Blue Shades
Interview with Alejandro Vilpa
Writer of Blue Shades
Published author in Mexico, Latin America, and Spain. In 2021, he produced his first short film, which gave him the opportunity to attend the Cannes Film Festival as a young artist (attendee since 2021). He is currently working in the script development team for Caledonia Productions, the U.S. branch of Eon Productions, the producers of James Bond. His most recent script, Blue Shades, has won Best Screenplay awards at festivals such as Montreal and Berlin. Recently, he collaborated with MG Motors to write, produce, and distribute the commemorative book for their centennial.
Your project has entered in our festival. What is your project about?
I’m honored to be participating. My project is titled Blue Shades, and it’s about a futuristic world where AI dominates the entertainment industry. Human artists are forced to steal and sell secrets from top companies to survive—they're called 'jesters.' A secret delivered to the jester Elisa turns her world upside down. Now, she must navigate the dangers surrounding KREATIVA, a powerful AI company, and its virtual hyperreality game, Olympus, which may be linked to her brother’s disappearance.
What are your ambitions with your project?
This is a half-hour TV pilot, and I’m seeking representation and/or a production deal to bring it to the screen. I’m also considering pitching it as an animated series aimed at the adult market, particularly for fans of Love, Death + Robots by David Fincher.
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
My film is targeted at an adult audience that enjoys thought-provoking and visually striking content, particularly those who are fans of animated series like Love, Death + Robots by David Fincher. It’s designed for viewers who appreciate complex narratives, futuristic themes, and stories that explore the intersection of technology, human nature, and moral dilemmas, offering both entertainment and intellectual engagement.
Why should distributors buy your film?
The main theme is the battle between good and evil, and I also include a storyline about racism against the human race by technology. Combined with the cutting-edge era we are living in, it makes us realize that we might not be far from a future like the one depicted in Blue Shades. This is a story that must be told and will have a global impact by promoting a positive approach to the rapid evolution of technology in our times. Because of all this, the story has the potential to be commercialized through different channels and will make a great business opportunity.
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
My work revolves around contemporary mystery and is highly visual. The pilot follows a three-act structure with a teaser at the beginning, and my characters are complex, with well-defined personalities. The world of Blue Shades is carefully designed to feel familiar, yet different and futuristic. You will find unexpected twists, high stakes, and an atmosphere filled with mystery.
Why did you decided to become a filmmaker?
I started writing at 14, driven by my passion for the science behind filmmaking. As I grew up, I became a thriller novelist, and life brought me closer to the film industry. I took this as a sign and decided to dive into the industry for good.
Who is your role model?
When it comes to films, Chris Nolan is a major influence—I love how he tells thriller and sci-fi stories. On the other hand, Guillermo del Toro is a great role model for my professional journey, as he is a Mexican filmmaker who has succeeded in the industry.
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
I love spy movies, and my favorites are Atomic Blonde and SALT. I’d love to create something about spies one day.
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
All my art contains a bit of my personal life, so in a way, everything I portray is a reflection of how I see the world. I aim to communicate this with a powerful message to the audience.
Which topics interest you the most?
I love science in all its forms, and quantum physics is one of my favorite topics to discuss. However, I also enjoy general subjects and learning from all perspectives and fields.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?
My thriller novels were what first put me on the map, and I’ve gone on to win numerous festival competitions as both a screenwriter and a novelist. My biggest achievement is having my work recognized internationally, especially when no one believed in me.
What do you consider most important about filming?
If you don’t know what message you want to communicate, you can't build the 'how,' and the other elements in the process won’t make sense.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
I love flashbacks; I think they are a great tool to provide context.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking?
I believe we have great films, but there’s a part of the industry that doesn’t want to take risks, so they keep remaking things over and over. This is a habit that prevents new voices from emerging.
What can disappoint you in a movie?
It disappoints me when the dialogues don’t make sense or are poorly written, and also when the sound is bad.
Who supports you in your film career?
My family, they believe in me even more than I believe in myself at times.