Prime Video Showrunners Lead Alma Media Lab Slate

Francisca Alegría and Fernanda Urrejola, the co-showrunners behind Prime Video's "The House of the Spirits," are spearheading the initial slate for Alma Media Lab, a newly established company based in Miami. This venture aims to operate as a hybrid publishing-to-screen entity, drawing inspiration from successful models like Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine and Alloy Entertainment. Alma Media Lab's core strategy involves developing books and television series concurrently, fostering a close collaborative process from the outset.

The company's inaugural projects are set to include a diverse range of content, with a particular emphasis on stories originating from Latin America. Among the announced projects is "The Last Queen of the Andes," a historical drama series based on the life of the Incan princess Killa. This series is slated for a 2025 release. Additionally, Alma Media Lab is developing "The Whispering Jungle," a children's book series penned by Alegría and Urrejola, which is also planned to be adapted into an animated series. The company has also acquired the rights to "The Shadow of the Wind," a novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, for a limited series adaptation.

Alegría, an acclaimed Chilean director known for her work on "The Cow Who Sang a Song About the Moon," and Urrejola, an actress and producer, bring a wealth of experience in visual storytelling and narrative development to Alma Media Lab. Their shared vision for the company is to champion authentic voices and compelling narratives, particularly those that explore Latin American culture and history. The company's operational model is designed to streamline the adaptation process, ensuring that literary and visual elements are harmoniously developed. This integrated approach is intended to reduce the time and resources typically required for book-to-screen adaptations.

Alma Media Lab's strategic focus on Latin American stories aligns with a growing global demand for diverse and culturally rich content. By establishing a presence in Miami, the company is positioning itself at a nexus of Latin American and North American creative industries. The company has announced plans to expand its development slate over the next three years, with a commitment to producing at least two major book-to-screen projects annually. This ambitious plan underscores their intent to become a significant player in the media landscape, bridging the gap between literature and television with a distinct cultural perspective. The company's initial funding has been secured through a combination of private investment and grants aimed at supporting diverse storytelling initiatives.