Barcelona and Madrid-based creative hub YouPlanet is doubling down on original production with the launch of YouPlanet Studios, a new content division that will be led by Beltrán Gortázar, who also joins the group as VP of Strategy.
The move marks a decisive step in the company’s expansion from influencer marketing, film distribution and branded content into premium film and TV production.
Gortázar, who spent over 15 years in senior leadership roles at Google, YouTube and Coca-Cola, most recently served as CEO of Suma Content, founded by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, where he spearheaded acclaimed Spanish dramas such as “Veneno,” an HBO Max pickup for the U.S.; Netflix’s “Paquita Salas,” Movistar Plus+’ “La Mesías” and Atresmedia’s “Cardo.”
At YouPlanet, he will oversee both the group’s strategic evolution and the creative pipeline of its new studio arm as its CEO.
YouPlanet has also acquired the innovation and production venture Gortázar had been developing after departing from Suma Content, earlier this year. The deal brings, from day one, a roster of IPs in active development with top-tier creative talent, along with several initiatives in the field of innovation applied to the film and TV sector.
“With YouPlanet Studios, we open a new stage for the group: reinforcing our capacity to generate content with global vision, betting on an integrated model that connects talent, quality storytelling and scale,” said Luis de Val, president of YouPlanet.
“This movement positions us more strongly in a fast-evolving industry and reaffirms our commitment to creators as the driving force behind everything we do.”
Building an Integrated Ecosystem
De Val, who began his film career in 2002 at Manga Films and then produced at Media Films Goya Award-winning movies such as “El truco del manco,” “Héroes” and “Katmandú, un espejo en el cielo,” underlined how the new studio aims to stand out in the current independent market.
“The great value we’ve achieved at YouPlanet is building an ecosystem that ranges from film distribution to influencer and digital marketing. That allows us to generate very powerful synergies with our new Studios and give every project a much more ambitious life cycle,” he noted.
“We want to consolidate a label that distinguishes itself in three aspects: quality of stories, top creative talent and a global reach.”
Local Projects, International Ambition
For Gortázar, the initial priority is to secure local projects with international ambition. “We want to work with creators who have a unique voice and perspective capable of reaching diverse audiences, amplified through the platforms and clients I’ve collaborated with for years,” he explained.
YouPlanet’s track record in distribution includes Oscar winning titles “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “The Whale.”
Leveraging YouPlanet Distribution’s global network, Gortázar said, “we can now explore co-productions that combine production muscle with distribution reach.”
Innovation and Talent at the Core
On talent strategy, Gortázar wants to establish “long-term relationships, giving creators the confidence that their voices will be defended every step of the way.”
Innovation, meanwhile, is seen as a core driver. “For us, innovation isn’t aspirational, it’s part of our identity,” De Val said.
“We want to explore stories that experiment with structure, while also innovating in how we produce – integrating agile methodologies, new technologies and freer, more creative processes.”
YouPlanet Studios now sets out to become a launchpad for bold storytelling, aiming to deliver Spanish-originated projects with resonance on the global scene.
variety.com
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