Prime Video reimagines ‘The Office’ for a Mexican audience

An exciting new adaptation

The iconic mockumentary series “The Office”, which catapulted Ricky Gervais to fame, is being reimagined for a Mexican audience. This fresh adaptation, titled “La Oficina”, will be available exclusively on Prime Video. The project, a collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios and Máquina Vega, is helmed by renowned director and producer Gary “Gaz” Alazraki.

Bringing comedy gold to Mexico

Alazraki, already a household name in Mexican comedy for his work on films like “Nosotros los Nobles” and the series “Club de Cuervos”, brings his unique touch to the series as both director and executive producer. Partnering with him is Marcos Bucay, known for his successful show “Cómo Sobrevivir Soltero”, who will serve as the showrunner for this exciting adaptation.

Expanding the legacy of ‘The Office’

The legacy of “The Office” continues to grow beyond its original UK roots. Already adapted by various countries, including the U.S., France, Chile, Poland, and even Australia, the format has proven its universal appeal. “La Oficina” adds a distinctive flavor by portraying the eccentricities and humor of Mexican office culture.

Setting the stage: Aguascalientes and family dynamics

Set in the picturesque Mexican state of Aguascalientes, the new version centers around Jerónimo Ponce III, the hapless regional manager of Jabones Olimpo (Olimpo Soaps), a family-owned business. The series explores the unique challenges faced by the staff working under a boss who is ill-suited for leadership, promising a mix of relatable and surreal comedy.

Local experts speak out

“We’re thrilled to bring our own spin to one of the greatest comedies ever made. The subculture of Mexican office workers is rich and surreal, and with Bucay and Alazraki, we know we’re creating something exceptional that will astonish fans of previous versions,” said Alonso Aguilar, head of Mexico Originals at Amazon Studios.

For over two decades, multiple versions of “The Office” have captivated international audiences. Now, Prime Video viewers in Latin America, Brazil, and Spain can look forward to seeing Jerónimo Ponce III step into the spotlight as the manager everyone loves to hate.

A history of success

“La Oficina” marks the second Spanish-language adaptation of “The Office”. The first, “La Ofis”, was produced by Chile’s Canal 13. In the U.S., the beloved adaptation starring Steve Carell and John Krasinski enjoyed a successful nine-season run from 2005 to 2013, winning five Emmys and earning multiple nominations See more.

Creative minds behind the scenes

Gaz Alazraki, a long-time fan of “The Office”, expressed his excitement for the project. “I’ve wanted to adapt ‘The Office’ since 2003, when I first bought the Ricky Gervais DVDs. The humor and format make it the most daring comedy I’ve ever seen.” Alazraki is thrilled to work with Bucay, whose viral video work he has long admired.

Thanking Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for entrusting their creation to them, Alazraki added, “There is no better partner than Prime Video to bring laughter about the work experience in Mexico to audiences.”

For Bucay, adapting “The Office” is a dream come true. “This series celebrated Mexican office culture from the beginning. We have taken the format and made it authentically Mexican,” he said.

Bucay, creator of the HBO Max show “VGLY” and writer of the Emmy-nominated “Club de Cuervos”, has extensive experience in creating hits. His production company, Happy Shop Studio, is known for its innovative comedy formats and viral hits.

A powerhouse production company

Founded in early 2024 with offices in Los Angeles and Mexico City, Máquina Vega stands as a bridge between English and Spanish-speaking entertainment worlds for both scripted and unscripted formats. Recently, the company has been involved in notable productions, including “Bienvenidos a la Familia” with Netflix and “Bodas” with ViX.

Their upcoming film, “Club Perfecto”, directed by Ricardo Castro and set to be showcased at the Austin Film Festival, is another project to watch out for.

Looking forward

The magic of “The Office”, combined with the talents of Gaz Alazraki and Marcos Bucay, ensures that “La Oficina” will be a memorable addition to the iconic franchise. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the series, this adaptation will surely deliver laughs and relatable moments that resonate deeply with audiences.

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