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EFD Studios at the “PILARES in the Zócalo: A Collective Perspective” Event

This past Sunday, September 22nd, Mexico City’s historic center came alive with over a thousand photography and audiovisual enthusiasts for the event “PILARES in the Zócalo: A Collective Perspective”. Organized by PILARES (Centers for Innovation, Freedom, Art, Education, and Knowledge which translates in Spanish to PILARES), which aims to foster community integration and rebuild social ties, the event’s goal was to capture iconic images of the city. The participants embarked on nine different routes, starting from iconic spots like the Zócalo, Ex Teresa, Santo Domingo, Murales, Skatepark, Chinatown, Bellas Artes, Munal, and Congress. These routes provided a unique opportunity for participants to rediscover the city through their own personal lens. Supporting culture and education, EFD Studios contributed by providing technical equipment for filming and lighting, as well as a dedicated team that accompanied the day’s activities. The event culminated at the San Ildefonso Museum with a series of conferences where renowned photographers shared their vision, techniques, and career insights, further enriching the photographic experience. EFD Studios also set up a full film set, allowing attendees to enjoy a hands-on cinematic experience. "This entire experience, from the Zócalo walk, seeing the cameras, to witnessing the set, has been extremely rewarding," said Luz María Almazo Corona, Coordinator B of the Audiovisual Academy of PILARES and a member of the Management and Organization Committee of the PILARES Photography Festival. "This event, along with EFD Studios’ participation, broadens the scope tremendously—where creativity is the only limit," remarked Josué Palomeque Bello, Audiovisual Instructor and fellow member of the Management and Organization Committee of the PILARES Photography Festival. PILARES is part of a comprehensive community-based educational policy targeting priority areas through the active involvement of residents, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background. Experience the full event and explore how it unfolded here: EFD Studios at the PILARES event in photos.  

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EFD Studios at the PILARES Event a recap in photos

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“La Máquina”: The new series that brings together the duo of Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal once again, in collaboration with EFD Studios

Disney+ is set to exclusively premiere La Máquina, a new series that marks the reunion of Mexican actors Diego Luna (Andor, Narcos: Mexico, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) and Gael García Bernal (Old, Mozart in the Jungle, The Motorcycle Diaries) as both producers and protagonists, with technical support from EFD Studios. Luna and García Bernal’s relationship solidified when they both rose to stardom with Y Tu Mamá También (2001), directed by Alfonso Cuarón. This successful production, which also used equipment from EFD Studios, launched them to international fame. Beyond their on-screen connection, the two founded the production company La Corriente del Golfo, establishing themselves as undisputed leaders in Latin American cinema. Like their first major success together, this new project also benefits from the technical expertise of EFD Studios, closing a collaborative circle that spans over two decades. La Máquina, produced by Searchlight Television for Hulu and brought to life by La Corriente del Golfo, features the collaboration of ESPN KNOCKOUT. The cinematography is handled by Emiliano Villanueva, AMC (A Cop Movie, The Thin Yellow Line, Lu's Dream). For this production, EFD Studios deployed state-of-the-art technology, utilizing Alexa 35 cameras with Hawk V-Lite lenses and a sophisticated lighting system featuring SkyPanels and Asteras. This technical partnership ensures a top-tier visual experience. La Máquina tells the story of a boxer at the end of his career, played by Gael García Bernal. With limited opportunities ahead, his shrewd manager, portrayed by Diego Luna, secures him one last chance to fight for the title. Marco Ramírez, known for his work on Daredevil, serves as showrunner, while the series is directed by Gabriel Ripstein, acclaimed for films like 600 Miles and An Unknown Enemy. Gerardo Gatica, Leandro Halperin, and Adam Fishbach also join as producers. This series promises to be one of the most anticipated of the year, combining renowned talent with an adrenaline-filled, emotional story set in the world of boxing. La Máquina | Official Trailer | Disney+  La Máquina premieres exclusively on Disney+ on October 9, with a total of six episodes.

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EFD Studios at IBC 2024: Exploring the Latest Trends in the Audiovisual Industry

The EFD Studios team attended the 2024 edition of the IBC (International Broadcasting Convention), held in Amsterdam from September 13th to 16th. This prestigious event, recognized as one of the most influential in broadcasting and audiovisual production, brought together global experts to showcase the latest innovations redefining the industry. During the convention, the EFD Studios team had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge trends and technological advancements, ranging from advanced AI solutions to innovations in cloud-based broadcasting. The event remains a pivotal platform for exploring new technologies and advanced solutions within the audiovisual realm, gathering key players such as ARRI, Sony, Fujifilm, Sigma, DJI, Angenieux, Canon, and Teradek, to name a few of the +1,250 companies attending this year. Key Highlights: Blazar and Caldwell Among the many surprises at the event was Blazar, an emerging Chinese company that unveiled the world’s first anamorphic lens with autofocus. This breakthrough represents a significant milestone in optical technology. Anamorphic lenses are crucial in cinematic production, and the addition of autofocus has the potential to revolutionize the industry.   Caldwell optics also made a strong impression, known for their outstanding performance in high-profile productions like The Mandalorian. These lenses stood out for their ability to produce visually striking images and have been used in other acclaimed series such as Silo, showcasing their versatility and excellence in demanding production environments. Digital Transformation and Remote Production: The New Standard in Broadcasting A major highlight of IBC was the ongoing digital transformation reshaping the broadcasting industry. IP technologies and cloud-based solutions are revolutionizing broadcast operations, making remote and distributed production models not only possible, but increasingly essential. This approach not only offers greater flexibility but also optimizes resources by reducing the need for on-site staff and equipment. Cloud technologies provide scalability and agility, allowing broadcasters to quickly adapt to market demands, enhancing both efficiency and production quality. The Rise of China’s Technology Industry One of the standout aspects of this year’s convention was the strong presence of Chinese technology companies, occupying a large number of booths and displaying an impressive range of products. Chinese companies are making rapid strides in innovation and quality, gaining prominence on the global stage. This growth highlights China’s increasing influence in the audiovisual sector, solidifying its position as a major player in the development and manufacturing of advanced equipment, from cameras and lenses to post-production solutions. Final Thoughts Attending events like IBC offers a unique chance to understand and engage with emerging trends in the industry. It serves as a key platform for interacting with the developers of cutting-edge audiovisual technologies who are driving the future of the sector. The presence of advanced technologies, such as cloud solutions and remote production capabilities, underscores the industry’s ongoing shift toward digitalization. Meanwhile, innovative lenses from companies like Blazar and Caldwell prove that even in well-established fields like cinematic optics, there is always room for modernization. EFD Studios will continue to monitor these developments to ensure we deliver the best technology and services to our clients worldwide.

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Georgina Terán joins EMA IMPACT SUMMIT panel

Our CEO, Georgina Terán, joins the "Making an Impact, Below the Line" panel at the EMA Impact Summit in Los Angeles. This annual summit brings together entertainment executives, business leaders, actors, artists, activists, scientists, and educators to advocate for environmental sustainability. Terán's presentation focused on a case study from her company, which she has been guiding with sustainability values for 25 years. At EFD, we view sustainability in the industry as an advanced and appropriate measure. The constantly evolving industry has made substantial progress over the last five years, with platforms playing a significant role in facilitating the sustainable route. In Spain, platforms require various international certifications for local original productions, and the ICAA, responsible for granting local production subsidies, mandates sustainability criteria for project eligibility. This has transformed production methods, incorporating sustainability from the development phase. At Amazon, collaborating with their physical production team is key to achieving sustainable production. At EFD, we are establishing an internal department dedicated to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), providing comprehensive sustainability training, learning opportunities, and mentorship programs to empower our staff to actively contribute to environmental initiatives. In HR, we work diligently to cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment through targeted recruitment efforts and support programs that emphasize our sustainability values and employee development. Gender gap reduction and work-life balance in the audiovisual sector are techniques that can aid sustainable production. In partnership with schools, we are developing a cross-regional education program to enhance technical training and empower the local audiovisual industry. The way clients, financiers, and governments dictate production methods shapes production practices. When complying with PEACH and measuring carbon footprints, producers require a consultancy to analyze the project, design a sustainability plan, and appoint an eco-manager and eco-PA.

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Skypanel X or how to listen to the professionals

In an exciting development in the world of film and audiovisual lighting, ARRI has unveiled it’s latest creation: the SkyPanel X. This innovative development is the result of an unprecedented collaboration with key professionals in the sector such as gaffers, control table operators, directors of photography, and rental companies, who have all contributed their insight based on their direct experience on set to shape this revolutionary tool. Thanks to this invaluable feedback, the SkyPanel X is designed for optimal ergonomic quality. The SkyPanel X has been meticulously designed to meet the specific needs and work requirements of these professionals. With features that include a wide range of color temperatures, soft and hard light technology, wireless control, and a variety of adaptable accessories, the SkyPanel X stands out in the lighting industry for its versatility and exceptional performance. Direct collaboration with industry experts has been foundational in the research and development process of the SkyPanel. Developed to service the daily needs of its users, the SkyPanel is as ergonomic as it is functional, with each aspect of the product having been carefully constructed to satisfy the practical needs of actual professionals in the AV industry.   Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida de EFD Studios ES (@efdstudioses) Additionally, ARRI has conducted extensive testing in real production environments to ensure that the SkyPanel X meets the highest standard of quality and functionality. This validation in real-world scenarios has been crucial in ensuring the product lives up to the expectations of the film and television production industry. Not only does the SkyPanel X represent a milestone in innovation, it also demonstrates ARRI’s commitment to continuous evolution and adaptation to the ever-changing needs and trends of the sector. With advanced connectivity and exceptional compatibility with a wide range of accessories, the SkyPanel X is a cutting-edge lighting tool that has been shown to exceed the expectations of even the most demanding professionals in the industry. This modular tool, available in three versions (X21, X22, and X23), offers soft native lighting that can be transformed into hard and open phase light with specific accessories. It stands out for its protection against atmospheric phenomena with an IP66 rating and a dynamic color temperature range of 1500 to 20000 degrees Kelvin, allowing precise emulation of sodium lamps or sunlight. The SkyPanel X’s RGBACL LED engine has been optimized to enhance skin tones and improve color spectrum reproduction. With 8 independent pixel zones, this device offers detailed lighting control. Additionally, in X21 mode, you can use an adapter that allows you to take advantage of all the accessories of the SkyPanel S60, a world reference in 2x1 format. In terms of control and connectivity, the SkyPanel X is compatible with the latest existing systems such as Bluetooth 5.0, LumenRadio CRMX2, and ARRI’s new Li0S3 software system. This modular tool, available in three versions (X21, X22, and X23) offers soft native lighting that can be transformed into hard and open phase light with specific accessories. It stands out for it’s protection against atmospheric phenomena with an IP66 rating and a dynamic color temperature range of 1500 to 20000 degrees Kelvin, allowing precise emulation of sodium lamps or sunlight. The SkyPanel X’s RGBACL LED engine has been optimized to enhance skin tones and improve color spectrum reproduction. With 8 independent pixel zones, this device offers detailed lighting control. Additionally, in X21 mode, you can use an adapter that allows you to take advantage of all the accessories of the SkyPanel S60, a world reference in 2x1 format. In terms of control and connectivity, the SkyPanel X is compatible with the latest existing systems such as Bluetooth 5.0, LumenRadio CRMX2, and ARRI’s new Li0S3 software system. At EFD we celebrate the fact that one of the star products in our catalog is much more than a simple LED lighting screen: the SkyPanel X is a the result of an active collaboration with professionals in the sector, ensuring that this product not only meets, but exceeds the expectations of the lighting and cinematography industry, as well as the audiovisual industry as a whole.

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EFD’s co-production “Casi el Paraíso” opens in Mexican theaters on September 12

In 1956, Luis Spota wrote the first great Mexican bestseller, Casi el Paraíso, as an attempt to portray a Mexico marked by corruption, power and ambition. 68 years later, the long-awaited film adaptation finally arrives in theaters in a co-production by Film Tank, Interlinea Films, Cinépolis Distribución, Telemundo Studios and EFD in association with The Lift.  September features one of the most eagerly awaited premieres of the year for Mexican cinema. Directed by Edgar San Juan and with a stellar cast headed by Karol Sevilla (Soy Luna, Siempre fui yo), Andrea Arcangeli (Romulus, La primera profecía), Miguel Rodarte (Destilando México, Tiempo Compartido) and Esmeralda Pimentel (El Color de la Pasión, Cachito de Cielo), the film promises a new take on this classic work. Cinematography for Casi el Paraíso was handled by AMC's Alejandro Cantú (Carmín Tropical, El Juego de las Llaves) who worked with his production team using an Alexa 35 camera stabilized with a Scorpio 38, Cooke lenses and a lighting design with Asteras. The film combines classic elements of the original novel with a contemporary vision, addressing topics such as power, corruption and social media's impact on today's society.

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Pedro Páramo: A Cinematic Adaptation Directed by Rodrigo Prieto with EFD Studios’ Equipment

The celebrated novel by Mexican author Juan Rulfo, first published in 1955, is being brought to the big screen under the direction of Rodrigo Prieto, ASC, AMC. Known for his work on Barbie, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Argo, Prieto. The screenplay is adapted by Mateo Gil (Vanilla Sky, Agora, Realive). The film stars Manuel García-Rulfo (The Magnificent Seven, Murder on the Orient Express) as Pedro Páramo and Tenoch Huerta (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Forever Purge) as Juan Preciado. Rodrigo Prieto, who’s not only directing but also overseeing the cinematography, relied on cutting-edge equipment from EFD Studios to achieve his vision. For this production EFD Studios provided mobile lighting and grip equipment, ARRI’s M-series lights, SkyPanels, power generators, and a Fisher Dolly 11. These advanced tools were essential in capturing the high cinematic quality visible in the film's early images. The plot follows Juan Preciado (played by Huerta), who embarks on a journey to find the father he never knew, Pedro Páramo. However, upon arriving in the town of Comala, he encounters only ghostly memories of a place long dominated by the shadow of his father.  Pedro Páramo is produced by Redrum and will premiere on November 6, 2024, exclusively on Netflix.

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