TV + FILM + BRANDED CONTENT + MUSIC VIDEOS
BROOKLYN IS BURNING
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
IN PRODUCTION FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM. TEASER 1
While America is divided by left and right vitriol, local bands and their loyal audiences remain united through their unwavering acceptance of their own differences.
SYNOPSIS
In a divided America, independent music is creating a subculture that is uniting a multitude of movements in the most diverse city in the world. The purpose of this project is to document the power of this scene and its global impact as it merges black, white, gay, straight, metal, hip-hop, electronic, indie, noise, goth, and punk, all in one place: Brooklyn. Music acts like Surfbort, Uniform, A Place to Bury Strangers, Deli Girls, Dreamcrusher, Stuyedeyed, Bodega, and Sloppy Jane exemplify what is happening. These bands are shaping the new music language for generations to come.
We want to capture the struggle of bands that are having an impact on and reshaping conversations on things such as female representation, gender identity, race, and immigration through their music. Some of the musicians identify as non-binary, some grew up on welfare, some are established painters, some baristas, some are fashion designers, some escaped violence, some are touring seemingly forever and trying to make ends meet. What they all have in common are their strong stories and a strive that is universal. Some bands will succeed, others will dissolve, but documenting their music at this crucial time will help us understand something important about our culture.
The places where this is happening are also important to the story. Venues such as Market Hotel, Alphaville, Our Wicked Lady, Secret Project Robot, The Glove, Baby’s All Right, and Saint Vitus –just to name a few – are a testament to the story, places that unfortunately are been gentrified in real-time. Yet these dance floorsand mosh pits represent a melting pot of cultures and happiness, where a new breath of music and art is emerging. If Manhattan is becoming a place of old museums and high-rise buildings, BROOKLYN IS BURNING WITH NEW MUSIC.
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: A.F. CORTÉS
TEASER 2:
KID PAMBELÉ: Fiction TV Series 2016
Fiction, TV Series, 80 one-hour episodes
This is the tale of a life spent between heaven and hell. The story of a man who made a living as a shoeshine boy in the streets of Cartagena and went on to become the Welterweight Boxing Champion better known as Kid Pambelé.
During his years of glory in the 1970s, Antonio Cervantes was one of the most dazzling sportsmen boxing has ever known. His charismatic persona is deeply rooted in the Colombian and Venezuelan collective memory. He remains a legendary hero, known not only for the power of his fists but also for his lavish lifestyle.
But fame and glory come with a price. Pambele’s struggles — his rise and demise — are captured in 80 one-hour episodes. This TV series recreates the glorious and tragic life of Antonio Cervantes, Kid Pambelé.
Based on the bestselling book “Gold and Darkness” by Alberto Salcedo Ramos (El oro y la oscuridad)
Network: RCN Televisión
CREATOR, HEAD WRITTER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: A.F. CORTÉS
TV SERIES BRANDED CONTENT (NON- FICTION) 2013
12 ONE-HOUR EPISODES
SYNOPSIS
Created for Turner Television and Blackberry, MANIFESTO! is a 360-degree lifestyle media platform juxtaposing iconic artists working today with the latest trends in fashion, music, art, design, film and nightlife throughout Latin America and the world. Featuring Eglantina Zingg, globetrotter, fashionista, trendsetter and host of Project Runway Latin America, which represents a constant search for "what's next."
An original cable TV production, digital series and blog, MANIFESTO! lives on the web, on the streets and inside social networks, setting trends while also testing them.
Networks: TURNER TV USA + GLITZ Latin America
SHOT ON LOCATION IN: ARGENTINA, COLOMBIA, MEXICO AND BRAZIL.
PRODUCED, CO-WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: A.F. CORTÉS
LEE RANALDO: REHEARSAL SPACE
SYNOPSIS
REHEARSAL SPACE is a multi-platform digital documentary series about iconic artists, their songs, and the places where their music is created. The series features artists or bands playing a song live in their rehearsal space, studio, or a place where they feel at home.
The focus of the series is independent music, featuring influential artists from many genres. Each performance is followed by a candid conversation about sources of inspiration, the creative process, and the story behind each song. Each episode is shot in a different visual style, underscoring the mood of each song while allowing the location to become a character within the story.
Our recipe is simple: music and artists with integrity, originality and, most importantly, with a point of view.
Writer/Director + photographer: A.F. CORTÉS
Executive producer: Tim Perell
Interviewer: Michael Hill
Producer: Dre Libreros
In co-production with: Process Media
a digital documentary a series about artists, their songs and the places where music is created.
MUSIC VIDEOS: (A SELECTION)
Crank the volume to 11, please. :)
All directed and produced by A.F. Cortés
ZOLA JESUS: DESIRE
