Alicante has become the creative hub for a rising filmmaker who bridges Alicante and Murcia with a bold new project. The pilot episode of a self-initiated series, a playful dive into the cinema world, is already underway under the direction and management of this local talent. The show blends comedy with a wink to movie making and keeps the focus squarely on the quirky, imperfect path that filmmakers travel when chasing a dream.
The series is fully drafted and spans eight episodes, each running roughly twenty to thirty minutes. The creator is developing the project for production and filming, bringing together a collaborative team that includes producer Alfredo Navarro of Eigakan Films (Novelda) and Belén Ruiz Joy with Crew Serv (Murcia), along with Paddle Rental, an international extension based in Argentina. This cross-border collaboration signals a concerted effort to bring regional talent to a broader audience while maintaining a distinctly local flavor.
Filming on the pilot began last week and is scheduled to wrap this Friday, with shoots set across Alicante, Novelda, Monóvar and Murcia. Locations include Gabriel Miró Square, Pynchon & Co bookstore and Tomate Rooms apartments, among others, highlighting the cityscape as a character in its own right. The visual palette captures the texture of daily life in the Costa Blanca region while underscoring the film world’s push and pull between authenticity and storytelling craft.
On set, the production captures the dynamic of a city that nurtures both art and industry. The story centers on a pair of aspiring actors who meet in a bar and stumble into the world of cinema through a shared, stubborn curiosity. The cast includes an Argentine actress and a local talent, who bring a lively contrast to the narrative. The premise blends cinema within cinema with moments where the line between reality and fiction blurs, creating a playful tension that invites viewers to question what they see on screen.
The creator explains that the series is structured as fiction that mirrors itself, with reality slipping into the film’s fabric and the film echoing real life back into the characters’ experiences. This meta approach aims to resonate with an audience that loves both behind-the-scenes glimpses and character-driven storytelling. The project is designed to appeal to platforms and industry markets by showcasing how a pilot can set a tone for an entire season, while also offering a clear throughline for future episodes. Filming of the pilot is anticipated to set the pace for the first season, with plans to continue production into the following year.
Another set of on-location shoots documents the production and the energy of the crew at work. The photography on set captures the interaction between actors, directors and technicians as they rehearse scenes that mix humor with moments of genuine cinematic ambition. The work ethic and shared vision of the team reflect a commitment to developing a distinct voice that can travel beyond regional borders while staying rooted in the creator’s hometown sensibilities.
Developed by Maxi Velloso, the project builds on a filmography that includes two feature films, Meeting (2018) and Dog (2022), along with two earlier joint titles, Love and Other Misfortunes (2013) and The Dead Dance Too (2014). This background provides a steady footing for expanding into television while maintaining a personal stylistic signature. The current project also marks a continuation of Velloso’s broader creative agenda, which includes publishing and cross-media experiments that explore horror and humor through a cinematic lens. The pilot’s development aligns with Velloso’s track record of blending genre elements with character-led storytelling to create distinctive, memorable work.
Lovemaking, as a concept, was among 17 projects selected for the Proposal and Presentation Laboratory at the Alicante Film Festival in 2021, a recognition that underscores its potential to resonate with audiences and industry observers alike. The selection came from a competitive pool, signaling strong interest in the project and encouraging momentum for future showcases. The producer also co-founded SeaMonkeys Films SL, expanding opportunities to bring ambitious, independent storytelling to life. This broader creative ecosystem supports new authors, the exploration of bold ideas, and the ongoing exploration of how cinema can speak to diverse audiences.
As the first pilot advances, the team continues to refine the world of the series, balancing humor with a thoughtful appreciation for the craft of filmmaking. The project’s trajectory points toward a wider reach and the possibility of future seasons, while staying true to the intimate, character-driven approach that has defined the creator’s previous work. The collaboration across regions, the nuanced storytelling, and the creative risks taken on set all contribute to a compelling roadmap for this ambitious audiovisual venture. (Citation: Alicante Film Festival 2021; regional film industry notes)