Bridging the Gap: How Casa Leo PR Is Redefining the Independent Film Landscape

In the increasingly crowded global cinema market, the line between a film’s artistic success and its commercial invisibility is often drawn by the effectiveness of its festival strategy. Recognizing this critical juncture, industry veterans David Martínez and Jacky Orozco have officially launched Casa Leo PR, a London-based boutique agency designed to act as a bridge between independent filmmakers and the complex, often impenetrable world of international film festivals and awards seasons.

For many producers, the journey from final cut to the red carpet is fraught with confusion. As the number of films produced globally continues to climb—defying the economic headwinds of the post-pandemic era—filmmakers are finding that the "knowledge economy" of the film circuit is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Casa Leo PR aims to demystify this process, providing end-to-end support for a select roster of creators navigating the high-stakes environment of global cinema.

The Genesis of Casa Leo PR: A Professional Chronology

The formation of Casa Leo PR is the culmination of years of hands-on experience within the heart of the independent circuit.

David Martínez’s journey began in 2012 when he joined the programming team at Raindance, one of the world’s most influential independent film festivals. Over the next decade, his role evolved significantly; he transitioned into the position of festival producer before being appointed executive director in 2021. This trajectory gave him an insider’s view of how films are selected, programmed, and positioned for maximum impact.

Jacky Orozco brings a different, yet complementary, set of expertise to the table. Having honed her skills in the cultural department of the Embassy of Mexico in London, Orozco developed a sharp acumen for cultural diplomacy and event management. Her work centered on creating symbiotic relationships between filmmakers, institutional stakeholders, and diverse audiences. In the summer of 2023, she joined the team at Raindance as a festival producer, where her professional paths crossed with Martínez.

Both founders are bilingual and bi-cultural, a trait that informs the core philosophy of their agency. "We’ve opened Casa Leo PR because we saw independent filmmakers struggling to connect the dots," Martínez explained. By combining their deep-seated networks across Europe and Latin America, they have created a service that caters specifically to those who feel lost in the transition from production to promotion.

Navigating the Paradox: Data and Market Realities

The launch of Casa Leo PR arrives at a time of profound contradiction in the film industry. According to data from the European Audiovisual Observatory’s Focus Report, the number of films produced globally has actually increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the average number of annual film productions between 2017 and 2019 sat at 7,677, that figure rose to 7,707 in 2025.

However, this saturation of content has not been met with a corresponding growth in theatrical revenue. Global box office figures recently experienced a sharp 18% decline, falling to approximately €29.6 billion ($34.0 billion). While analysts are optimistic about a 2026 rebound—buoyed by the success of micro-budget breakout hits like Obsession—the landscape remains volatile. In the television sector, the situation is equally challenging, with first-run commissions remaining 25% lower than the "Peak TV" era, as reported by Ampere Analysis.

For independent producers, this creates a "tunnel" scenario: they are so consumed by the physical act of getting a film made that they lack the bandwidth, the budget, or the expertise to effectively market their work once it is complete. Many filmmakers find themselves with a completed project and a potential Academy Award short-list placement, yet they remain paralyzed by the lack of a roadmap for navigating the nomination process. Casa Leo PR is explicitly designed to solve this problem.

Official Responses and Strategic Vision

The founders emphasize that Casa Leo PR is not just another PR firm; it is a strategic consultancy that prioritizes the "symbiotic" nature of the industry.

"We’re also excited to offer our film festival consultancy to other festivals like the U.K. chapter of HollyShorts, while continuing my work with London Flair PR as an awards consultant," Martínez noted. By maintaining these diverse roles, the agency can offer a 360-degree view of the industry. "We’re here to collaborate in a truly symbiotic way," he added. "This is a thrilling time to support films and filmmakers across a truly global festival landscape."

The agency’s services are bespoke and comprehensive. They handle everything from initial festival submissions and press outreach to the on-site management of galas, premieres, and industry activations. Crucially, they are transparent about the "scary" costs associated with awards campaigns, offering guidance on where to focus limited resources to ensure the best possible return on investment.

"For independent filmmakers, it’s very scary to even think about the costs for awards campaigns," Martínez stated. "Casa Leo PR can explain what they need to do, where they need to submit, what programs they need to know, and what sort of press they need during that time."

A Global Focus with a Homey Foundation

While the agency’s reach is global, its heart is firmly rooted in its founders’ origins. The name "Casa Leo"—"Leo" being the Spanish word for "I read" or "I read" (a nod to the storytelling nature of film)—serves as a mission statement.

"‘Casa’ means ‘house’ or ‘home’ in Spanish," Orozco explained. "We’re both Latin, but have lived in the U.K. for a long time, so we can bring a homey welcome to Latin American filmmakers but also to independent filmmakers in the U.K. and beyond."

The agency has already begun building an impressive client roster, starting with a highly curated group of five initial clients. Their influence is already being felt in the industry. For instance, they recently collaborated with Netflix on a special London screening of Maite Alberdi’s Mexican documentary A Child of My Own. Additionally, they are providing on-the-ground support to Humberto Busto, the acclaimed actor and producer known for Amores Perros. Busto is currently utilizing Casa Leo’s expertise to navigate the Venice Film Festival for his Venice Biennale College title, Tijuana Todavía.

The Implications for Independent Filmmakers

The arrival of Casa Leo PR reflects a broader trend in the film industry: the professionalization of the "festival journey." As the sheer volume of content makes it increasingly difficult for independent voices to be heard, agencies that provide targeted, expert navigation are becoming essential.

By ensuring that films reach the right people at the right time, Casa Leo PR is helping to strip away the anxiety that often prevents independent filmmakers from reaching their full potential. The implication is a more efficient, less wasteful festival circuit, where resources are concentrated on projects that have been strategically positioned to succeed.

"At Casa Leo PR, we see every film as a unique story with its own path to an audience," Orozco concluded. "Our role is to navigate that path alongside filmmakers and partners, aligning strategy and on-the-ground execution so that festival journeys feel intentional, impactful, and creatively true to the work."

In a market defined by noise, Casa Leo PR offers a return to intentionality. For filmmakers standing at the precipice of their festival debut, the agency offers more than just publicity; it offers a home base from which to launch their work into the global consciousness.