THE ‘MEET THE MEnToRS’ Q&A

Victor Elizalde, Viva Pictures, USA

You created Viva Pictures to be specialised in high quality family movies in north America. How did it all start?

Victor Elizalde: For as long as I can remember, since say age 5, there was a $1 movie theatre in our neighbourhood and my older brothers would take me to go see movies. While mostly Saturday matinees sometimes we would go see a Friday or Saturday night movie which felt like a special event. The Steger Theater, tended to show a lot of Disney family movies that are now considered the classics, like HERBIE THE LOVE BUG, FLUBBER, etc. The magic and creativity of those movies made me realise that I always wanted that feeling to continue, not only for myself, but for others.

Who, fictional or real, is your role model?

Elizalde: This might sound cliché, but my father is my role model. He passed away many years ago, but he was a very hard working and ethical man who loved his family. These are the characteristics that I find admirable today because no matter the level of personal success or failure one achieves, every person has to look themselves in the mirror and answer to God in the end.

What kind of personal and professional background prepared you?

Elizalde: My personal background of growing up in the Midwestern part of America, Chicago, and living a humble lifestyle, was important for me to be able to relate to all audiences. On a professional level, I would always sug- gest that anyone getting involved in any business be able to view things from an analytical perspective. Lastly, experience is like watching any movie in that even if a bad experience it teaches you what not to do.

What are your principal criteria in selecting such films?

Elizalde: My principal criteria is that the film must be entertaining and have a positive message that an audience can relate to.

Are there ‘taboos’ that producers should avoid if they want their films to be distributed in the US?

Elizalde: I believe the biggest downfall of many films today is that they are trying to fit a current day theme or a trendy narrative/political agenda. Agendas and trends change so quickly now so trying to make a trendy film knowing that it might take up to three years to make is the kiss of death in my opinion. Movies are supposed to be timeless, not as part of your current social media feed. Timeless, solid and family values include stories of adventure, kindness, generosity, love of family and community.

What about non-English speaking live action family films? is there a market for such films in America?

Elizalde: There is definitely a newfound appreciation for foreign language live action films not only in America but around the world. Dubbing live action has progressed so much that they do not reflect the old Hong Kong chop-suey films from the 1970’s but rather closely mirror a domestic language production so that an overdub is not so noticeable. Audiences today are smart enough to understand that it is more satisfying to see a dubbed film than no film at all.

You have worked at major studios. Any specific tips to provide to independent producers on how to make their films ‘more mainstream’ with the resources available to them?

Elizalde: I think the biggest misconception independent producers have is that they need the major studios more than the major studios need them. Now more than ever the studios cannot keep up with the product needed to feed their theatrical and streaming needs so it’s an interesting dichotomy. The studios do an amazing job of making independent producers feel like they’re not needed but in re- ality, no studio could survive without independent productions, supplementing their tentpole releases. As related to specific tips, I think producers need to put themselves more in the shoes of the major studios with regard to liability and reputation. Specifically, things like having proper legal paperwork, insurance, music cue sheets, and other non-film deliverable items to keep a studio out of litigation or controversy. Most producers think they just have to deliver a digital master to pass QC and nothing could be further from the truth.

What is your dream project?

Elizalde: My dream project is to create a new global animation studio and get back to great storytelling that demonstrates the fantastic imagination our children have. My studio would be the Willy Wonka factory of animation.