Oscar had its chance to celebrate 80 years last night, and it was the first big awards show of the season following the aftermath of the writers’ strike. In his monologue, Jon Stewart said that the Golden figurines served as a catalyst to reach an agreement. Now that the strike is behind us, what impact, if any, did it have for Latinos in Hollywood? To get more insight on that and perspective on the future of Latinos in film, Ray Fohr conducted the following Q&A last week with Alfred Cervantes, Deputy Director for the Houston Film Commission:
With the recent writers’ strike now over, how did this affect Latino writers?
It affected everyone who relies on scripted material and was devastating for some. It’s reported that the work stoppage had a more than 700 million dollar impact in loss of spending by those feature films and television productions that didn’t happen in those three months.
ABC’s Ugly Betty and CBS’ Cane are two recent examples of a Latino-branded television shows with wide appeal. Would you credit these to better-made shows or part of the rise in Latino and Latin American influence on the country?
Both. Ugly Betty has been well received by audiences and critics alike. It’s also an example of something we might see more of: successful Latin American shows being adapted for American audiences.
The crossover works both ways, what are you thoughts on American filmmakers tapping Latin America for talent and locations?
The movie ’Vantage Point,’ which opened this past weekend, was shot entirely on location in Mexico but the story was set in Spain. And it was only last year that Latino filmmakers had a great presence at the Oscars.
What’s your take on NALIP (National Association of Latino Independent Producers) and the talent they showcase each year?
NALIP member and Texas filmmaker Chris Eska’s debut feature film ’August Evening’ won the John Cassavetes Award at the Spirit Awards this past weekend. It’s a Spanish- language film that was shot in Gonzales, Texas. As a member, NALIP has been supportive of his project and instrumental in helping get the word out and finding resources. I’m a member!
What would you say are some of the drivers helping Latinos in the industry? Has there been a visible change with regards to Hispanic representation?
The success of recent past Spanish-language films and television shows bodes well for creating more [content] for receptive audiences. This in turn makes more advertisers create commercials for the same market, which contributes to the production industry creating opportunities for crew and talent.
Do you have any Oscar favorites?
Texas has a great presence this year in the Best Picture category with both ’There Will Be Blood’ and ’No Country for Old Men,’ both shot in Marfa, Texas, but I think ’There Will Be Blood’ will take it!
Editor’s note: While “No Country for Old Men” took the night’s biggest award, ’There Will Be Blood’ garnered two prizes: Best Cinematography and Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis). Congratulations also go to Javier Bardem on his Best Supporting Actor win and his candid thank you to his country and recognition of his heritage.
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