Mexico’s New blood.

An excerpt from an article published in Little Black Book, read the full article here

Raft scraps everything we think we know about production services and delves into the pioneering, creative heart of Mexico.

On the surface, production service companies offer what most see as an identical range of services, covering everything from location scouting and casting to crewing, equipment hire and bidding. This seemingly simple list often reduces a complex, nuanced process into a one-dimensional one. This can lead to production service companies mistakenly believing they’re meeting expectations, by ticking items off a list without considering further possibilities and the ultimate creative vision of the project.

But what if there was a better way? A poised, thoughtful approach focused on balancing efficiency with technical expertise, logistical knowledge and limitless creativity.

In steps Raft, helmed by a balanced team of world-class producers and filmmakers, obsessed with film craft and passionate about the limitless possibilities that Mexico has to offer. Those who share a sense of work ethic and a unified vision on the importance of developing and nurturing a strong, creative environment to work in.

Raft Content is founded by a tight-knit team who understands the creative side of production and champions the valuable point of view of filmmakers. Their producers have delivered on a multitude of complex productions, working for the likes of Eleanor, Caviar, Arts & Sciences and The Lift. Arnaldo Iñigo, Co-founder and Director at Raft explains, “the team has been expertly curated, so we balance different skills with different sensibilities and a wide range of experience. It’s all about understanding how to tackle technical and logistical challenges while embracing the project’s creative vision. That’s what makes Raft special.”

It’s a big shift for the industry, blurring the historically passive. list-taking approach that production service companies have taken into one that truly embraces the vision and creative production at its core.

“...the sheer volume of work has resulted in production service companies being unable to make a clear distinction between managing a film project and producing it.”

While the ultimate goal for Raft is to make work that breaks new ground, the company was born out of necessity. “Before setting up Raft, we discussed the position of production services with producers working in top production companies. The sentiment was that the sheer volume of work has resulted in production service companies being unable to make a distinction between managing a project and producing it.” says Iñigo. This is down to the industry having not drawn a distinct line between project management and production itself.

Emma Willis, Producer and Co-founder of The Art of production explains, “Project managers are experts and masters of their process or pipeline. The domain knowledge is vital because it's how PMs keep people on track to accomplish the PM's purpose: deliver on time and budget. Producers are generalists, masters of finding and defining a process where there isn't one (creativity) using contextual knowledge— insights and information emerging around us as the work unfolds—to accomplish our purpose: balance creative and commercial”.

Raft is built on a shared love of filmmaking, and rather than simply sitting on a tired database of location catalogues or roster of casting directors, they’ve taken the task of working with the top 1% of Mexico’s talent. They are a curated pool of collaborators who are proactive and passionate in their approach to their craft. Borja Conde, creative producer at Raft explains that he believes in location scouts taking an active approach to location scouting: “While there are tried and tested locations in and around Mexico City that are undoubtedly beautiful, we are currently working with a team of twenty local location scouts discovering new spots across the country. So far, we’ve uncovered incredible places we would never have found online or in a catalogue. From abandoned warehouses full of colour and character to buildings that resemble the quintessential ranch style house in the US.”

It’s this approach that allows the viewer a deeper insight into Mexico and everything it has to offer.

Those at Raft look where no one else knows to look, they know what makes the country’s heartbeat and hope to share this far and wide. Paulina Maqueda, Head of Casting explains, “At Yanga, we are passionate about showing the world what great, unique talent Mexico has to offer! We do so by discovering, managing and nurturing talent. Our work is done with passion, love and respect for Mexico”.

Created to upend the production services industry, Raft takes an active and creative approach while bringing work to life that celebrates the unique culture and talent of Mexico. Raft exists in the boundary-blurring realm where Mexican talent, creativity, production, advertising and music intersect to produce films that reflect and celebrate the unique culture and the limitless possibilities of Mexico.