Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.
Productions by Shaboo emerged from Shaboo Prints, a boutique brand, as a means to create Productions by Shaboo, an evolution from the boutique social brand Shaboo Prints, is dedicated to creating immersive multi-media experiences that invite adults to rediscover and engage with their boundless imagination and creativity. We are known and awarded for crafting products that evoke the wonder, curiosity and creative spirit inherent in all of us.
In the film and video space, Productions by Shaboo extends this ethos by blending a variety of cinematic techniques to deeply engage and inspire viewers. Drawing influence from the beloved public television programs of Chief Imaginovator Veronica’s youth, our signature show, Your New Odyssey, is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reigniting and connecting people to their creative impulses. Yes, we still have access to our imagination and creativity – it is not something that is relegated to the past, to our youth, but is seeking expression now in our adult lives. In fact, for many it is a buried deep yearning they don’t know what do with and how to bring out into the world.
What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?
At the heart of Productions by Shaboo lies a mission to guide adults back to a world brimming with potential, play, and the joy of authentic self-expression. We believe that creativity is not just an activity but a way of life, and we are committed to living by example. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in everything we produce, as we consistently follow the energy of our creative impulses, showcasing the transformative power of innate creativity. This unwavering commitment to authenticity and the celebration of individual creativity is what sets us apart in the industry.
Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece.
In 2022, we were honored to win a Gold Telly Award for “King Cobras: Men’s Group” in the category of Social Video Series Comedy. Co-produced by myself Xavier and my brother Jonathan Garcia, who served as Director and Director of Photography, this four-part series offered a comedic yet thought-provoking look into often untouched, sometimes taboo, subject matter within the Latino community. Designed as a sketch comedy series, “Men’s Group” aimed to not only entertain but also to create a space where the audience could laugh at the awkwardness and humor found in the real-life challenges of societal dynamics. The show’s unique blend of humor and culture resonated with viewers, helping break down barriers while simultaneously creating room for introspection, laughter, and conversation.
“Men’s Group” premiered in August 2021, with each of the first four episodes released monthly. The series tackled a range of topics, from ethnic stereotypes and social awkwardness to Biblical themes and Christianity in modern culture. With a talented ensemble cast, we had ambitions to grow the series by introducing celebrity guest cameos to add further depth and engagement. Ultimately, the success of the series rests in its ability to balance humor with meaningful social commentary, shedding light on important cultural and spiritual topics through the universal language of laughter.
Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_KgWuExazQ
Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?
Authenticity… Always Write the Truth.
Everyone is trying to sell you something and we’re all tired of it. You’re always being sold, a product, a service or an individual and their lifestyle. At the end of the day, when you’re creating content, people just want a good story, well told. And the best way to achieve that is by being truthful, thorough, and authentic in your storytelling.
Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?
The four, ten-minute, episodes where filmed across a 48 hour period. No sleep, just hardcore creatives passionate about a subject matter and its mission… joy and laughter.
Can you share any insight about the piece’s reception or impact once it was released?
King Cobras: Men’s Group” sparked incredible discussions within the Latino community, particularly around culture, traditions, and societal expectations. The blend of humor with thought-provoking themes encouraged viewers to open up in ways we hadn’t fully anticipated. Many expressed how the absurdly hilarious scenarios created a safe space for vulnerable conversations, allowing for reflection, healing, and even reconciliation within cultural contexts that are often challenging to address. By tackling difficult topics through comedy, the series fostered a deeper understanding of both shared and individual experiences, and it became a vehicle for meaningful dialogue among its audience. As a matter of fact, some of the more exhilarating conversations where with my own Latino cousins and family members. It was truly special.
The positive reception and the community’s engagement inspired us to take the concept further. We’re currently in the process of developing a feature-length narrative film, loosely based on the themes from the mini-series. This film will continue to explore the complex and often humorous realities of Latino identity and relationships, while expanding on the foundational elements that made the original series resonate so strongly with viewers
How can people join or learn more about what you do?
The best is to follow us on social media… on Instagram is ideal!
https://www.instagram.com/xav.gar/
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanharvest/
https://www.instagram.com/mountharvest/
https://www.facebook.com/MountHarvest
