Rising from Alfonso Cuarón‘s personal assistant on Children of Men to being the Oscar-nominated producer of Roma — the first Latin American woman ever nominated in the best picture category at the Academy Awards — Gabriela Rodríguez has become a powerhouse in international film and TV. The Venezuelan-born, London-based producer got her foot in the door as an intern at Cuarón’s production shingle Esperanto Filmoj, and now runs the company.
Most recently, she oversaw the production of the high-end series Disclaimer —starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville and Sacha Baron Cohen —for AppleTV+, helping bring Cuarón’s notorious perfectionism — Rodriguez still remembers having to source sixteen versions of dog feces for Roma —to the small screen. Picked as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 Most Powerful Women in International TV, Rodríguez took time to share her journey to the top and to give advise to young women entering the business.
What was your first job in the business?
My first job in the industry came during a summer break from college, working at an ad agency in Venezuela that produced commercials. I worked on five different commercials with them, which marked my first-ever experience on a set. After college, I joined Esperanto Filmoj as an intern, and I’ve now been with the company for 20 years. I started as an intern, later went on to be Alfonso Cuarón’s personal assistant, and eventually to running the company and producing alongside Alfonso!
What was the biggest professional challenge you faced this past year?
Undoubtedly, my greatest challenge was juggling multiple projects simultaneously. As we wrapped up post-production on Disclaimer, I was also in production on our Christmas short with Disney, An Almost Christmas Story, while simultaneously managing pre-production for Campeón Gabacho, which is now shooting in Mexico. Overseeing three productions at three different stages and in various parts of the world and time zones has been an enormous logistical challenge.
What do you see as your biggest achievement of the past year?
Completing Disclaimer was a huge accomplishment for me, as it was my first experience in a multi-chapter narrative format. After nearly four years of hard work, I’m incredibly proud of the final result.
What needs to be done to improve equality and diversity within the industry?
We need to keep doing what we are doing, and continue the momentum we’ve built! It’s crucial to keep exploring films in various languages, experimenting with different formats, and pushing the boundaries of how we define our craft. Supporting global cinema and talent at every level—from development to production to distribution—is key. Importantly, this shouldn’t be limited to productions with big-name stars but should encompass all creators.
What is or has been the greatest challenge in being a woman in this (still very male-dominated) industry?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate because I’ve always been encouraged and given the opportunity to explore beyond what’s in front of me, to take on challenges. I’ve had the chance to succeed and to fail, and for that, I feel lucky. My hope is that more companies and teams adopt hiring practices based on talent rather than gender, welcoming diverse individuals regardless of what they look like, what language they speak, or where they come from. I think in general I say this often: diversity tends to yield the best products.
What current industry trend do you hope to soon see the back of?
I think we need to be less afraid to offend and more eager to push forward narratives that embrace discussion.
What advice would you give young women just entering the industry?
My biggest piece of advice to young women, and really to anyone entering the industry, is simple: don’t be afraid to try. And rigour! Be rigorous in whatever you do. It’s the most important thing. When you dedicate yourself fully to your craft, or whatever it is that you are exploring or passionate about, that’s when two things happen:
a) You learn what it takes to succeed and decide if it’s truly what you want.
b) It also brings a deep sense of accomplishment and achievement because you know you’ve given your all. Success in this industry is a team effort, and it’s not just about external validation or box office numbers. It’s about doing your part and working hard.
What show, currently on air, would you love to have made?
It’s a toss-up between The Bear, Hacks, Shōgun and Slow Horses. Each of these series has its own unique blend of storytelling, character development, and atmosphere that feels both authentic and innovative.
What do you watch for pleasure?
Everything I watch, I watch for pleasure! Although I don’t always enjoy everything I watch, I never view it as homework.
What do you do to unwind?
Playing canasta with my friends. This is truly my happy place!
