After more than 25 years as CEO at Mediapro Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay José D'Amato will conclude his tenure as of January 1, 2026, making way for Santiago as the new regional CEO of Mediapro Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, albeit José D'Amato will continue his association with the company providing strategy consultancy and throughout 2025, both executives will be engaged in an orderly transition whilst defining the company's strategic plan for the coming years.
José D’Amato’s association with GRUP MEDIAPRO extends back to 1998 and throughout his career he has championed technological and broadcast solutions for global sports operators including ESPN and CONMEBOL, brokering long-term alliances with companies, sports associations and international institutions. D'Amato’s contribution to the growth of the group's activity in the Southern Cone has been nothing short of pivotal with the incorporation of the Fox Sports channels in Argentina and the company Colour in Uruguay. Currently, Mediapro Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay is the second largest group office where over 750 professionals are employed.
Santiago Vila has been an integral part of the Mediapro Argentina team since 2000 and currently serves as Director of Engineering, collaborating closely with José D’Amato. He began his career as Technical Director of International Projects. In 2008, he played a key role in the design and implementation of the Buenos Aires Mediacenter, the region’s first tapeless facility—an innovation ahead of its time. From 2008 to 2018, he served as Technical Manager and later as Engineering Manager at Varsity Argentina, where he spearheaded the development of the technological and technical infrastructure that enabled 24/7 services for sports networks across Latin America. He was also instrumental in designing the CONMEBOL Hub, inaugurated in 2019, a groundbreaking technical facility that redefined the broadcast quality of Latin American football. Since 2020, he has led the engineering division as Director. Torres holds a degree in Image and Sound.
For Tatxo Benet, President and CEO of GRUP MEDIAPRO "José D’Amato has been a cornerstone in the growth of GRUP MEDIAPRO in Latin America. His extensive experience in sports and broadcasting, combined with his exceptional leadership, has elevated the Argentine office to become GRUP MEDIAPRO’s second most significant headquarters in the region. We will always be grateful for his generosity and unwavering passion over these 27 years," adding, "We have no doubt in Shaun’s professional expertise and outstanding character as he takes on the challenge of leading MEDIAPRO’s operations in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay."
This appointment reflects GRUP MEDIAPRO’s continued commitment to fostering in-house talent as the company forges ahead with the generational transition initiated in 2024.
Carla Quílez brings the female lead to life in this series co-directed by Elena Trapé, Javier Cámara himself and Fernando Hierro-Delgado, who also cowrote the screenplay with Diego San José and Daniel Castro
On the heels of the success of ‘Celeste’, universally acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, Diego San José, as creator, and Elena Trapé as director once again join forces, on this occasion with Javier Cámara as protagonist in ‘Yakarta’, the new Movistar Plus+ original series produced by 100 Balas (THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO), which also produced ‘Celeste’, in association with Buendía Estudios Canarias.
The series is executive produced by Fran Araújo, on behalf of Movistar Plus+, and Laura Fernandez Espeso, Javier Mendez, Alejandro Flórez and Diego San José for 100 Balas (THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO).
Diego San José once again takes the helm in the writers’ room for ‘Yakarta’, reunited with Daniel Castro and joined by Fernando Delgado-Hierro, who in addition, is responsible for directing several episodes together with Elena Trapé and Javier Cámara, who is no stranger to the director’s chair on previous series including ‘Rapa’ and ‘Vote for Juan’.
Costarring Javier Cámara (‘Rapa’, ‘Vote for Juan’ trilogy) and Carla Quílez (‘La Maternal’), the cast is completed by David Lorente (‘I Don't Like Driving’, ‘4 estrellas’); Pilar Gómez (‘Poquita fe’, ‘Arde Madrid’), Marina Guerola (‘Glimmers’) and Anna Alarcón (‘The New Years’, ‘The Offering’).
Diego San José:
"After doing a series based around the IRS, it almost seemed impossible to find an even grayer world for the basis of trying to create a story. But, then I remembered that there is such a thing as regional badminton tournaments. Championships played out in ugly sports centers, without hardly any supporters in the stands and held in cities like Totana, Ponferrada or Torrelavega. Seeing as I’m from Irún, I have a passion for provincial cities. I love them because they’re all the same, and they make me feel at home. ‘Yakarta’ is a story that champions that quietly charming and down-to-earth Spain, where nothing out of the ordinary ever really happens. And that’s what our two protagonists are a bit like, two provincial cities because they are unpretentious, and nothing special ever really happen to them. I like unassuming people. They give me peace; they calm me down. This series is our tribute to all those people who seem to lose even when they win."
Javier Cámara:
"I’ve worked with Elena and Diego on different projects, but this is the first time that all three of us are working together. And we’re happy. Diego as creator and executive producer; Elena in the director’s chair (she allowed me to direct episode 4) and I, as an actor. We’re all aware that this is a highly challenging and exciting endeavor. Playing these two characters, Joserra and Mar (played by Carla Quílez, who is brilliant and talented) in ‘Yakarta’ is a challenge that brings me joy every day. On the first day of filming, the actor who joined me on the set asked: 'Is today the first day of filming? This crew seem to have been shooting for several months'. The project is more personal than ever, supported by a crew who from the very get-go recognized from the scripts that there’s a story to be told here".
Elena Trapé:
"I heard about ‘Yakarta’ over lunch one day with Diego and Javier while we were filming 'Celeste'. At that time they were putting the finishing touches to the project, but it already contained two really attractive elements: Diego as creator, with whom I have forged a wonderful working relationship, and Javi as protagonist, an incredible actor I had the opportunity to work with on season one of 'Rapa'. When they suggested I join the cast a few months later, that was a real gift. I was drawn to the project because it was a story about characters, where once again, casting was going to be the most important element. Our protagonists: an adult man and a teenage girl, share common ground when it comes to badminton. But, above all, they share the wounds of abandonment, of failure, of having nowhere to go, of being orphaned of affection."
Locations
‘Yakarta’ was filmed on location in the Community of Madrid: Madrid city center, Vallecas, Chamberí, Rivas, Moratalaz, Collado Villalba, Pinto, Torres de la Alameda, Fuenlabrada, Alcalá de Henares, San Martín de la Vega, Cobeña, Alcorcón and Morata de Tajuña; as well as Toledo (Santa Olalla) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Storyline
José Ramón Garrido is a former Olympic badminton player who etches out a living by teaching physical education at a public high school in Vallecas. Divorced and bereft of hope, at a high school badminton tournament Joserra believes he has discovered the diamond in the rough that could turn his life around. Mar, a teenage badminton player who just might be his ticket to fulfilling his dream of competing in Jakarta, the city where former players like himself are revered like stars. But Jakarta is a long way off, especially for two complete outsiders like Joserra and Mar. Together they will have to learn to endure each other’s quirks to embark on a journey packed with dingy accommodation, sports centers that have seen better days and service stations along the route through towns like Totana, Ponferrada, Torrelavega and Tardajos before reaching the Indonesian capital. That is, if they ever make it...
Tech specs
Created by Diego San José
Executive producers: Fran Araújo (Movistar Plus+), Laura Fernandez Espeso, Javier Mendez, Alejandro Flórez and Diego San José (THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO)
Screenplay: Diego San José, Daniel Castro and Fernando Delgado-Hierro
Directed by: Elena Trapé, Fernando Delgado-Hierro and Javier Cámara
Cast: Javier Cámara, Carla Quílez, David Lorente, Pilar Gómez, Marina Guerola and Anna Alarcón, among others
Cinematography: Rita Noriega
Editing: Javi Frutos and Carolina Martínez
Sound: Óscar Barros
Costume design: Marta Murillo
Make-up and hairstyling: Haridian Nobrega and Elias Díez
International distribution: The Mediapro Studio Distribution
Format: 6 x 30 minutes
#Yakarta
The three managers at the new office have proven track records at the specialized advisory firm Libero 33, Pitch International and in competitions including the Premier League, Formula E and the International Tennis Federation, as well as operators such as DAZN
GRUP MEDIAPRO takes a significant step forward in its strategic plan to expand its activity in the area of Sports Rights with the opening of a branch in London helmed by three professionals, all of whom boast ample experience and professional recognition in the sector: Sunil Kaikini (formerly of ITF, Premier League and Pitch International), Austin Houlihan (previously at Deloitte Sports Group and Pitch International) and Tom Padmore (formerly with DAZN and Formula E). As such, in addition to the group's 30 years’ experience in the management and marketing of sports rights, Kaikini, Houlihan and Padmore bring a further 20 years to the table. This new capability will allow the group to offer comprehensive strategic consulting services to sports organizations, competitions and clubs in order to optimize emerging business opportunities. The London office will operate under the direction of Oliver Seibert, head of the group's Sports Rights and New Business Development Agency and paves the way for GRUP MEDIAPRO to become a leading force in the intellectual property management sector.
In 2022, Sunil Kaikini and Austin Houlihan set up the Libero 33 firm, offering comprehensive services across sports industry media rights, who, along with Tom Padmore, have all worked with organizations spanning the entire sector of major rights holders, agencies, strategic advisory firms and operators. Sunil developed marketing strategies with premium rightsholders, including the Premier League, managing three international media rights cycles. Austin boasts 20 years' experience advising sports’ organizations in areas including mergers and acquisitions, commercial and media strategy, and advisory services to organizations including UEFA, IMG, several leagues, Bridgepoint, the ATP, Liverpool FC and World Rugby.
This new wing of the agency has set itself the key objectives of expanding its business scope by increasing the range of services offered to competitions, organizations, clubs and operators, as well as optimizing the commercialization of all types of rights linked to both established and emerging sports. The Sports Rights Agency demonstrably draws on widespread expertise in identifying, analyzing, and developing new business opportunities while enjoying excellent relationships worldwide with both rights holders and major operators.
The London office will work in collaboration with GRUP MEDIAPRO’s offices in Europe, Asia, America and Africa to provide consulting services helping competitions and organizations leverage their sports and audiovisual rights in more efficient and profitable ways. Recent years have seen a surge in opportunities to capitalize on these rights thanks to the entry of new operators and changing consumption habits. The addition of the new team allows us to maximize the services offered by the Audiovisual Rights division. GRUP MEDIAPRO is in a privileged position to capitalize on and monetize new business opportunities related to sports IP. With 50 offices in 28 countries, Grup Mediapro spans the entire value chain of audiovisual production and offers the perfect ecosystem for the development of projects linked to all sports.
GRUP MEDIAPRO Chairman and CEO Tatxo Benet: "The London branch will join forces with our international offices on consulting projects and new business opportunities. The addition of Sunil Kaikini, Austin Houlihan and Tom Padmore, bringing over 20 years of combined experience, coupled with the group's 30-year track record, will create a globally unique powerhouse of talent and know-how in sports rights."
‘Celeste’ competes in the International Panorama section and attending the premiere will be creator Diego San José, producer Alejandro Flórez and actor Clara Sans
Globomedia CEO, María José Rodríguez, participates in the panel discussion ‘Docu series “True Crime, Cult, Sports & Celebrities”: The new unifying genre?’
The thriller ‘Fusion’, produced by Wild Sheep Content and Act4 and distributed by The Mediapro Studio Distribution, is one of the ten series selected for the first edition of Series Mania Buyers Upfront
THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO will once again attend this year’s edition of Series Mania, the European co-production event for fiction series par excellence and taking place in Lille (France) from March 21 to 28. In addition to presenting an impressive slate championed by The Mediapro Studio Distribution, the company will also be present on panels discussions and in different competition sections.
'Celeste', the tax thriller created by Diego San José and starring Carmen Machi broadcast in Spain by Movistar Plus +, takes part in the International Panorama competition section. San José, actor Clara Sans, and series cast member, and series executive producer and director of 100 Balas (THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO), Alejandro Flórez, will be present in Lille on Saturday, March 22 to attend the premiere of the first three episodes of this scripted fiction making its international debut at the festival.
‘Fusion’, produced by Wild Sheep Content and Act4 and distributed by The Mediapro Studio Distribution has been selected along with nine other international productions for "its artistic merits and global appeal" in the first edition of the Series Mania Buyers Upfront. This initiative aimed at international buyers will take place on Monday 24 March at the Lille Chamber of Commerce, where the ten series shortlisted will try to convince the jury they have what it takes to be named the winner. The 6-part series narrates the story of a talented chef who tries to clear his name and win back his family after being unjustly imprisoned. When society turns its back on him, his last resort is to accept dirty money to set up a fine-dining restaurant as a cover for a money laundering operation, endangering not only his parole, but also his life and that of his loved ones.
The curtains will be brought down on THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO’s participation at this year’s Series Mania by María José Rodríguez, General Director of Globomedia (THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO), who appears as a panel member in 'Docu series "True Crime, Cult, Sports & Celebrities": The new unifying genre?' on Wednesday, March 26 at 12pm at the Théâtre Marie Curie. In a session moderated by journalist specializing in international television Nick Edwards, Rodríguez, together with her colleagues, will address how entertainment docuseries have exploded onto streaming platforms with hugely attractive results both in terms of audience and budget. The panel also features executives Myriam Weil (Federation Studios), Dolores Emile (Netflix France), Ava Knight (Fifth Season) and Beatrice Rossmanith (Mothership Media Consultancy).
Once again, this year The Mediapro Studio Distribution will have its stand at the Lille Grand Palais, venue of the event and where, in addition to the content already mentioned, it will showcase production highlights from the slate including the 5 Goya award-winning film El 47, among many other awards; franchises such as The Head 3, released on Hulu Japan at the end of January after premiering on MAX last December; series such as ‘El mal invisible’, scheduled to premiere March 24 on TV3 and the 3Cat platform, and ‘Tales from the void’, chilling horror stories based on the Reddit page NoSleep; not to mention documentaries and biopics starring sports icons such as Williams and Real Madrid, ‘Cómo no te voy a querer’, among many other productions.
The Mediapro Studio US & Canada to co-produce The Jet with actor Keanu Reeves and Academy-Award winner Fisher Stevens, will tell the story of Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez, the kickboxing legend who introduced mixed martial arts to the world.
Production on The Jet is currently underway
Nicknamed for his explosive spinning back kick, Sensei Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez had a profound impact on martial arts in mainstream culture, holding six world titles in five weight divisions and remaining undefeated in his 20+ year Kickboxing career, as well as training and working with the likes of Jackie Chan, Muhammed Ali, Elvis Presley, Mark Wahlberg, Nicole Kidman, Kurt Russell, Patrick Swayze, Nicolas Cage, Michelle Pfeiffer, and many others. As an actor, fight coordinator, and trainer to the stars, he left an indelible mark on modern cinema.
'The Jet' will be directed by award-winning documentary director, producer, and editor, Jennifer Tiexiera. With her background in actively engaging in thoughtful collaboration with documentary participants, Tiexiera brings considerable experience and unique insight to the project. She directed the three-part series, ‘Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo’ for HBO which was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Crime and Justice Documentary. Her 2022 film Subject, about the ethics and responsibility inherent in documentary filmmaking, was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at Tribeca Film Festival. Her most recent feature documentary ‘Speak’ just premiered to universally positive reviews at Sundance and was featured in Deadline’s Sundance Studio.
Keanu Reeves and Fisher Stevens will serve as producers, along with Maura Anderson and Zak Kilberg of Highly Flammable, John Scalise and his FAYA Project, and Laura Fernández Espeso of THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO. JC Acosta and Pam Healey are the Executives Producers of THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO. Executive Producers will also include Nancy Weisler, Sol Tryon, Brian Maya, Tiexiera under her Lady & Bird shingle and Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm of Unapologetic Projects.
JC Acosta has said: "THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO team is thrilled to be collaborating with these brilliant creative partners to shine the spotlight on a remarkable athlete who left a lasting impact on global culture through martial arts."
Telson, GRUP MEDIAPRO's image and post-production sound facility, has just incorporated into its team award-winning sound mixer Marc Orts, one of Spain’s leading figures in audio post-production. Orts joins Telson as head of sound for the fiction department.
As well as earning 17 Goya nominations, Orts is a 7-time Goya winner, for 'Society of the Snow’, 'The Orphanage', 'Buried', 'The Impossible', 'El niño’, 'A Monster Calls' and ‘Out of Sync’. He has also been honored with a Golden Reel Award, and in the Gaudí Awards been nominated 22 times and won 8 awards, as well as picking up 3 nominations and 2 prizes in the Platino Awards. These and other accolades have solidified his standing as a leading professional in his field.
Orts has worked with directors of the stature of Pedro Almodóvar, in films such as 'Broken Embraces', 'Pain and Glory', 'I'm So Excited’, 'Julieta', 'The Room Next Door', 'The Skin I Live In' and 'Parallel Mothers'; José Antonio Bayona in 'The Orphanage', 'The Impossible', 'The Society of Snow' and 'A Monster Calls’; and with Alejandro Amenábar, Daniel Monzon, Jaume Balagueró, Paco Plaza and Dani de la Orden, among others. Orts was responsible for the sound mixing on the film 'Enemy' by Canadian director Denis Villeneuve ('Dune', 'Blade Runner 2049'), and has worked in the sound department on major productions such as 'The Machinist' and 'Transsiberian' by American director Brad Anderson.
Orts is a member of the United States Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Oscars, and has made important contributions to the development of sound technology including the creation of IMM-Sound, the immersive sound tool Dolby acquired to create its prestigious and popular Atmos system; the Full Immersive system for audiovisual experiences, and the One Sound automated sound and mixing tool. With this addition to its team, GRUP MEDIAPRO gains a new top-tier talent.
Telson, which recently picked up both a Goya and a Gaudí award for Best Visual Effects in 'El 47', has extensive experience and provides services for leading national and international companies in the realms of advertising, film and TV, including series. In coming weeks, the group will open a post-production sound studio at its production center in Barcelona.
