Estudio says hola to first pair of pics

Nu-Vision to distribute 'Amores,' 'Perros'

By MARY SUTTER

MEXICO CITY -- Beginning its ramp-up to an annual slate of four or five pictures, Estudio Mexico Films has started production on its first two features.

With an initial $12 million in capital, Estudio Mexico is a production and distribution joint venture between CIE, the biggest promoter of live events in Latin America, and the venture capital arm of financial conglom Grupo Financiero Inbursa (Daily Variety, Jan. 15).

Currently shooting under Estudio Mexico's Altavista banner are working titles "Gimmie Power" by Fernando Sarinana ("Hasta Morir") and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's thriller "Amores Perros."

Sarinana co-wrote "Gimmie Power," a comedy about a crime victim's revenge fantasy that stars Demian Bechir and Cecilia Suarez.

Gonzalez Inarritu has been teamed with in-demand lenser Rodrigo Prieto and Oscar-nominated production designer Brigitte Broch for his "Perros" debut. Each pic has a budget of $1.6 million, above average for a local production.

Nu-Vision, Estudio Mexico's distrib, will take on all inhouse pics; it has a subdistribution accord with 20th Century Fox.