In an era where the global film landscape is defined by a paradoxical surplus of content and a shrinking footprint for independent voices, two seasoned industry veterans are seeking to professionalize the path from production to prestige. David Martínez, the executive director of the renowned Raindance Film Festival, and his long-time colleague and producer Jacky Orozco, have officially launched Casa Leo PR, a boutique agency designed to act as a bridge between filmmakers and the often-impenetrable world of film festival circuits and awards seasons.
Based in London, the agency positions itself as a specialized, "end-to-end" strategic partner for a select roster of films and filmmakers. By offering bespoke PR, strategic guidance, and in-house event production, Martínez and Orozco aim to demystify the complex ecosystem of international film festivals, helping creators navigate everything from initial submissions to high-stakes awards campaigns.
The Genesis of a Partnership: A Chronology of Expertise
The formation of Casa Leo PR is the culmination of years of deep-rooted industry immersion. David Martínez’s relationship with the international festival circuit began in 2012 when he joined the programming team at Raindance, specifically overseeing Latin American territories. His steady climb through the ranks—from festival producer to executive director in 2021—provided him with a panoramic view of how festivals function, not just as cultural hubs, but as vital marketplaces for independent cinema.
Jacky Orozco brings a complementary background in cultural diplomacy and institutional management. Her tenure at the cultural department of the Embassy of Mexico in London allowed her to refine her skills in connecting diverse filmmakers with institutional resources and global audiences. Since joining the Raindance team as a festival producer in the summer of 2023, the collaboration between Martínez and Orozco solidified into a vision for a new type of agency: one that is bilingual, bicultural, and uniquely attuned to the specific challenges faced by filmmakers attempting to bridge the gap between Latin American talent and the European market.
The agency’s launch is not an isolated event but a calculated expansion. Martínez has confirmed that he will continue his collaborative work as an awards consultant with London Flair PR, and Casa Leo PR is already extending its consultancy services to other major events, including the U.K. chapter of the HollyShorts Film Festival.
The Paradox of the Modern Cineaste: Supporting Data
The necessity for such an agency is underscored by the sobering realities of the post-pandemic film industry. According to the latest data from the European Audiovisual Observatory’s Focus Report, the global output of films has not decreased as one might expect; rather, it has risen. The world saw an average of 7,677 films produced annually between 2017 and 2019, a figure that climbed to 7,707 in 2025.
However, this increase in volume exists in a challenging economic climate. Global box office revenue suffered a sharp 18% decline, falling to approximately €29.6 billion ($34 billion). While industry analysts suggest a tentative rebound for 2026—bolstered by the success of micro-budget genre breakouts like Obsession—the landscape remains volatile. Furthermore, the television sector has seen a 25% reduction in first-run commissions compared to the "Peak TV" era, according to Ampere Analysis.
For the independent producer, this creates a "tunnel" effect. Many are so consumed by the arduous process of financing and production that they lack the time, expertise, or resources to effectively market their work once it is completed. In a market flooded with content, the ability to secure a festival berth—and subsequently, the ability to leverage that berth into a viable awards run—is no longer a luxury; it is a critical requirement for survival.
Official Perspectives: The Philosophy of the "Home"
"We’ve opened Casa Leo PR because we saw independent filmmakers struggling to connect the dots," Martínez explained in an exclusive discussion with Variety. "I’ve been immersed in and built trusted relationships with programmers, the press, and industry stakeholders across major local and global festivals—not only in Europe, but also in Latin America. We have accumulated masses of knowledge that we want to share and to use, which can be highly useful to filmmakers."
The agency’s name, "Casa Leo," is deeply symbolic. As Orozco explains, "Casa" means "house" or "home" in Spanish. "We’re both Latin, but have lived in the U.K. for a long time, so we can bring a homey welcome to Latin American filmmakers but also to independent filmmakers in the U.K. and beyond as well."
This "homey" approach is matched by a rigorous, high-level strategic focus. "For independent filmmakers, it’s very scary to even think about the costs for awards campaigns," Martínez noted. "Casa Leo PR can explain what they need to do, where they need to submit, what programs they need to know, and what sort of press they need during that time."
The agency has already hit the ground running, working with notable figures such as Mexican actor and producer Humberto Busto. Busto, who gained international recognition alongside Gael García Bernal in the seminal Amores Perros, is currently receiving on-the-ground support from Casa Leo for his Venice Biennale College title, Tijuana Todavía. Additionally, the agency recently facilitated a special London screening for Netflix, focusing on Maite Alberdi’s upcoming Mexican documentary, A Child of My Own.
The Implications: A Shift Toward Intentionality
The launch of Casa Leo PR signals a broader shift in how independent filmmakers are approaching their festival journeys. The "spray and pray" method of submitting to festivals without a cohesive, long-term strategy is becoming increasingly obsolete.
The implications for the industry are twofold:
- Professionalization of the Festival Path: By providing "end-to-end" services—which encompass everything from the initial festival premiere strategy to the high-pressure environment of an Academy Award shortlist campaign—agencies like Casa Leo are raising the barrier of entry for success. They are helping filmmakers understand that a film’s life cycle is not just about the final cut, but about the strategic placement of that film in front of the right audiences and critics.
- The Rise of Niche, Bicultural Intermediaries: The specific focus on the Latin American-European axis is a testament to the growing importance of regional talent in the global marketplace. By acting as cultural and logistical translators, Martínez and Orozco are helping to ensure that high-quality, non-English language cinema is not lost in the sheer volume of global output.
"At Casa Leo PR, we see every film as a unique story with its own path to an audience," Orozco stated. "Our role is to navigate that path alongside filmmakers and partners, aligning strategy and on-the-ground execution so that festival journeys feel intentional, impactful, and creatively true to the work."
By keeping their client list intentionally small—currently sitting at five select independent projects plus high-level studio collaborations—Casa Leo PR is betting that quality, bespoke attention will outperform the mass-market agency model. As the industry faces a 2026 that promises a rebound in theatrical engagement, the need for this level of precision has never been greater. For the independent filmmaker, the message from Casa Leo is clear: the journey to the screen is just as important as the film itself, and it is a journey that should not be taken alone.
