Veteran producers Koby Gal-Raday and Ilda Santiago, renowned for their illustrious works in The Band's Visit and Concrete Jungle respectively, have united to helm a groundbreaking new production company, Janeiro Studios. This international collaboration, backed by Brazil's Mymama Entertainment and Germany's Beta Film, aims to bridge the gap between Europe and Latin America, crafting premium television series and independent feature films that will resonate globally.
At the helm of Janeiro Studios, Gal-Raday assumes the role of CEO, while Santiago takes on the mantle of managing director. With the support of Beta Film, a prestigious indie production giant behind Babylon Berlin and Sisi, and Mymama Entertainment, a leading Brazilian production group recognized for its groundbreaking documentaries Hack The City and Our Blood, Our Body, Janeiro Studios is poised to make its mark.
"Brazil is poised to expand its creative and commercial horizons, and the international market is eagerly anticipating our contributions," declared Mayra Faour Auad, the driving force behind Mymama Entertainment.
With offices spanning Brazil and Europe, Janeiro Studios strives to foster collaborations and co-productions both domestically and internationally. Leveraging the founders' vast international networks and rich experience, the company aims to produce auteur-driven content that will captivate audiences worldwide.
Gal-Raday, who previously served as chief content officer at Israel's leading streaming platform Yes, overseeing hit series like Fauda, Your Honor, and On the Spectrum, and later at Beta Film, where he shepherded high-end productions like La Storia and Rise of the Raven, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to his "roots" as an independent producer. "With over two decades of experience in broadcasting, sales, and co-production, I am ready to focus on my enduring passion: enabling the creation of untold stories for film and cinema, told in bold and distinctive ways," he said.
Santiago, a powerhouse in the Brazilian cinema industry, as the co-founder of Estação Group and the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, added, "For years, I've advocated for collaborations and alliances between Brazil and other countries. This new chapter is exhilarating, allowing me to pursue my passion of working with talents across new frontiers."
