Synopsis/ Sinopsis
After a freak accident on a movie set incapacitates its Latino star, a hunt for his replacement begins. Steve Fernandez, a struggling actor, vies for the lead role as the undercover cop Basco, but can't seem to get out of his own way. His agent questions if he’s “Latino” enough to play tough, macho parts as his personal life falls apart. The only bright spot he has is his new Texan neighbor Tabby, and the hope that soon he’ll land this star-making role. Meanwhile a mysterious new arrival, Alejandro Costello, hitchhikes into town with just his bravado and the red shirt on his back and is instantly discovered on the streets of Hollywood to take the part of Basco. Everything seems to be looking up for Alejandro as he navigates the glamour of his burgeoning celebrity. All he has to do is pretend to be someone Steve was born to be! But when these two actors finally collide, and Alejandro’s secret is discovered, both are forced to redefine success in Hóllyweird.
Director’s Statement/Declaración del Director
When I made this movie, I was really looking to explore the struggle of being a Latino actor in Hollywood in a satirical form. I know first hand how hard it is to succeed in this business when you’re expected to conform to the stereotypes that the Hollywood establishment has about Latinos: the Latin lover, drug dealer/criminal and the funny sidekick. I want to share more of the diverse experiences and cultures of Latino-Americans.
Edwin Porres, Jr.
Photo by Laos Chuman
Latinos want content that is created by Latinos and represents their unique experiences.
In the US, Latinx are 24% of frequent movie goers seeing at least one movie a month (MPAA, 2018)
Latinx actors represent only 3% of lead or co-lead roles, and 4.5% of speaking roles (Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at USC 2019)
Latinx only make up a 5.2% of all film roles (UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report)
Filmmakers/ Cineastas
Edwin Porres Jr.- Writer, Director, Producer
Born in Guatemala and raised in West Virginia, Edwin dreamed of making movies. He came to Los Angeles during college and began to study screenwriting, acting and producing at USC and LACC. As a Latino raised in the United States, he didn't recognize himself in the stereotypical Latino roles traditionally depicted by Hollywood. He had already began writing Hóllyweird to reflect his experiences when he met his wife. Together they finished the script, took out loans and produced it. He is the driving force behind this movie.
Jaime Marie Porres- Writer, Producer
Jaime grew up in Glendale, California with a love of storytelling and art, surrounded by friends from all different cultures and backgrounds. She always wondered why these cultures weren’t reflected in the movies she watched, especially the ones that took place in Los Angeles. Jaime helped to complete Hóllyweird the script and film, while also working as an elementary teacher in LAUSD.
Eduardo Barraza- Cinematographer
Eduardo is constantly working behind the camera in film and television. He is passionate about storytelling in visual form. He graduated from the University of Southern California and the American Film Institute.
Mauricio Arrioja- Producer
Born in Mexico, Mauricio’s passion for movies began with making homemade films. He brings over 15 years of production experience. He attended Cal State Northridge and LACC and is actively involved with the National Association of Latino Independent Producers.
Our Story/ Nuestra Historia
One Life Pictures, LLC was created to combat the lack of Latino diversity in mainstream Hollywood. It is our mission to promote underrepresented voices by creating engaging and entertaining content. We have numerous projects in the works that continue to expand on the Latinx experience.