Dressed to impress
Vestidas de Azul (Dressed in Blue) is the sequel to acclaimed Spanish biopic Vereno, about the life of transgender singer and TV star Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez. DQ hears from Montse García Alvarez of producer and distributor Atresmedia about continuing the story and the importance of highlighting underrepresented voices.
In 2020, an eight-part Spanish biopic was lauded for its portrayal of the life and death of transgender singer and TV personality Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, who was best known as La Veneno.
Based on the biography by Valeria Vegas, the series – titled Veneno – follows La Veneno’s experiences as a struggling transgender woman who found fame on television in the 1990s.
The show introduces young journalism student Valeria, based on Vegas, who discovers she has more in common with La Veneno than she thought. Though the two women were born in very different times, their stories become intertwined when Valeria writes a book about La Veneno. Through learning more about La Veneno, Valeria discovers her chosen family, how to love herself, and the impact of mass media on the life of an enigmatic entertainer.
Distributed by Atresmedia and coproduced by Atresmedia Studios, Suma Content and HBO Max, the show’s cast includes Isabel Torres, Daniela Santiago, Lola Rodriguez, Paca la Piraña, Goya Toledo, Ester Exposito, Jedet and Lola Dueñas.
A sequel, Vestidas de Azul (Dressed in Blue), debuted in Spain earlier this year. Again based on a book by Vegas, it is set two years after the death of La Veneno.
Ahead of Dressed in Blue’s German premiere at Seriesly Berlin next week, Montse García Alvarez, executive producer and director of Atresmedia Fiction, tells DQ about creating the sequel, championing underrepresented voices and how the series reflects the past and the present.
Introduce us to the series.
Vestidas de Azul is a very special project. The series picks up two years after Veneno’s death, when Valeria discovers a tape that recounts the experiences of six trans women in early 1980s Spain. These experiences inspire Valeria’s new book, leading her once again to share the stories of women who deserve to be remembered. Vestidas de Azul maintains the same narrative structure as Veneno, weaving together the present and the past while intertwining the lives of its protagonists. It explores the reality of trans people in the 1980s, a particularly hostile time for the community, through the lives of the six women featured in the documentary Vestida de Azul.
What are the origins of the project?
The project originated from our commitment to telling this kind of important story, giving visibility to underrepresented voices. Our focus has always been on making an impact through authentic narratives, and Vestidas de Azul is a natural continuation of that mission.
Following the great success and international impact of Veneno, it was clear that continuing to explore these stories was something the audience desired. The development of this project lies in our dedication to sharing these powerful narratives, along with our strong and ongoing collaboration with Suma Content and Los Javis [Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo].
How does the story serve as a sequel to Vereno?
Veneno was just the beginning, and Vestidas de Azul continues to tell the story and lives of the protagonists from Veneno. This sequel delves deeper into their journeys after the events of the first season, exploring their experiences and struggles. At the same time, it follows Valeria as she faces significant personal and social challenges. The series remains committed to showcasing the stories of trans women from the 1980s, highlighting their experiences and continuing to bring visibility to this important narrative.
And did you reunite with many of the cast and crew from that series?
Absolutely! We’re thrilled to have Lola Rodríguez, Paca La Piraña, Goya Toledo, Alex Saint, and Juani Ruiz back reprising their iconic roles from Veneno. Their returns bring a special continuity and depth to Vestidas de Azul, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and enriching the story with their remarkable performances.
How was the show developed with Atresmedia?
The strong relationship with Suma Content, Los Javis and Atresmedia TV was behind the collaboration from the very beginning to develop the stories of the six women protagonists of Vestidas de Azul. During the creation of the sequel, Valeria Vegas’ involvement was also essential. Just like her character in the series, she conducted in-depth research into the lives of Loren, Tamara, Renée et cetera.
What themes or topics did you want to discuss through the series?
We wanted to explore themes of gender, diversity and self-acceptance, as these topics have historically been underrepresented and are sensitive in nature. Additionally, the series delves into the importance of friendship and the power of support networks in the lives of protagonists that suffer from social prejudices. These themes have resonated deeply with audiences, particularly those who previously felt unseen. By telling these stories, we aim to foster a more inclusive society. For us, it’s crucial to support and amplify these important narratives.
How do we follow the character of Valeria through the story? Which other characters have central roles?
In each episode, we spotlight the story of one of the women featured in the VHS documentary Vestida de Azul that Valeria uncovers. Episode one focuses on Loren, episode two on Tamara, episode three on Renée and episode four on Eva, with each episode exploring their individual journey.
At the same time, Valeria’s life continues as a central thread throughout the series. She picks up where she left off, striving to bring the forgotten stories of these women to light through her new book. Also, Valeria wants to become a mother, so maternity in the LGBTQIA+ community is another important plot developed in these series.
How does the series shift between the past and the present to portray the lives of the six trans women in the 1980s?
In both Veneno and Vestidas de Azul, reflecting on both the past and the present is crucial for a comprehensive portrayal. The series shifts between these time periods in a natural way, using transitions where the spaces remain consistent, and only the era changes are visible. This approach provides a full picture of how the lives of the six trans women in the 1980s were, while allowing us to draw parallels between their experiences and those of trans women today, highlighting both the progress made and the ongoing challenges.
How important was authenticity in casting or representing the lives of the trans community at that time?
Authenticity was crucial and fundamental for this project. It was important that not only the actors but also the crew and technical team were connected to the LGBTQIA+ community. This commitment to authenticity ensured that the representation of the LGBTQIA+ experience was accurate and respectful, reflecting the real-life challenges and perspectives.
Valeria Vega adapts her own book for the series. What was the writing process like?
She has been deeply involved from the very beginning on both this season and Veneno. Her role has been crucial, and her creative vision has significantly shaped the project. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with her on future projects.
The series is produced by Suma Content. How did you work with Los Javis and the team?
We are thrilled to work with Javier Calvo, Javier Ambrossi and the entire Suma Content team. Our relationship with them is very close and we have been partners for years. Indeed, we’ve just completed filming our new series with them, Mariliendre (Fag Hag), a musical dramedy that will premiere in the coming months.
How would you describe the visual style of the series? How did you want to represent each time period?
In Vestidas de Azul, the visual style is designed to create a seamless dialogue between the past and the present. The series maintains a consistent aesthetic across both time periods, ensuring that they feel interconnected rather than separate. We use a realistic style to depict the settings, with outdoor locations capturing the authentic atmosphere of the 1980s. Bold, vibrant colours typical of that era are prominently featured to evoke the distinctive look of the time. Each space is meticulously crafted to reflect the unique personalities of the characters and their possessions, adding a layer of depth and authenticity to their environments.
What challenges did you face in development or production?
One of the primary challenges was maintaining the essence and authenticity of Veneno. The series touched on incredibly personal and emotional narratives, so ensuring these stories were portrayed with the same sensitivity and honesty was essential.
Additionally, the fact that many of the original documentary’s protagonists have passed away added a layer of complexity to the research process.
What has the reaction to the series been like in Spain, and why might it appeal to international audiences?
Vestidas de Azul has been a major success in Spain, both commercially and critically. The series has garnered widespread acclaim and has been praised for its compelling storytelling and authentic representation.
This success is reflected in its sale to over 40 countries, including countries in Latin America and the Baltics, and its presence at international festivals such as Seriesly Berlin. This global recognition underscores the series’ broad appeal and highlights its significant impact both locally and internationally.
tagged in: Atresmedia, Dressed in Blue, HBO Max, Montse García Alvarez, Suma Content, Vereno, Vestidas de Azul