The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) has been championing Latino excellence across all creative platforms for 25 years.
Diana Luna, Executive Director of NALIP, discussed the significant challenges of promoting original productions featuring Latino talent and cultural themes. She noted that NALIP represents a diverse range of Latinos in the industry, from emerging filmmakers to senior executives, and that the challenges they face vary accordingly.
Luna mentioned that the first challenge is to educate aspiring filmmakers about the realities of the industry, including its structure, the time investment required, and the steps involved in creating a feature film or television pilot. She emphasized the importance of participating in development programs and film festivals with short films. She explained that understanding the business aspect of filmmaking is crucial, as it’s a product that requires a specific path to success. In the realm of feature films, Luna mentioned success stories where NALIP supported filmmakers in finding funding and development opportunities for their short films, resulting in positive outcomes.
EXPANDING THE UNIVERSE OF LATIN EXECUTIVES
She adds that success stories are limited, emphasizing the need to expand the Latino workforce at the executive level. «It’s crucial to support Latinos in executive roles to transform the industry. That’s why we’re focusing on mentoring executives and writers, helping them achieve their career goals, including becoming showrunners. It’s a challenging process, but I believe we’re at a pivotal moment for change.»
Luna acknowledged the underrepresentation of Latinos in front of and behind the camera. She emphasized that NALIP’s mission is to support these talented individuals, providing them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed in the industry. NALIP aims to ensure that Latinos are competitive and have access to the opportunities they deserve.
She explains that a major issue in the industry is the lack of Latino executives making decisions. «The industry faces a decision-making challenge at the executive level. Due to the lack of Latino representation, it’s difficult for executives to greenlight projects related to purchasing, distribution, and development. They may lack cultural understanding or knowledge of the audience. We need more Latinos in positions of power within the industry to support Latino talent and stories. Organizations like NALIP can help break down stereotypes and dismantle the harmful labels associated with Latinos, both culturally and within the industry.»
She emphasized that a major challenge for organizations like NALIP is demonstrating tangible results. This includes supporting mentorship programs, incubators, and studio relationships, as well as providing visibility. «Building community is essential. We must focus on creating strong teams with our network of creators. When casting, choose Latino talent and seek out professional support networks.»
SUCCESS STORIES
Luna mentioned several successful examples of original productions that incorporate Latino talent and stories, appealing to a diverse audience. «Successfully integrating a Latino character hinges on authenticity. The most crucial aspect is avoiding stereotypes and ensuring the character is well-developed. This is more likely when the writer has personal experience as a Latino or when there are Latino writers and showrunners involved. Their firsthand understanding allows for more authentic and relatable portrayals.»
Luna mentioned examples like With Love and One Day at a Time, both created by Gloria Calderón Kellet, which successfully features Latino characters and stories. She also highlighted a previous project where there were Latino characters but their Latinidad wasn’t central to their storylines. These characters were authentic portrayals of a Latino family.
«Regarding respect, Latinos come from diverse backgrounds, and that’s what makes them so interesting. You’re not focused on a character’s ethnicity; you’re simply enjoying the story and the character. A great example is The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal. «The focus wasn’t on his Latino heritage, but on the compelling story he was part of,» she said. «Latinos come from diverse backgrounds, and that’s what makes them so interesting. You’re not focused on a character’s ethnicity; you’re simply enjoying the story and the character.» She also mentioned the comedy and horror series The Horror of Dolores Roach (2023) from Amazon Prime.
She cited A Million Miles Away, directed by Alejandra Márquez, as a film that skillfully portrays immigration and rural life without resorting to stereotypes.
«As we see on streaming services, there’s a growing amount of Spanish-language content, which offers a unique perspective. It’s important to highlight this distinction, as many Spanish-language shows are produced in Latin America and Spain. However, what sets apart the content we’re producing in the US is the involvement of Latino talent and creators from the US. That’s what makes it truly unique.»
Apple TV+’s Acapulco
Luna believes that Apple TV+’s Acapulco is a significant milestone. «The bilingual format and the audience’s relaxed, lighthearted response are impressive. We’ve been very careful to avoid stereotypes, and I believe we’ve succeeded due to our deep understanding of the characters and their environment. Our stories as first- and second-generation immigrants are incredibly valuable because they resonate with a wide audience,» she added.
TO DISMANTLE STEREOTYPES
For Luna, it is crucial to dismantle the clichés and labels associated with Latinos. «I believe we need to start by addressing these stereotypes at both the industry and cultural levels. If our perception of Latin content is limited to stories about immigrants crossing borders, drug cartels, or sanitation workers, then this narrow view will make the genre unattractive to both the industry and the audience. We need to challenge these misconceptions and expand our understanding of what Latin content can be.»
