Peter Bandera

Peter Bandera (born 1958) is a Chilean-born, Los Angeles-based writer-producer. He has amassed a diverse award-winning body of works in areas ranging from experimental and mainstream films to television to music.

Early life

Bandera was born in Chile in 1958. His family moved to New York two years later, where he was raised. For a time, Bandera worked as a volunteer fireman, as well as an AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician) at the Dix Hills Fire Department in New York state.

Following high school, Bandera studied business at SUNY at Farmingdale. Prior to graduation, he went to his father for a $5,000 loan to start an import/export business between Chile and the United States. This venture lasted until 1989 when Bandera made his move into production.

Early career

Early in his career, Bandera took a position as a talent manager at The Sterling/ Winters Company and later served as the director of production.

One of Bandera’s notable deals included securing Erik Estrada a role in the telenovela “Dos Mujeres, un Camino” for Televisa, returning the actor to his Hispanic roots. The show turned out to be one of the biggest hits for mega network and marked Estrada’s comeback.

Bandera Brothers Projects

In 1989, Bandera, along with his brother Fernando Bandera, formed Bandera Brothers Entertainment. The duo released their first production in 1990, which was a video clip titled "Obsession" from Argentine rocker Miguel Mateos. The video was nominated for “Best Video of the Year” by Billboard and Lo Nuestro Awards.

In 1994, the Bandera brothers' film “Johnny 100 Pesos” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, which became the first Chilean film to be released theatrically in the United States, was awarded best picture at the Mystfest Film Festival in Italy.[1]

The two produced the television special, “Concierto Por La Vida” in 1996. The TV special, which was the first AIDS benefit for the Hispanic community, launched on USA Network’s Latin American network. The benefit featured 24 prominent Latin artists who appeared in concert at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

In 1998, the duo released “Ciro Norte,” a critically acclaimed film starring Nastassja Kinski and Axel Jodorowski.[2] Both the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Santiago Film Festival awarded it with the “Best Experimental Film” award. Additionally, the New York Museum of Modern Art inducted the film as part of their permanent collection. The release successfully made rounds on the international film festival circuit, being chosen as an official selection by more than 15 festivals.

The brothers’ production company released and action/thriller, “Diplomatic Siege,” which featured Daryl Hannah, Tom Berenger, and Peter Weller. It premiered on HBO in 1999. This was followed by the release of Amigos the same year at the Havana Film Festival in Cuba, and was awarded second place at the Viña del Mar Film Festival and exhibited in the United States on the Independent Film Channel (IFC).

In 2002, the Bandera Brothers partnered with Luis Miguel and Viña Ventisquero to introduce a brand of fine wines, “Unico Luis Miguel.” In Chile, the inaugural 2002 vintage sold out only two months after its release.[3] In 2006, the line launched in the United States as well as Mexico and is currently available in 10 countries. The wine is produced exclusively by Chilean winery Glacier.[4]

Along with their film productions and outside ventures, the brothers also delved into the realm of television productions. The two racked up numerous credits, including two episodes of MTV’s 2005 show, “Trippin” which was broadcast in 120 countries. Both episodes were based in Chile where the show’s executive producer, Cameron Diaz, starred alongside Drew Barrymore.

The team produced six spots for Ripley Department Stores, one of South America’s largest chains. The first round of commercials featured Cindy Crawford, with an additional round released in 2007 featuring Penelope Cruz. The commercials were shot in a wide variety of locations including Madrid and Hollywood. Additionally, the Bandera Brothers worked closely with the launch of Ripley Department Stores on the Santiago Stock Exchange. Additional commercial campaigns the brothers produced included a series of commercials with Leonor Varela for Marquis clothing.

In 2012, Bandera Brothers returned to their Chilean roots with the film, “Vermouth y Noche.” An Art House theatrical release and Sony Music DVD release, the film documented the last days of rock group, Los Tres. Additionally, the pair has produced a number of concerts throughout North and South America, including Carlos Santana’s first concerts in Chile and Peru.

The two brothers have offices in Los Angeles, California as well as Santiago, Chile.

Personal life

Bandera was married to Marisol Madariaga, a daughter of a Chilean diplomat.

Bandera married model/actress Vaitiare Eugenia Hirshon in 1994,[5] whom he also managed.[6] Vaitiare is a real-life princess of the Cook Islands and is related to the Royal House of Mekea Karika.[7] The two separated in 1997.[8]

Charitable endeavors

Bandera has participated in a variety of charitable endeavors and has contributed to a number of charities including the American Heart Association, AMFAR, Project Inform, and Red Cross as well as charities supporting the search a cure for leukemia.

In the early 1990s, Bandera, along with his brother Fernando, produced a view with Hollywood celebrities with the aim of overturning a budget cut on AIDS funding. The vote was to cut $285 million from an AIDS research budget, but after the tape was sent to every Congressman in Washington, D.C., the bill was defeated, and resulted in a turn-around increase in funds for AIDS research.

Latin Directo

Latin Directo is a direct response production company established in 2006 by Peter Bandera, Fernando Bandera, and friend and business partner, Rick Bradley. The company focuses on creating Spanish language programming for the Latin American marketplace and has launched some direct response products in Latin America. The company often produces both English and Spanish Language shows simultaneously, thereby consolidating production costs.

The company successfully pioneered a new business model where products can be sold and shipped directly from the United States to all Latin American territories.

Filmography

Caleta Condor, Chile (2005)
Chile (2005)
Wild on Chile (2003)

Awards & Acknowledgements

Black Gold, Smile Like that, and City of Roses nominated for Grammy in 2012 as part of the long form music video.
Winner: Mystfest, Italy
Official Selection: Sundace Film Festival & Tokyo Film Festival
Winner New Films: MoMA New York
Winner New Directors: MoMA New York
Permanent Collection at “The Celeste Bartos Film Preservation Centa – MOMA – New York
Best Experimental Film: 5th Palm Springs International Short Film Festival
Special Mention: Festival Internacional de Cortometrajes de Santiago
Best Experimental Film: 6to Festival Internacional Chileno del Cortometraje, Santiago
Second Place: Festival de Cine Internacional de Vina del Mar
Official Selection: Chicago Latino Film Festival, Havana Film Festival
Nominated Best Music Video of the Year: MTV
Nominated Best Music Video of the Year: Lo Nuestro Awards
Nominated Best Music Video of the Year: Billboard

References

  1. ↑ "Johnny Cien Pesos (1994) Awards". IMDb.
  2. ↑ "Ciro Norte (1998)". IMDb.
  3. ↑ "Unico, el Vino Chileno de Luis Miguel". Luis Miguel.
  4. ↑ "Luis Miguel presentó su vino Unico en Viña Ventisquero". Area Del Vino.
  5. ↑ "¡Hola!".
  6. ↑ "Hemeroteca".
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Peter Bandera". IMDb.
  8. ↑ "Hemeroteca".