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Prime Video’s Spanish originals: A deep dive into María José Rodríguez’s legacy
The world of streaming has seen a seismic shift in recent years, with platforms like Prime Video leading the charge. In Spain, one name has been synonymous with this transformation: María José Rodríguez. As the head of Spanish originals at Amazon Studios, Rodríguez has been a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of Spanish content on Prime Video. Her recent departure, announced by Nicole Morganti, Amazon Studios’ head of local originals for Southern Europe, marks the end of an era. But what exactly has Rodríguez achieved during her tenure, and what does her departure mean for the future of Prime Video in Spain?
The rise of Prime Video in Spain
Prime Video’s success in Spain can be attributed to a combination of strategic content choices and a deep understanding of the local market. Rodríguez’s vision was instrumental in this regard. One of her most notable achievements was the greenlighting of “Reina Roja” (“Red Queen”), which quickly became one of the platform’s Top 10 most-watched titles internationally at launch. For those interested in a sneak peek, you can watch the trailer here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/reina-roja.
Another significant milestone was the acquisition of the singing competition show “Operación Triunfo.” This show not only became the most acquired Spanish Original in the history of Prime Video in Spain but also resonated deeply with the local audience. The trailer for “Operación Triunfo” can be found here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/operacion-triunfo.
The impact of María José Rodríguez
Rodríguez’s influence extended beyond just popular titles. She was the driving force behind the “Culpables” trilogy, starting with “Culpa Mia,” which became Prime Video’s most successful international original movie of all time. The anticipation for the next installment, “Culpa Tuya,” is palpable, with its release slated for later this year. For a glimpse into this thrilling series, check out the trailer for “Culpa Mia” here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/culpa-mia.
Rodríguez also ventured into diverse genres, overseeing projects like the sci-fi mind-bender “Awareness” and the classy arms-trafficking family saga “Los Farad,” directed by Mariano Barroso. These projects showcased her ability to blend genres and create content that appeals to a wide audience. The trailers for these intriguing series can be viewed here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/awareness and https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/los-farad.
A new chapter for Prime Video Spain
Rodríguez’s departure comes at a time when Prime Video is poised for further growth in Spain. In a recent interview with Variety, Rodríguez, alongside Ricardo Carbonero, director of Prime Video in Spain and Portugal, announced that select Amazon movie originals in Spain would receive a theatrical release. This initiative begins with “La Virgen Roja,” which will have its world premiere as a special screening at September’s San Sebastian Festival. The trailer for “La Virgen Roja” can be found here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/la-virgen-roja.
Reflecting on Rodríguez’s legacy, Nicole Morganti highlighted her significant contributions, stating, “María José has been a powerful voice for Amazon MGM Studios in Spain’s TV and film industry, launching the CIMA10 initiative, our educational programme designed to encourage more women into our industry.” This initiative underscores Rodríguez’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting diversity within the industry.
Looking ahead
As Prime Video continues to evolve, the foundation laid by Rodríguez will undoubtedly play a crucial role in its future success. Her departure marks a new chapter, but the impact of her work will be felt for years to come. The Spanish originals she championed have not only entertained audiences but also set a high standard for quality and innovation in streaming content.
In the ever-changing world of streaming, one thing remains certain: the legacy of María José Rodríguez will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of content creators and viewers alike. As we look forward to the exciting projects on the horizon, we can’t help but reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us here.
