CARLOS MESTANZA
FOUNDER/ CEO
Carlos Mestanza, our illustrious founding partner and CEO of N33 PICTURES, shines as a versatile actor in theater, film, and television. He also stands out as a passionate entrepreneur and businessman. Raised in a family dedicated to the world of fashion and business, this Spanish native has established his residence between the United States and Europe, building an exceptional cultural and artistic bridge. In 2017, with a bold vision, he founded American Road Films in Madrid, assembling a team in Los Angeles, United States. Carlos's extensive experience in the entertainment world, supported by solid artistic training in various disciplines, is a tangible testament to his versatility and commitment to excellence.
Carlos Mestanza has shone in theater with notable productions, especially highlighting "Matar al Presidente," his latest theatrical performance that stood as a resounding success with over 1,500 shows in Spain and an audience exceeding 500,000 spectators. His stage presence is impressive, and his acting skill has left an indelible mark on the audience. In addition to his talent as an actor, Carlos has proven to be a high-caliber producer. In a challenging year marked by the global pandemic, in 2020, he successfully produced and starred in two exceptional films: "8 AÑOS" by JD Alcázar and "STOYAN" by Roberto Ruiz Céspedes. These films have received over 170 awards worldwide, including 16 awards for Best Producer and 6 for Best Actor, a testament to his commitment to excellence in film production.
Carlos Mestanza also had the opportunity to collaborate with Miguel Ángel Poveda, former Creative Director of Walt Disney Spain, in the production of these films, demonstrating his ability to establish strategic alliances with industry leaders. In 2023, he co-founded N33 PICTURES alongside acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Gabriel Beristáin, with whom he will lead the company across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
GABRIEL BERISTAIN
VICE PRESIDENT
Gabriel Beristáin, born in Mexico and heir to an illustrious theatrical dynasty, stands out as an exceptional filmmaker whose impact in the film industry extends worldwide. His career as a documentary cameraman in Europe, addressing sensitive political, social, and ecological issues, catapulted him onto the international scene. At the prestigious NFTS in England, Beristain left his mark by filming "Mother's Wedding," Jenny Wilkes' award-winning work that earned the Academy Award for Best Foreign Student Film. His brilliance in cinematography and visual style was recognized in 1987 by the Berlin Film Festival, awarding him a Special Silver Bear for outstanding individual achievements in Derek Jarman's "Caravaggio."
In the United States, Beristain transcended the cinematic scene with contributions to cult classics like 'Blood In, Blood Out' and 'Dolores Claiborne.' With over 50 films as a director of photography and credits in a hundred commercials and music videos, including visual masterpieces like Aerosmith's videos, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. Revitalizing the filmographies of filmmakers like David Mamet (The Spanish Prisoner) and Guillermo Del Toro (Blade 2), Beristain has broken barriers in movies like 'S.W.A.T,' 'The Ring 2,' and 'Blade Trinity.' His role was crucial in the successful launch of David Ayer's career with "Street Kings." He has also contributed his expertise in photography to the MARVEL Universe in films such as "Iron Man," "Thor 2," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Black Widow," "Suicide Squad" from WB/DC, or the recent box office hit "The Beekeeper." In the television realm, Beristain made his mark by filming the pilot of "Hawaii 5-0" and two seasons of STARZ series "MAGIC CITY," celebrated for its visual style. He contributed to four episodes for Del Toro's "Strain" series and the first season of the acclaimed MARVEL series "Agent Carter." Additionally, he participated in the CBS remake of the classic "MacGyver," marking his debut as a television director with episode 207.
As a producer and director, Beristain is immersed in developing significant projects such as "The House of Abraham Phillips," to be filmed in Wales; "El Imperio de la Habana," based on the book "La Vida Íntima de Meyer Lansky" by Cuban author Enrique Cirules, with the entire shoot in Cuba; and "Tina," based on the life of Tina Modotti, currently in development. His foray as a producer in Paolo Consorti's "Havana Kyrie," alongside iconic actor Franco Nero, filmed in Italy and Cuba, demonstrates his versatility and unique vision. Since 1997, Beristain has been a member of AMPAS and is part of BSC, ASC, and DGA.
With his profound knowledge and prominent presence in the film industry, in 2023, he co-founded N33 PICTURES in Los Angeles with actor and producer Carlos Mestanza, co-leading the company and spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. His legacy as a filmmaker continues to transcend borders, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the world of cinema.
NATIVIDAD BUJALANCE
PARTNER/ HEAD PRODUCER US / LATAM
Natividad Bujalance, our most recent partner, is a Spanish professional who has found her home in Los Angeles. Although she spent years in New York working for the United Nations, her true passion has always been the world of film and Hollywood. Natividad is widely recognized as a leading makeup artist with over a hundred audiovisual titles to her credit in the most international audiovisual landscape. Her exceptional talent is reflected in her ability to transform and beautify artists, bringing her unique vision to each project.
What sets Natividad apart is her ability to create synergies and connections in the audiovisual world. Her network of contacts and strong relationships in the industry is an invaluable asset. In addition, her innate charisma for business has led her to successfully undertake various business ventures. Bujalance has provided her services to renowned studios such as Walt Disney Company, Universal Pictures, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Sony Pictures, and Netflix. Her work has left a lasting impression on some of the most iconic productions in the entertainment industry.
With her experience, charisma, and passion for the film industry, Natividad Bujalance is a crucial asset to N33 PICTURES. Her presence in Los Angeles and her ability to establish connections and strategic alliances will be fundamental to achieving success and leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.
ÁLEX NIKOLOV
PARTNER / HEAD PRODUCER EUROPE / ASIA
Álex Nikolov, one of our most international partners, is a passionate filmmaker of Bulgarian origin who has focused his career on audiovisual production since his youth. His journey has taken him from Madrid, Spain, where he studied production, to the bustling city of Sofia, Bulgaria, where in 2015, he founded PHILMIT PRODUCTIONS. For over 7 years, he has led this company in close collaboration with major studios and prominent professionals from across Europe and Asia.
Nikolov quickly stood out in the industry thanks to his outstanding production skills. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from more modest productions to European and North American blockbusters from major Hollywood studios, including Legendary Films, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Wanda Vision...
OUR ALLIANCES
As a result of the collaboration between two continents, Europe and America, and with over thirty years of experience in the audiovisual sector, N33 PICTURES is born from the close relationship of its founders, filmmaker Gabriel Beristáin and Carlos Mestanza. Headquartered in Los Angeles and Miami, and with renowned merit globally, in direct collaboration with production companies Vedado Films (United States and Mexico) and PHILMIT (Europe and Asia), it achieves worldwide reach with production potential on all continents.
