Ricardo Silva (Mexico) is coordinator of foreign locations, with 24 years of experience at Televisa, one of the world's leading television. Among the productions in which he has worked it is important to mention numerous contests programs, soap operas and sitcoms. When he was 30 he decided to expand his knowledge by studying at the School TAI of Madrid. Nowadays he is in charge of the international locations of the Mexican TV and has recently located in London, South Africa, Canada and now, he is in Barcelona. It has been a great pleasure to have been able to talk with him for a while during his stay in Barcelona for locating and recording the soap opera Simplemente María.

- Can you explain the plot of this soap opera?

Well, the story is about an indigenous woman who moves to Mexico City, studies and finds a job in a clothing factory. There is where she begins to make her own designs, until she becomes a very famous fashion designer. Obviously it is a typical soap opera story, but it is the kind of soap opera that people really like.

- In fact, it is a soap opera with so much success that has already had more than one version, right?

Yes, this is the third version of this popular soap opera which broadcasted its first episode more than 50 years ago. The first version was in black and white, the second, which was very successful, took place in the early 90s and now we are shooting the third one. This version is working very well, but we are changing some of the film locations.

- So, when María comes to Barcelona triumphs as a fashion designer?

Exactly. In the previous version, the 90s one, she went to Paris and triumphed there. Now she comes to Barcelona and becomes famous here. Our producer decided to change where she travels and he thought about Barcelona as a very popular European city, especially with regard to everything that has to do with design.

- And what is the current audience Simplemente María?

Mexican soap operas have changed their format now, but still we are talking about 3 million daily viewers. Simplemente María begins at 4.30 pm, not prime time, but the important thing here is that it is also broadcasted in the US and there we have a great Spanish speaker audience, which is quite large. In addition, later it is sold to other countries in South America, Italy, Spain, some Eastern Europe countries... 

- Let's talk about your stay in Barcelona. How did you decide this change of location?

First of all, the fact that the shooting would be in Barcelona was decided mainly for the facilities that we had from the very beginning. The Barcelona Film Commission is, in my opinion, one of the bests in the world, its website is amazing and this makes a big difference, because they show all the locations images, there is a very complete directory and you can find everything you need: runners, transport, technical help... everything. 

- Why did you choose Barcelona and not any other European cities?

I already knew Barcelona but I did not know many places, just the typical ones. I feel that it is a modern city and also very dedicated to the cinema. And the answer of the BFC was immediate. As you I told you previously, we love their website and its kindly attention. Despite the time difference, all the procedures have been super quick. When there is daylight, here you go to sleep! But communication has been constant. In addition, the relationship with the people responsible of private places, such as La Pedrera or Casa Batllo, has always been great too.

- And in which specific locations have you been shooting

We are shooting mainly in the Park Güell, outside the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, the Olympic area, Tibidabo and the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, among others.