Alejandro Aguirre, director of Development and New Content at Grupo Imagen: Co-productions remain a pillar of our growth strategy
Following the recent executive appointments at Grupo Imagen, Alejandro Aguirre, Director of Development and New Content, has outlined Imagen Televisión’s programming roadmap. The focus centers on talk shows and late-night offerings while highlighting a renewed interest in returning to scripted fiction. Co-productions remain a pillar of their growth strategy.
“Developing new projects and content is the most exciting part. But it also comes with a significant responsibility,” Aguirre declared. “These projects rely on you to deliver content that has the potential to shake things up in the industry.”
Outlining the first steps under the new leadership, Aguirre highlighted their focus on generating fresh content. “We’re currently developing three entertainment shows – a talk show, a late-night offering, and a program specifically geared towards women; announcements are coming soon.”
INTERNATIONAL LOOK
Aguirre emphasized the importance of understanding international trends while catering to local preferences. “Benchmarking with other markets is valuable,” he said, “but the Latin American and Mexican audiences have unique tastes. We’ve been inspired by US programs, but direct adaptations often miss the mark. The Mexican public has a distinct flavor we have to respect.” He highlighted the team’s experience in recognizing these market specificities, ensuring their content resonates not just globally, but locally.
Citing successful formats like La Casa de los Famosos, Aguirre acknowledged its impact. “This show demonstrably moved the needle for the industry in terms of revenue generation.”
RETURN TO FICTION
Imagen Televisión’s gamble on Turkish telenovelas has paid off. “Initially, gaining acceptance was challenging,” Aguirre admitted, “but now, dedicated fans eagerly await them.” However, their sights are set on returning to fiction production. “Understanding the evolving landscape of open television is key before diving into these high-budget projects,” he explained. “If and when we return to fiction – and I certainly hope we do, as we have a few projects in mind – we aim to produce content with the highest production values.”
COPRODUCTION HAS BEEN KEY
Co-productions are a cornerstone of our strategy,” said Aguirre. “We actively seek partners who bring both commercial and production expertise. Transparency is key – we’re clear with our allies about our commitment to the national market, but we’re also open to exploring opportunities in other territories, as long as they align with our core values.”
Aguirre acknowledges their well-equipped facilities, particularly their impressive forums, which consistently impress visitors. “We leverage cutting-edge technology – cameras, VR development, you name it,” he explained. “During negotiations with suppliers, we showcase our commitment to innovation by seeking the latest advancements at engineering fairs. This ensures we have access to the most up-to-date tools for top-notch productions.”
