HBO Max has appointed Movistar Plus+ film chief Guillermo Farré, who produced Oliver Laxe’s Sirât, to lead local original production in Spain.
Farré will assume responsibility for the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) streamer’s scripted projects in Spain, reporting to Deniz Sasmaz Oflaz, VP Local Originals Spain, Italy and Turkey at HBO Max.
The news comes after José María Caro stepped down last month after a review that was enacted in light of Oflaz’s recent promotion. HBO Max originals boss Sarah Aubrey has been putting into place her creative vision for the international business, with Oflaz sitting at the center of the plan.
“Guillermo brings a rare combination of creative instinct and strategic discipline, with a proven ability to champion outstanding local stories,” said Aubrey. “His appointment marks the next stage for our Spanish originals team, as we build on a strong foundation and continue to evolve our slate with a clear and focused vision. We are refining the way we develop and produce local content, supporting distinctive voices and ensuring that every project has the ambition and quality to resonate both locally and globally.”
At Series Mania earlier this year, Aubrey announced a first-look deal with another former Movistar Plus+ exec, Domingo Corral, who is putting together a slate of originals led by a scripted series based on the disappearance of Spanish petty criminal El Nani.
“I am thrilled and honored to join HBO Max at such a pivotal moment for the company, following Sarah and Deniz’s vision,” said Farré. “Spain is a source of extraordinary creative talent, and I look forward to working with the industry’s most innovative creators to develop distinctive, ambitious projects that feel authentically local while having the potential to connect with global audiences.”
Farré joined Movistar Plus+ parent Telefonica in 2023 following a previous spell at WBD, during which he led content and editorial strategy for film and TV in Spain, France and Africa. There he oversaw the launch of TNT and HBO Max shows such as Vota Juan, Maricón Perdido and No Me Gusta Conducir, along with docs for TCM.
At Movistar Plus+, Farré led on a slate including original films including the Academy Award-nominated Sirât, Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s Goya Award- and Golden Shell-winning Los Domingos, Alberto Rodríguez’s Los Tigres, Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s El Ser Querido and La Bola Negra, which won Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
His role included original film production and acquisitions.
