Renata Brandão is already one of many best-known and most influential media creators in Brazil. However since taking up in 2016 as CEO of the Brazilian manufacturing big — Conspiração Filmes has earned 10 Worldwide Emmy nominations for its programming, greater than any firm in Latin America — Brandão has expanded the enterprise internationally.
“A key milestone is our upcoming Spanish-speaking remake of [hit Brazilian soap] Beneath Strain, and we’re additionally growing a cleaning soap collection to be shot overseas,” she says. “Our objective is to carry Conspiração’s totally built-in studio construction from Brazil to the remainder of LatAm, not solely producing regionally but in addition creating house for co-productions [and] mixing Latin American storytelling.”
On the movie facet, Conspiração co-produced Walter Salles’ awards-season contender I’m Nonetheless Right here, Brazil’s entry for greatest worldwide function for the 2025 Oscars.
Chosen as considered one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 Most Highly effective Girls in Worldwide TV, Brandão shared her ideas on the challenges dealing with the TV enterprise, notably for ladies in a really male-dominated discipline, and what could be carried out to enhance equality throughout the board.
What was your first job within the enterprise?
My entry into the enterprise was really by probability. I’ve a level in worldwide relations and was finding out to develop into a diplomat on the time. A good friend of mine requested me to assist produce a movie known as The Passenger, and I agreed, initially simply to help him. However in the course of the course of, I fell in love with the enterprise. That have impressed me to go to Los Angeles, the place I studied at UCLA. After returning to Brazil, I joined Conspiração in 2006, and the remainder is historical past.
What was the most important skilled problem you confronted this previous yr?
The most important skilled problem this previous yr has been main the internationalization strategy of Conspiração. After 30-plus years of working in Brazil and incomes ten Worldwide Emmy nominations, we’ve been increasing our enterprise into Mexico to supply Spanish-speaking content material. A key milestone is our upcoming Spanish-speaking remake of Beneath Strain, considered one of Brazil’s most profitable TV reveals, and we’re additionally growing a cleaning soap collection to be shot overseas. Our objective is to carry Conspiração’s totally built-in studio construction from Brazil to the remainder of Latam, not solely producing regionally but in addition creating house for co-productions, mixing Latin American storytelling. Adapting profitable Brazilian IPs and growing authentic content material in Mexico has been an thrilling, but complicated, problem.
What do you see as your greatest achievement of the previous yr?
Our greatest achievement this previous yr has undoubtedly been co-producing with our companions VideoFilmes and RT Options I’m Nonetheless Right here, directed by Walter Salles. The movie is now Brazil’s official candidate for the Oscar within the Greatest Worldwide Function class. That may be a testomony to the eagerness and energy our workforce poured into the mission.
What present trade development do you hope to quickly see the again of?
Lately, we’ve seen a productive debate round VOD laws in Brazil, with numerous views contributing useful insights. Every viewpoint has its personal deserves, and I’m desperate to see how this dialogue progresses, hoping for an end result that respects and pretty values all pursuits concerned. Provided that this is likely one of the key points shaping our trade immediately, I stay up for a decision that enables the market to maneuver ahead effectively.
What present, presently on air, would you like to have made?
White Lotus. And I hope Mike White brings the collection to Brazil very quickly.
What’s or has been the best problem in being a girl on this (nonetheless very male-dominated) trade?
The best problem of being a girl on this male-dominated trade is continually having to show your credibility and management, usually dealing with bias and scrutiny. Navigating these moments with resilience and constructing a powerful help community is the important thing.
What must be carried out to enhance equality and variety throughout the trade?
Enhancing equality and variety must occur on a number of ranges. First, it begins with entry: creating extra alternatives for underrepresented voices via mentorship, scholarships and inclusive hiring, each in entrance of and behind the digital camera. We have to actively shift the narratives we produce. Tales matter and authenticity is vital right here. Importantly, this dedication should transcend surface-level efforts — it requires a deep, ongoing dedication to dismantling the structural limitations that marginalize sure teams. As a girl CEO, I imagine true progress will come when range is embraced as a core worth, not only a objective.
What recommendation would you give younger girls simply coming into the trade?
It’s important to be actually obsessive about what you do. Filmmaking is a troublesome, extremely aggressive discipline, however that zeal, that obsession, shall be what fuels you thru the various years of challenges you’ll face. On the similar time, construct your library of references. Watch as many movies, TV reveals and documentaries as you may, from all genres and cultures. Learn books, research images, discover music, artwork and theater. The extra references you might have, the richer your artistic palette turns into. These influences will allow you to develop your personal distinctive voice and imaginative and prescient, which is essential in an trade the place standing out is every thing.
What do you look ahead to pleasure?
I watch Brazilian reveals to see firsthand what we’re sharing with the world. It’s necessary to grasp the tales and views we’re exporting and the way they’re resonating internationally.
What do you do to unwind?
Swim within the sea.