LOS CABOS, Mexico – Helmers-scribes Camilo Torres, Alfredo Mendoza y Gustavo A. Garzon have launched new boutique shingle Mento Films to develop and create out-of-the-box content for film and TV.
Using the Cabos Int’l Film Festival as its parapet, Mento Films is unveiling a wide-ranging slate of film and television projects, starting with Western “A Flor de Tierra,” which centers on a young boy who needs to choose between an injured Apache Indian or a ruthless bounty hunter to replace his deceased father. Torres, an Argentine scribe living in Mexico, has been at the fest to seek co-producers for the Western.
Other film projects include dramas, led by “The Exile” about an early onset-Alzheimers-afflicted judge and his journey of redemption, which has won a string of screenplay awards; suspense thriller “Confesiones en la Sombra,” based on the novel “Jarreto, el lado oculto;” sci-fi pic “El Nido,” about a group of abandoned androids which seek to make their host planet more hospitable; as well as dramedies “Un Cuadrito/Abstract,” a finalist in the Storypros screenplay contest, and “La Vida Miserable de Roberto,” about a 30- year old living with his parents whose premature ejaculation problems are exacerbated by the visit of a seductive cousin.
“We have observed a great demand for writers as production continues to boom in Mexico,” said Torres. With the advent of SVODs such as Netflix, Blim and ClaroVideo which are all investing in original content, the push for edgier, cinematic projects have multiplied. “Opportunities have indeed grown,” said Torres, who stresses Mento Film’s mandate to make more distinctive and edgier product for the market. “Series in Latin America don’t tend to last long; our aim is to develop franchises,” said Garzon.
Their TV projects include comedy “El Club de los Idiotas,” horror series “Limbo” and “Insomnio,” dramas “Reven,” “Fracturas” and “Robado,” and sci fi series “Biosphere 3.1”
Each of the partners will bring their own set of skills and experience to bear on the Mento Films projects.
Mexican-born Mendoza is the head writer for the Cesar Chavez bio-series at Disney Media Distribution Latin America, in partnership with Mexico’s TV Azteca and shingle BTF Media, and is also co-penning series “Las Grandes Lluvias” and “Yo soy yo 2.” He has also worked in documentaries and plans to make “A Flor de Tierra.” his directorial debut.
Garzon, a U.S.-educated Argentine who shuttles between the U.S. and Mexico, has helmed close to 200 music videos and 100 commercials, and had his directorial debut in 2008 with romcom “Volverte a ver.” He’s currently developing and writing action thriller series “Fe” for Sony Pictures Television.
Torres’ extensive writing credits include the Disney Channel’s teen targeted “Violetta” and boxing series “Campeones de la Vida” which won the Premio Martin Fierro best screenplay award. Torres is currently developing projects for Sony Pictures Television and Lemon Films.
