Entertainment plays a big role in shaping not just our perceptions, but the things we like and the things we want. That’s why it’s especially important for our community to have members of it in the positions that make the decisions. One such woman is Marie Leguizamo, the Managing Director for Banijay Mexico and US Hispanic. The company, which launched in 2021, focuses on creating original content in both English and Spanish for broadcast, cable, and streamers in the Mexican and U.S. Hispanic markets.
We talked to Leguizamo about her role there, producing content targeted at our communities and how her experience as both showrunner and EP has shaped the decisions she makes now as an executive.
“I oversee every stage of development and production, with a focus on crafting original unscripted content that authentically reflects the voices, stories, and identities within our diverse communities,” Leguizamo explained of her work. But it’s about more than what the studio creates. “My mission is to evolve the studio into a dynamic creative force—one that not only delivers compelling, high-quality storytelling but also actively champions new and emerging talent, with a special focus on elevating women both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.”
This is especially crucial for Leguizamo, who as a Latina woman, understands how hard it is to get to where she is. “As a Latina and a woman in leadership, I know how important visibility is—representation at the top can open doors for others,” she told us, adding that “One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing diverse voices on screen and helping the next generation of producers and creatives grow.”
Banijay Mexico and US Hispanic has been focused on producing content targeted at our communities. Leguizamo shared that, “One project I’m especially proud of is Temptation Island. We had the unique opportunity to produce three distinct versions of the format—each tailored to a specific territory—and it was fascinating to see how cultural perspectives shaped the storytelling.”
It’s Leguizamo’s experience as a showrunner and EP that has laid the foundation for the work she does today. “It gave me a hands-on understanding of every part of the production process—from shaping creative to managing budgets, talent, and fast-moving teams,” she shared. And that background also “ensures that our projects stay true to their vision and cultural authenticity, while always meeting a high standard of quality.”
And Leguizamo is committed to doing this while also making sustainability a priority, something she particularly wanted to highlight in our conversation. “Sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a responsibility. As content creators, we have a platform and a footprint, and I believe it’s critical we use both responsibly,” she said.
“Whether it’s through green production practices, minimizing waste on set, or prioritizing local crews and resources, we’re committed to making a positive impact. It’s also about setting an example. By building sustainability into our production model, we hope to influence the broader industry to adopt more environmentally conscious practices. For me, it’s about creating great content while being mindful of the world we’re creating it in.”
It sounds like the kind of content we want to invest in, long-term.
