Isabel Rafferty Zavala explains that innovation is the foundation of digital and streaming entertainment companies
Canela Media has been around for three years, but its founder and CEO Isabel Rafferty Zavala believes that the company, which includes Canela TV. Canela Music. Canela News. And the upcoming Canela Kids.
“We’re rooted in innovation. I think that’s the difference. Most [digital TV] does come from entertainment, we come from the ad tech side first,” she said on this week’s episode of ’s“Tech vs Media” podcastwith host Richard Wolpert. “By creating technologies [for] the Latino community, we believe that’s the best way to compete against Univision and Telemundo.”
Rafferty Zavala believes Canela has a logistical advantage because it is a smaller company. “[By] being nimble and finding opportunities, [we are] able to move quicker in the streaming war. So speed is key. We’re really leaning heavily on that,”She said. “I can’t compete with the billions of dollars [Univision and Telemundo] are doing in production. However, we have good content, and I think innovation is a way to win. Because the dinosaurs cannot move as fast, and innovation requires quick movement.”
Canela TV will soon launch 570 hours worth of original programming. “Secretos de Villanas,”A reality series that combines the best of both worlds. “bad girls”of Telenovelas, which will be released on October 20. Canela’s Chief Content Officer, Jerry Leal is one of the masterminds behind Bravo’s “Real Housewives”Franchise and believes it could become a bigger reality hit.
“I think it’s going to be a huge franchise for the Latino community,”Rafferty Zvala. “We thought it was going to be more like ‘The Real Housewives,’ but we were surprised to see that actually they created a sisterhood in a beautiful way. Instead of fighting against each other, like we’re used to seeing, it’s an incredible support group. The fans already are going crazy for it. They continue to bombard us, ‘When is it coming out? Can you bring it out early?’ So there’s this huge momentum building.”
Click the link below to listen to the complete episode.
Episode highlights:
- Isabel Rafferty Zavala breaks down the offerings from each of Canela Media’s divisions
- Isabel Rafferty Zavala says Canela Kids “comes out of a huge need in the marketplace,”Latino families are looking for support, so you can help them by giving. “connect with their roots,”Spanish education programs are designed to help people learn Spanish, not assimilate.
- Isabel Rafferty Zavala explains why they’re “aggressively”Focus on original programming instead of the standard AVOD
- Isabel Rafferty Zavala explains how Hispanics can be, contrary to what is commonly believed. “early adopters”a mobile phone and the reasons why it is so popular in Mexico and Colombia
- Isabel Rafferty Zavala believes Fortune 500 companies will be more inclined to invest in women and minority-owned businesses than venture capitalists. “don’t believe the financials” she’s presenting
About “Tech vs Media”
Each episode of“Tech vs Media,”host Richard Wolpert — who has decades of technology and media experience as an executive, founder of tech companies, venture capitalist and philanthropist — and one his esteemed guests will divulge enlightening lessons and give their insightful perspective on the movers, creators, disruptors and innovations that are shaping the future of media and technology and how these industries will intertwine with one another.
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