Renata Brandão is already one of the best-known and most influential media creators in Brazil. But since taking over in 2016 as CEO of the Brazilian production giant — Conspiração Filmes has earned 10 International Emmy nominations for its programming, more than any company in Latin America — Brandão has expanded the business internationally.
“A key milestone is our upcoming Spanish-speaking remake of [hit Brazilian soap] Under Pressure, and we’re also developing a soap series to be shot abroad,” she says. “Our goal is to bring Conspiração’s fully integrated studio structure from Brazil to the rest of LatAm, not only producing locally but also creating space for co-productions [and] blending Latin American storytelling.”
On the film side, Conspiração co-produced Walter Salles’ awards-season contender I’m Still Here, Brazil’s entry for best international feature for the 2025 Oscars.
Selected as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 Most Powerful Women in International TV, Brandão shared her thoughts on the challenges facing the TV business, particularly for women in a very male-dominated field, and what can be done to improve equality across the board.
What was your first job in the business?
My entry into the business was actually by chance. I have a degree in international relations and was studying to become a diplomat at the time. A friend of mine asked me to help produce a film called The Passenger, and I agreed, initially just to support him. But during the process, I fell in love with the business. That experience inspired me to go to Los Angeles, where I studied at UCLA. After returning to Brazil, I joined Conspiração in 2006, and the rest is history.
What was the biggest professional challenge you faced this past year?
The biggest professional challenge this past year has been leading the internationalization process of Conspiração. After 30-plus years of operating in Brazil and earning ten International Emmy nominations, we’ve been expanding our business into Mexico to produce Spanish-speaking content. A key milestone is our upcoming Spanish-speaking remake of Under Pressure, one of Brazil’s most successful TV shows, and we’re also developing a soap series to be shot abroad. Our goal is to bring Conspiração’s fully integrated studio structure from Brazil to the rest of Latam, not only producing locally but also creating space for co-productions, blending Latin American storytelling. Adapting successful Brazilian IPs and developing original content in Mexico has been an exciting, yet complex, challenge.
What do you see as your biggest achievement of the past year?
Our biggest achievement this past year has undoubtedly been co-producing with our partners VideoFilmes and RT Features I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles. The film is now Brazil’s official candidate for the Oscar in the Best International Feature category. That is a testament to the passion and effort our team poured into the project.
Fernanda Torres in I’m Still Here
Courtesy of Venice Film Festival
What current industry trend do you hope to soon see the back of?
In recent years, we’ve seen a productive debate around VOD regulations in Brazil, with various perspectives contributing valuable insights. Each viewpoint has its own merits, and I’m eager to see how this dialogue progresses, hoping for an outcome that respects and fairly values all interests involved. Given that this is one of the key issues shaping our industry today, I look forward to a resolution that allows the market to move forward efficiently.
What show, currently on air, would you love to have made?
White Lotus. And I hope Mike White brings the series to Brazil very soon.
What is or has been the greatest challenge in being a woman in this (still very male-dominated) industry?
The greatest challenge of being a woman in this male-dominated industry is constantly having to prove your credibility and leadership, often facing bias and scrutiny. Navigating these moments with resilience and building a strong support network is the key.
What needs to be done to improve equality and diversity within the industry?
Improving equality and diversity needs to happen on multiple levels. First, it starts with access: creating more opportunities for underrepresented voices through mentorship, scholarships and inclusive hiring, both in front of and behind the camera. We need to actively shift the narratives we produce. Stories matter and authenticity is key here. Importantly, this commitment must go beyond surface-level efforts — it requires a deep, ongoing dedication to dismantling the structural barriers that marginalize certain groups. As a woman CEO, I believe true progress will come when diversity is embraced as a core value, not just a goal.
What advice would you give young women just entering the industry?
You have to be truly obsessed with what you do. Filmmaking is a tough, highly competitive field, but that passion, that obsession, will be what fuels you through the many years of challenges you will face. At the same time, build your library of references. Watch as many films, TV shows and documentaries as you can, from all genres and cultures. Read books, study photography, explore music, art and theater. The more references you have, the richer your creative palette becomes. These influences will help you develop your own unique voice and vision, which is critical in an industry where standing out is everything.
What do you watch for pleasure?
I watch Brazilian shows to see firsthand what we’re sharing with the world. It’s important to understand the stories and perspectives we’re exporting and how they’re resonating internationally.
What do you do to unwind?
Swim in the sea.
