “The Princess Diaries”).
The film recounts the true story of the Polish priest, Maximilian Kolbe, and the incredible challenges he faced during the Nazi invasion of Poland in World War II. Kolbe seeks to protect Jews and is punished and then makes the ultimate sacrifice inside of a concentration camp. The story unfolds through a modern encounter of an older man, Gunter, with a young rebel, DJ, and utilizes the story of Father Max, to teach DJ that there is no greater love than when someone gives one’s life for a friend.
Commenting on the launch of the company, Barroso said, “We are a company that puts material first and will develop and explore inspiring stories and find a way to bring them to the big screen. We believe there is an underserved market for content touting strong values so our ambition is to help fill this void in the marketplace and deliver the highest quality movies and TV product to audiences worldwide.”
Nemer added, “We are inspired by stories that deliver human values without sacrificing the commercial entertainment values that propel Hollywood. We are thrilled to take on this exciting new endeavor together and work creatively and collaboratively to build something very special.”
Barroso and Nemer are experienced producers who have had significant success in the film arena. Prior to forming Dos Corazones, Barroso produced several films including the well-received epic movie “For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada,” starring Andy Garcia and Oscar Isaac, which opened atop the Mexican box office and crossed over successfully at the US box office.
In 2008 Barroso built a studio to animate 3D projects in México, and created the faith based animated film “The Greatest Miracle,” which was the first 100% animated 3D movie produced in México and opened as the third highest grossing film in Mexico its opening weekend, ahead of such studio blockbusters as “Moneyball” and “Tree of Life.”
A highly successful businessman in Mexico, Barroso entered the film industry in 2005 with a mission to deliver messages through films that have family values as their essence. His first films were “Guadalupe,” which was released in 2006 in both Mexico and the United States; “Karol”, a biography of Pope John Paul II’; and “Cascia.” All were released theatrically.
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