Netflix has announced a historic $1 billion investment in Mexico for the production of series and films over the next four years. The news was confirmed by Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos during Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference at the Palacio Nacional.
With this investment, Netflix aims to strengthen Mexico’s audiovisual industry, generate jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic growth. “We want to continue showcasing Mexico’s rich and beautiful cultural heritage to the world,” Sarandos declared.
Why did Netflix choose Mexico for this investment?
The Netflix co-CEO highlighted that Mexico holds a key place in the company’s history. He recalled that a decade ago, Netflix produced its first series outside the United States in Mexico: Club de Cuervos. Since then, the country has become a strategic hub for content development in Latin America.
Netflix has also backed major productions in Mexico, such as Roma, which won three Academy Awards, Bardo by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro, which won Best Animated Feature Film.
How will this investment impact the Mexican audiovisual industry?
According to Sarandos, Mexico’s audiovisual industry generates $3 billion annually, and every dollar invested in the sector produces an added value of $1.6. The newly announced investment by Netflix will bring benefits to various industries, including tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and transportation.
One example of economic impact is the recent film Pedro Páramo, which generated 375 million pesos for Mexico’s GDP and employed thousands of people across different production areas.
What role will Claudia Sheinbaum’s government play in this investment?
During the event, Ted Sarandos thanked President Claudia Sheinbaum and her team for supporting the growth of the audiovisual industry. “President Sheinbaum, we look forward to working with you and your government teams, not only to grow the economy and create opportunities but also to continue showcasing Mexico’s rich cultural heritage to the world,” the executive stated.
The Mexican government has promoted initiatives to foster creativity and film development, such as the Original event, which highlights traditional textile talent and contributed to costume production for Pedro Páramo.
Will Netflix continue producing narco-themed series in Mexico?
Sarandos emphasized the diversity of Mexican stories that Netflix has produced, spanning dramas, documentaries, and comedies. However, he also made it clear that the platform will continue producing narratives that include drug cartel themes, as they reflect part of the country’s reality.
“They bring creative freedom, but it is important to showcase this variety of stories,” Sarandos said about the broad range of narratives developed in Mexico.
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What are Netflix’s upcoming projects in Mexico?
Netflix will continue strengthening its presence in Mexico with new productions. Among the most anticipated are the documentary on Juan Gabriel, the film Las Muertas, and the series Mal de Amores.
Additionally, the company has announced a collaboration with Estudios Churubusco to upgrade its facilities, aiming to create a higher-quality working environment for local creators.
