Former Netflix exec Juan Mayne has hung his own shingle, Madrid-based NL Films, which is bulwarked by strong talent relationships, a strategic alliance with Exile Content and a sure sense of market opportunities for Spain-based independent producers.
Exile Content and NL Films have struck a first-look development deal. Jeff Glaser, who oversaw Netflix production finance in Mexico City and Madrid, has joined
NLs first slate include a Mexican remake of Miracle in Cell No. 7, co-produced by Rock Ruz and Mexicos Corazn Films, which will handle distribution in the country, and Aristides: A Righteous Life, the true-life account of a Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands from the Nazis in WWII, from Seanne Winslow.
NL is also in conversations with with LluisQuilez and Fernando Navarro director and writer of Netflix Top 10 non-English movie Below Zero to develop a true crime film based on a serial murderer dubbed as El Jack el Destripador de Almera.
Mayne is working on a sequel to Netflixs A pesar de todo, with young Spanish writing duo Ana Puente and Javier Aguayo, and sci-fi-thriller Paradoxum, from scribes Manolo Campos and Gonzalo Navas. He is also in conversations with Mnica Lozano for the Spanish remake of Mexican blockbuster Qu culpa tiene el nio?
As already announced, NL is co-producing Mala Influencia with Spains Nadie es Perfecto.
Launching NL in Spain, Mayne can capitalize on all the experience and contacts that I have accumulated at Netflix, he said. Though spiralling, production costs are still significantly lower than the U.S. Spains ICAA, its national film agency, has powered up its subsidy fund, its budget passing 100 million ($109 million) this year.
NL Films will focus on theatrical movie production, said Mayne. Theatrical revenues are coming back, I do believe that people who stopped going to the movies during the pandemic are going to come back to the movies. Were already seeing certain territories outperforming in 2023, he told Variety.
Mayne will look to bring an entertainment emphasis to his movies that is not so usual for Europe. I want to make films that entertain, empower and inspire. I believe in cinema as entertainment.
Applying the same thinking he used at Netflix, he intends to identify opportunities, make film for underserved audiences. Three examples he cites are young adult movies, genre pics and good family entertainment.
Many of NL titles will be made in co-production. Id rather have 10% of 20 projects, than 100% of two projects.I dont want the risk, and collaboration breeds excellence, Mayne told Variety.
Almera Jack the Ripper Project, (Lluis Quilez)
A fiction feature inspired by true life story of the Jack the Ripper of Almera, who murdered a score or more sex workers. From Quilez and screenwriter Navarro, the team behind action thriller Below Zero, produced by Morena Films and ranking as No. 7 in Netflixs Top 10 of most-watched non-English movie
ever.
A Pesar de Todo,
A sequel to the Netflix hit, penned by rated young screenwriter Ana Puentes, an ECAM alum, and Javier Aguayo, who penned episodes Alpha Males. I do believe in supporting young talent. Theres very well established talent in Spain that everybodys working with. Young talent needs opportunities, said Mayne.
Aristides: A Righteous Life,(Seanne Winslow)
Based out of Portugals consulate in Bordeaux in WWII, Aristides issued thousands of Visas to Portugal, ignoring the covert instructions of Salazars government. Winslow, who made a splash co-directing The Falconer, is attached to write and direct.
Dont Blame the Kid Spanish Remake
Starring How To Get Away With Murders Karla Souza, 2016 romcom Dont Blame the Kid was huge in Mexico, grossing $14.4 million. Mayne and Mnica Lozano, whose credits include
Alejandro Gonzlez Irritus feature debut Amores Perros, and Eugenio Drbezs Instructions Not Included, are now discussing the possibility of a Spanish remake. A social clash screwball comedy, said Mayne.
Mala Influencia, (Roger Gual)
From Kiko Martnezs Nadie Es Perfecto and NL Films, an adaptation of smash hit Spanish-language young adultnovel Mala influencia, written by Teensspirit for Wattpad Webtoon. Roger Gual (Seven Years, Cable Girls) directs.
Miracle in Cell No. 7,
Working multiple way streets, a Mexican remake of Korean original drama which will be co produced by NL Films, Rock Ruz and Mexicos Corazn Films, which will distribute in Mexican theaters. I convinced Miguel [Ruz] that it would make more sense to make it in Mexico because the box office potential in Mexico is just bigger. Its a bigger market, said Mayne.
Paradoxum,
A teasing mind-bending sci-fi thriller from writing duo Manolo Campos and Gonzalo Navas, a writer on The Boat. A journey through our most primordial fears. A story about confidence affection and responsibility as key elements of personal growth, its creators say.
NL Films