Catalina Porto, Content Director at The Mediapro Studio in Colombia and México, and Consuelo’s Executive Producer
ViX blasts viewers back to the 1950s with Consuelo, a series produced by The Mediapro Studio. The show explores the lives of women during this era and how their roles in society began to evolve. Consuelo‘s executive producers, Catalina Porto (Content Director for The Mediapro Studio in Colombia and Mexico) and Vincenzo Gratteri (SVP of Development at ViX) believe this theme will resonate with streaming audiences.
“The past two years on Consuelo have been an amazing journey, working hand-in-hand with every team at ViX. This project is deeply meaningful to me, not just because it’s a well-produced show, but because it tells a powerfully relevant story. We explore the fight for women’s suffrage and empowerment in 1950s Mexico, while also bringing that era to life in stunning detail,” commented Porto.
This story, she said, is a window into the fight for women’s rights in the 1950s. We’ll see how women gained a foothold in both politics and the business world.
She added that this story shows how things changed for women regarding their participation in politics and starting businesses. “Consuelo goes beyond being a stunning 4K period drama set in the 1950s. It’s a journey back in time with a fresh, contemporary perspective.”
VIX’S BIG BET
For Gratteri, this series is the result of a very big bet on the part of ViX. “We aimed for a top-notch cast, art direction, makeup, and hair. While this meant high standards and tight deadlines, The Mediapro Studio was an incredible partner. We tackled every challenge together, not as vendor and client, but as a single, united team.”
The challenge for both companies was to give it a premium look. “This is why we did the exercise of producing it in Colombia, due to the rebate issues that that country offers, being a 100% Mexican series, set in Mexico in the 1950s.”
Building on Vincenzo’s point,” Catalina Porto added, “the challenge wasn’t just the powerful story or the period setting. It was making it feel authentic. Many viewers will be recalling their aunts’ or grandmothers’ homes, and how they drank tea – these details were crucial. In-depth research and a strong budget were essential, and that’s where ViX proved to be an invaluable partner. They understood the importance of faithfully portraying this story and making it resonate with viewers.”
MEXICO AND COLOMBIA UNITED FOR CONSUELO
One of the biggest hurdles for this production involved relocating a large portion of the Mexican cast to Colombia. Additionally, meticulously recreating a truly authentic 1950s Mexican atmosphere on set presented a significant challenge. Interestingly, an accent coach was brought on board to ensure the cast delivered the period-specific Mexican dialect. “The meticulous attention to detail throughout the series is a testament to the incredible collaboration with ViX. This platform truly provided the perfect home for Consuelo.”
To create a multicultural atmosphere reflecting the show’s themes, Consuelo boasts a stellar cast. “We secured prominent Mexican actors like Cassandra Sánchez Navarro, while also strategically inviting Colombian stars Catherine Siachoque and Lincoln Palomeque. This casting approach ensures the series resonates with audiences in both Mexico and Colombia, the home countries of these talented actors.”
The excellence extends beyond the cast. Behind the scenes, a powerful Mexican-Colombian crew was assembled. Director Kenya Márquez deserves special recognition for her masterful portrayal of Mexican culture throughout the series.
The producer highlighted the positive impact of Colombia’s production incentives. “This project proves it can be done. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve a high level of authenticity while taking advantage of these incentives.”
For Vincenzo Gratteri, Consuelo delves into two fascinating themes. “First, it explores the societal expectations and limitations placed on women in the 1950s, including prevalent machismo. This backdrop perfectly complements Consuelo‘s journey of self-discovery, transformation, and professional growth. Her compelling path starts with a very relatable need – supporting her family after her husband’s abandonment. The combination of these elements – the historical context and Consuelo‘s evolution – is what I found truly original and captivating.”
The Mediapro Studio’s original comedy Consuelo debuts on ViX
