Juanma Mallen: Actor, producer and screenwriter in Madrid, Spain.

In today’s film industry, one of the most crucial decisions for a film’s success is resource allocation, especially when it comes to marketing. It is essential to recognize that the production budget should not be the sole focus of investment. In fact, a significant portion of the budget should be allocated to marketing strategies. In an oversaturated content market, making an excellent film is not enough; it is crucial to ensure that it reaches the right audience and creates the necessary impact to stand out among the many options available.

Marketing not only serves to promote the film once it’s finished, but it should begin long before the project is ready for release. Good marketing should be present from the early stages of production, generating anticipation, creating relevant content, and building a community of followers. Investing in marketing not only ensures that the film reaches a wider audience but also allows for the creation of a narrative that hooks viewers even before they see the film. Well-executed campaigns can generate effective word-of-mouth, create trends, and maximize visibility, which leads to greater interest, ticket sales, and, ultimately, a higher return on investment.

A clear example of the importance of this approach is seen in major film franchises, where a significant portion of the budget is dedicated to creating global campaigns, generating media impact that makes audiences feel attracted and motivated to go to the cinema. Without solid marketing, even the best stories can go unnoticed. In fact, the most successful films at the box office are not necessarily the most original, but rather those that have been marketed most effectively.

Therefore, allocating a significant portion of the budget to marketing is not an additional expense but a strategic investment in the project’s future. In the end, marketing not only promotes the film but also builds the brand of the filmmaker and the project, which can have a lasting impact on the careers of everyone involved.

For decades, cinema has been portrayed as a world of dreams, fame, and artistic expression. But behind the cameras lies a much darker reality: the systematic abuse of power by producers, directors, and influential figures—especially toward young actors and actresses.

The combination of wealth, prestige, and control over budding careers creates a perfect environment for manipulation. Many young people, full of hope for a chance in the industry, have been emotionally, psychologically, and even sexually exploited by those who used their positions as shields of impunity.

The Harvey Weinstein case was only the tip of the iceberg. What’s truly alarming is how this behavior was—and in some cases still is—built into the system. The promise of fame or the fear of being blacklisted has kept many victims silent, while their abusers thrived.

When it comes to underage actors and actresses, the issue becomes even more serious. The industry has failed to protect them. Many started working without real support networks, exposed to environments where boundaries were blurred and consent was irrelevant.

The stories of figures like Corey Feldman and Jennette McCurdy reveal a repeated pattern: exploitation disguised as mentorship, complicit silences, and a machine willing to sacrifice the most vulnerable to preserve its image and profits.

Talking about this is not an attack on cinema, but a call for transformation. Art can no longer be used as an excuse for abuse. Visibility, accountability, and education within the industry are essential steps toward changing this culture.

Young talent deserves to grow in a safe, ethical, and human environment. We shouldn't wait for someone else to speak up before we take action.

Censorship imposed by large corporations in the cinematic world is one of the most complex realities that independent filmmakers face today. While in some contexts censorship may have a protective or regulatory function, the censorship exercised by the major film corporations often has a much more insidious intention: controlling the messages that are broadcast, limiting the diversity of voices, and ultimately maximizing profits at the expense of artistic authenticity and freedom of expression.

In the world of commercial cinema, the large corporations that control the main distributors and production companies not only control access to financial resources but also the types of content that are deemed "viable" for mass audiences. These corporations tend to promote narratives that are comfortable, easily digestible, and that don't challenge the status quo too much. This means that stories dealing with uncomfortable topics or offering alternative viewpoints—such as critiques of the economic system, politics, or dominant culture—are often discarded or altered until they lose their essence.

Censorship is not always explicit, like it would be in a totalitarian regime, but it is often exercised in more subtle ways: through market manipulation, limiting representation, or imposing narrative formulas that guarantee a certain type of commercial success. This corporate censorship acts as an invisible barrier that reduces the plurality of ideas and visions in cinema.

So, how should we fight against this censorship as independent filmmakers? First, we must recognize that independence is not only about financial autonomy but also about creative freedom. As filmmakers outside the major studio system, we have the privilege and responsibility to remain true to our vision and create works that are not conditioned by the demands of the mass market. The key is to take advantage of new technologies, digital distribution platforms, and social networks, which have opened up spaces for independent cinema like never before. Today, audiences have access to a broader variety of content, allowing us to connect directly with people who are seeking different stories.

Furthermore, we must maintain a critical and resistant attitude toward commercial interests. This doesn't mean rejecting collaboration with the industry, but it does involve being aware of the risks of compromising artistic integrity in favor of immediate commercial success. Cinema has the power to educate, mobilize, and inspire, and when we yield to corporate pressures, this power is diluted.

It is also essential that independent filmmakers support each other, creating collaborative networks that help us overcome financial and distribution challenges. By coming together as a collective, we can counterbalance the weight of large corporations and make our voices heard with greater strength. Independent film festivals, alternative streaming platforms, and crowdfunding initiatives are just some examples of how we can build a community that challenges the norms imposed by the traditional industry.

Finally, we must remember that cinema has always been a form of resistance, questioning, and transformation. From the earliest cinematic movements to the most subversive contemporary films, cinema has reflected the struggle for freedom of expression. As independent filmmakers, we have the duty to continue that tradition, fighting for cinema that not only entertains but also challenges, educates, and transforms.

Fighting corporate censorship in cinema is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a filmmaker in the 21st century. Instead of yielding to market pressures, we must embrace our ability to create authentic, diverse, and brave cinema that remains true to our vision and connects with audiences who are looking for something beyond conventional narratives.