Renata Brandão has made a name for herself as one of Brazil’s most influential media creators. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2016 at the Brazilian production powerhouse, Conspiração Filmes, she has led the company to earn 10 International Emmy nominations – the highest number for any Latin American company. Brandão’s leadership has not only sustained the company’s domestic success but also propelled it onto the international stage.
“Our next significant achievement is the upcoming Spanish-language remake of the popular Brazilian soap opera, Under Pressure,” Brandão reveals. “Additionally, we are in the process of developing a soap opera series for international filming. Our ambition is to extend Conspiração’s fully integrated studio structure beyond Brazil, fostering local production across Latin America, and encouraging co-productions that blend Latin American storytelling.”
On the cinematic front, Conspiração co-produced the award-season contender, I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles. The film has been selected as Brazil’s entry for the Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars.
As one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 Most Powerful Women in International TV, Brandão offers insight into the challenges confronting the television industry, especially for women in a predominantly male field, and discusses potential strategies for promoting equality.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Brandão’s journey into the industry was serendipitous. With a degree in international relations and aspirations of becoming a diplomat, she was drawn into the world of film production when a friend requested her assistance on a film project, The Passenger. This experience sparked her passion for the business, leading her to study at UCLA in Los Angeles. Upon returning to Brazil, she joined Conspiração in 2006, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
What was the most significant professional challenge you encountered this past year?
Brandão cites spearheading Conspiração’s international expansion as her most formidable professional challenge in the past year. With over three decades of operation in Brazil and ten International Emmy nominations under its belt, Conspiração is now venturing into Mexico to produce Spanish-language content. This includes a Spanish remake of Under Pressure, one of Brazil’s most successful TV shows, and a new soap opera series for international audiences. The aim is to replicate Conspiração’s fully integrated studio structure across Latin America, fostering local production, encouraging co-productions, and promoting Latin American storytelling. Navigating the complexities of adapting successful Brazilian IPs and developing original content in Mexico has been a thrilling yet intricate task.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment over the past year?
Co-producing the film I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, with partners VideoFilmes and RT Features, is Brandão’s proudest achievement in the past year. The film has been selected as Brazil’s official candidate for the Best International Feature category at the Oscars, a testament to the team’s dedication and passion.
Fernanda Torres in I’m Still Here
Courtesy of Venice Film Festival
What current industry trend would you like to see disappear?
Brandão acknowledges the ongoing debate surrounding VOD regulations in Brazil, which has seen a variety of valuable insights from different perspectives. She is hopeful for a resolution that respects and appropriately values all interests involved, allowing the market to progress efficiently.
Which currently airing show do you wish you had produced?
Brandão expresses her admiration for the series White Lotus and hopes that creator Mike White will bring the series to Brazil soon.
What has been the greatest challenge as a woman in this predominantly male industry?
The biggest challenge for women in this male-dominated industry, according to Brandão, is the constant need to establish credibility and leadership amidst bias and scrutiny. She believes resilience and a strong support network are vital for navigating these challenges.
What measures need to be taken to improve equality and diversity within the industry?
Brandão proposes a multi-level approach to promoting equality and diversity in the industry. This begins with access – providing more opportunities for underrepresented voices through mentorship, scholarships, and inclusive hiring practices. She emphasizes the need to actively change the narratives being produced, asserting the importance of authenticity in storytelling. This commitment needs to extend beyond superficial efforts and involve a continuous dedication to dismantling the structural barriers that marginalize certain groups. As a female CEO, Brandão believes that embracing diversity as a core value, rather than a mere goal, is the key to real progress.
What advice would you offer to young women entering the industry?
Brandão advises young women entering the field to be genuinely passionate about their work. Given the highly competitive nature of the film industry, she believes that this passion will sustain them through the numerous challenges they will encounter. Concurrently, she encourages them to build a broad library of references by immersing themselves in various genres and cultures of films, TV shows, and documentaries. Reading books, studying photography, exploring music, art, and theater will enrich their creative palette and help them develop a unique voice and vision, which is crucial in an industry where standing out is paramount.
What do you watch for leisure?
For leisure, Brandão enjoys watching Brazilian shows to understand the narratives and perspectives being shared globally and how they resonate with international audiences.
What do you do to relax?
To unwind, Brandão enjoys swimming in the sea.
FAQs:
Q: Who is Renata Brandão?
A: Renata Brandão is one of Brazil’s most influential media creators and the CEO of Conspiração Filmes, a Brazilian production powerhouse.
Q: What has been Renata Brandão’s biggest achievement in the past year?
A: Brandão’s biggest achievement in the past year has been co-producing the film I’m Still Here, which has been selected as Brazil’s official candidate for the Best International Feature category at the Oscars.
Q: What advice does Renata Brandão have for young women entering the film industry?
A: Brandão advises young women to be genuinely passionate about their work and to immerse themselves in various genres and cultures of films, TV shows, and documentaries to develop a unique voice and vision.
Q: What does Renata Brandão do to relax?
A: To unwind, Brandão enjoys swimming in the sea.
Credit: www.hollywoodreporter.com
