The screenwriter and producer of the new Movistar+ series reflect on cinema, fiction, and advertising and the relationship of series with advertising creation.
Cristóbal Garrido, creator and screenwriter of La Vida Breve, and Paco Almazo, head of production at Movistar+, discussed how series have become a key vehicle for telling stories, not only for entertainment but also for conveying brand and product messages. Moderated by Luna Esquerdo, executive producer at Bambina, they talked about the nature of the series, its humorous approach within a historical context, and its relevance to the current reality.
Cristóbal Garrido explained that La Vida Breve is based on the figure of Luis I, a historical character with parallels to the present, highlighting the creative freedom he had on the project. Paco Almazo stated that the series came about spontaneously and emphasized that Movistar+ backed an innovative production without following strict guidelines, supporting creators in developing bold ideas. Both agreed on the importance of the role of the screenwriter and the showrunner in the creative process. Almazo pointed out that the showrunner role is still developing in Spain but is vital for the future of productions.
Garrido also shared his views on comedy, considering it an especially complex genre, and explained how the series was historically documented, though some flexibility was allowed to adjust the narrative and keep the creative essence intact.
The speakers agreed on the need to promote creative freedom and the role of the screenwriter in audiovisual production. La Vida Breve serves as an example of how an audacious production can combine historical rigor with comedy and relevance, creating content that resonates with today’s audiences while preserving authenticity and sensitivity in the creative process.
