Behind the Scenes: Encounters with “Difficult” Personalities

Luis Zahera, the acclaimed Galician actor and two-time Goya Award winner, recently stirred conversation during an appearance on TV3’s ‘Col·lapse.’ While promoting his new film, ‘Tierra de nadie,’ Zahera openly discussed his experiences with some of the more challenging personalities he’s encountered within the Spanish film industry, specifically naming José Luis Moreno and Arturo Fernández.

The discussion began when host Ricard Ustrell playfully inquired whether Zahera had worked with many imbéciles throughout his career. This question alluded to an earlier anecdote Zahera shared about director Rodrigo Sorogoyen, who, before casting him in ‘Que Dios nos perdone,’ conducted an interview primarily to assess Zahera’s character. Zahera responded frankly, stating, There were more before. May God have him in his glory, but Arturo Fernández was, in my opinion, at least a little complicated.

Arturo Fernández: A Glimpse into a Bygone Era

Zahera recounted his time working alongside Arturo Fernández, known for ‘La casa de los líos,’ on the TV series ‘Como el perro y el gato’ in 2007. He described Fernández’s behavior as reminiscent of a different era.He was a peculiar guy. he created a distance, a strange thing, a black cloud.He emitted something… The makeup artists couldn’t touch him, so one would go with a mirror, another with a little tray, and he would do his own makeup. Zahera suggested that such practices are a stark contrast to the collaborative and egalitarian atmosphere prevalent on modern film sets.

José Luis Moreno: A Stark assessment

zahera reserved his strongest words for José Luis Moreno, whom he bluntly described as a piece of psychopath. While he didn’t elaborate on specific incidents, his comment reflects a growing sentiment within the industry regarding outdated and possibly harmful behaviors. This comes at a time when the industry is actively working to promote safer and more inclusive work environments.Recent data indicates a significant shift in attitudes, with a 60% increase in reported cases of workplace harassment in the entertainment sector over the past five years, suggesting a greater willingness to address these issues.

The Shifting Sands of the Film Industry

Zahera emphasized the changing landscape of the film industry, noting that figures like Moreno are gradually being replaced by a new generation of professionals. Before, these glories were maintained, but now new producers, new directors, new blood are coming, and these people are falling under their own weight because it is unsustainable to have a pain in the ass on a set. He concluded with a clear message: We are all equal, we make the film together, and these types of attitudes are now severely penalized. This outlook aligns with the broader movement towards greater collaboration and respect on film sets, reflecting a desire for a more equitable and professional environment.