Oscar Alonso joins Lazona Pictures: A new era for Spanish cinema

A seasoned professional takes the helm

Oscar Alonso, a well-respected figure in the international film⁤ sales industry, has recently joined Madrid-based ‍Lazona as ​the head ‌of⁣ distribution ⁢for its domestic distribution ⁢arm, Lazona Pictures. With a career spanning‌ several decades, Alonso brings a ⁢wealth of experience and a fresh​ perspective to the​ table, promising to elevate Lazona’s already‌ impressive portfolio.

Lazona’s cinematic legacy

Lazona ​has ​been a significant player‌ in Spain’s film industry, producing some of⁣ the most successful ‍and critically ⁣acclaimed films in​ recent years. One‍ of their most notable achievements is Spanish Affair, which became the highest-grossing national movie in ⁢Spanish history, earning ​€55.2 million ($59.7 million) ​at the box office in 2014. This film’s⁣ success​ is a testament to Lazona’s ability⁣ to create content that resonates with audiences on a massive scale.

Another standout production is No Rest for the Wicked, directed by Enrique Urbizu. This film swept six Spanish Academy Awards in 2012, including Best‌ Picture. Lazona⁤ has⁢ also been behind⁣ auteur-driven hits ‍like Manuel Martin Cuenca’s⁢ El autor, which won at the Toronto International‌ Film Festival in‌ 2017, and the popular⁢ Spanish TV series Gigantes (2017-18), also directed by ⁢Urbizu.

Alonso’s journey to​ Lazona

Before joining Lazona, Alonso was a senior executive at Latido Films, one of the top ⁤film sales ⁣agents in the Spanish-speaking world. ⁤He joined Latido ‌in 2005, ⁤initially serving‍ as the festivals‍ manager and later as a sales executive. In 2019, he was promoted to head of acquisitions, a role in which he​ excelled by ‍working ⁣with both established directors ​and emerging talents.

Alonso’s‌ extensive experience and industry connections make him an‌ invaluable asset to Lazona. “Oscar has worked with renowned‌ directors like Carlos Saura, Javier Fesser, Rodrigo Sorogoyen,⁢ and Juan José⁣ Campanella, as well as helping new directors gain international recognition,”‍ said Lazona CEO Gonzalo Salazar-Simpson. “With ‌his appointment, we believe that this balance between recognized‍ voices and future‍ references ‍will be ‍appreciated by the Spanish public.”

A vision for the future

Alonso envisions ⁣a symbiotic relationship between Lazona Pictures and ‍its production arm, Lazona ⁤Cine. “Having ​to⁢ be in touch with sales agents⁤ throughout the ‌year, I can be‍ of assistance and work hand-in-hand with the production ​side when seeking international sales‍ for Lazona productions,” Alonso explained. “The idea is to ⁢nurture ‌relationships that can work both ways.”

Lazona Pictures, launched in 2023, aims to ‍selectively acquire‍ six to‌ eight⁣ films a year. This approach allows them‍ to ⁣dedicate sufficient time and resources to each project, ensuring they reach‌ diverse audiences. Alonso’s first-year acquisitions ‍will⁤ focus‍ on ‍ dramas and psychological thrillers, ⁤primarily from Europe. “We want dramas ‍that‍ are uplifting and bring some light⁤ after conflict, ⁤not deeply harrowing ones,” he added.

Bridging ⁤the gap in European cinema

Alonso ⁣is keen on addressing ⁤a ⁢growing trend in European ⁢cinema: the‌ widening ⁤gap between festival favorites and commercially successful films. “We’re looking‍ to help fill in ⁢with titles​ that have⁤ filmmakers with a voice but always an audience ⁢in mind, which can both entertain and tell⁢ stories⁤ that stay with you once‍ you leave ⁢the cinema,” ⁢he said.

He also sees ‌an opportunity‌ to​ focus on female audiences ‍in ⁢urban areas.‍ “It’s⁢ uplifting to see more adult segments relentlessly coming back to cinemas,” Alonso noted. ⁣”we are ‌looking for stories‌ that can generate empathy and take audiences on⁢ an unknown ride in⁢ which they can still relate to their own feelings ​and experiences.”

Fresh ‌narratives​ and diverse⁤ perspectives

Alonso ‌emphasizes the need for films that feel fresh, whether through narrative, tone, or points of view.‍ “We need⁤ films that feel ⁤fresh, whether it’s with the⁣ narrative, tone, or points of view,” he said. This approach‍ aligns with‌ Lazona’s commitment ​to⁣ producing content that not only ‌entertains but‍ also challenges and inspires its audience.

Oscar Alonso’s appointment as ​head of distribution at Lazona ​Pictures‍ marks an ​exciting new chapter for the ​company.⁣ With his extensive experience and visionary approach,‌ Alonso is poised to help Lazona‍ continue its legacy ⁢of producing high-quality, impactful films that resonate with audiences both in⁢ Spain and ‍internationally.