Eva Longoria, ‘House of the Spirits’ EPs on Adapting Allende’s Novel
Chilean creatives Francisca Alegría and Fernanda Urrejola recently brought Isabel Allende’s beloved novel “The House of the Spirits” to life as a limited series for Amazon Prime Video. The eight-episode series, which premiered on April 29, has received rave reviews, with Variety calling it “sensational and long overdue.”
Alegría and Urrejola, who co-wrote the series and serve as showrunners and executive producers, had the support of executive producer Eva Longoria and production company FilmNation. Longoria, a vocal fan of Allende’s work, was instrumental in helping bring the Spanish-language adaptation to the screen.
The series, shot in Santiago and other parts of Chile, follows the story of a family and political dynasty in the magical realism literary form popular in Latin America in the 20th century. Urrejola, who also stars in the series as the character Blanca, spoke about the power of the female characters in the novel and how they create community and culture without trying to emulate men.
Alegría and Urrejola credited their experienced producing partners for guiding them through the unfamiliar process of preparing for the final cut and navigating the marketing and distribution conversations with Amazon and FilmNation. Longoria emphasized the importance of knowing when to defend your vision and when to compromise in the filmmaking process.
The session, moderated by Cynthia Littleton of Variety, also touched on the growing film and TV production infrastructure in Chile, which Longoria dubbed “Chile-wood.” Urrejola expressed her gratitude for being able to bring such a national treasure to life in Chile, highlighting the talent and diverse landscapes that the country has to offer.
Overall, the journey of bringing “The House of the Spirits” to the screen was a collaborative effort between talented creatives, producers, and actors, showcasing the power of storytelling and the magic of realism in a captivating series for audiences to enjoy. Chile has become a popular destination for filmmakers due to its diverse landscapes and unique locations. One such location is Patagonia, which offers a completely different and breathtaking landscape compared to the desert areas in the country. Filmmakers have been drawn to the beauty and uniqueness of Patagonia, making it a sought-after location for shooting films.
Despite the challenges of production tax rebates, filmmakers in Chile have access to co-production funds that are helping to improve the industry. This has allowed for more opportunities for filmmakers to create high-quality content and collaborate with international crews. The support from the government and the availability of resources have made Chile a desirable location for filmmakers looking for a diverse and visually stunning backdrop for their projects.
One filmmaker who has experienced the thrill of working in Chile is Eva Longoria, who recently attended NALIP’s Diverse Women in Media Forum in Hollywood. Longoria, along with Fernanda Urrejola and Francisca Alegría, shared their experiences of working in Chile and the incredible crew they had the opportunity to collaborate with. The combination of talent, resources, and stunning locations has made Chile a hub for filmmakers looking to create impactful and visually stunning films.
In conclusion, Chile’s diverse landscapes, including the unique beauty of Patagonia, and the support from co-production funds have made it an attractive destination for filmmakers. The industry is growing, and with continued support and resources, Chile is poised to become a prominent player in the international film scene. The experiences shared by filmmakers like Eva Longoria highlight the endless possibilities and opportunities that Chile has to offer for those looking to create memorable and visually captivating films.
