HBO Max & Domingo Corral: A Game-Changing Deal for Spanish TV?

In a move that is shaking up the Spanish television industry, Domingo Corral, former director of fiction and entertainment at Movistar Plus+, has signed a first-look deal with HBO Max. This agreement, announced at Series Mania, promises to boost the production of original content in Spain. The first project in development is a series about El Nani, a young criminal who disappeared in police custody in 1983, a case that marked the Spanish democratic transition.

This deal represents a new chapter for Corral, who during his management at Movistar Plus+ promoted series and films that put Spain on the international map. Among his successes are awards at Series Mania, Cannes and San Sebastián, consolidating his reputation as a visionary in the industry.

Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, emphasized at Series Mania the search for the best stories from the best creators. The alliance with Corral suggests that HBO Max is looking to replicate the success of Movistar Plus+ in producing high-quality local content. Aubrey also noted that there is not the same pressure on a local series to adapt to being a global leader, but rather it is more important to create a specific product for its local audience.

Corral's career includes the production of series such as 'Riot Police' and 'La Mesías', the latter acclaimed by French critics. HBO Max's strategy of increasing development budgets suggests a commitment to quality and innovation in series production.

The deal between HBO Max and Domingo Corral raises two important questions. The first is how many renowned Spanish creators, such as Sorogoyen, Ruiz de Azúa and the Javis, will work with Corral in the future. The second question is how long HBO Max, under Paramount's ownership, will maintain its original focus and its support for auteur production. The answer to these questions will determine the future of innovative television production and the empowerment of creators in Spain.

The project on El Nani, written and directed by Alberto Rodríguez and Rafael Cobos, is a clear example of the collaboration between Corral and creators with a deep understanding of Spanish history and society.

During Corral's nearly 10 years at Movistar Plus+, he focused on discovering Spain, its environments, styles, concerns, history and talents, celebrating the voices of the authors and competing with the production levels of France and Italy. Series such as 'The Plague' and 'Prison 77' were great successes, demonstrating Corral's ability to identify and support projects with international potential.

The series 'The Anatomy of a Moment', co-produced with Arte France, is an example of Corral's ambitious artistic approach, with each episode exploring different genres. The agreement with HBO Max could mean a new stage for the production of high-quality Spanish series, boosting creativity and local talent.

The collaboration between HBO Max and Domingo Corral represents an opportunity to revitalize television production in Spain, at a time when local broadcasters and platforms are reducing their budgets. HBO Max's ability to invest in development and production could allow Corral to materialize his creative ambitions.

The future of this collaboration will depend on the autonomy that HBO Max grants Corral and his ability to maintain a focus on quality and originality. The success of this alliance could mark the beginning of a new golden age for Spanish television, with local stories and talents conquering the world.