PACO Joins Steam Films for Canadian Commercial Representation

Steam Films welcomes PACO to their talented roster of filmmakers. This signing continues in the wake of PACO’s breakout success in the U.S. market with successive campaigns for LinkedIn, DoorDash, and Credit Karma. His signing is the most recent thread weaving together a decades-long relationship between Steam Films and Furlined, which represents him in the US and UK.  

PACO is a master of the weird and the wonderful. He wields a refined palette of colour, luminosity, and shadow that seamlessly integrates visual effects, stop motion, animation, CGI, or 3D to create delightful, unexpected moments. His deftly drawn characters inhabit worlds that teeter on a razor’s edge between the ordinary and the outlandish, balancing the two sentiments with a corresponding mix of grace and clumsiness.  

PACO’s depth of insight into comedy - from dry and satirical to physical and slapstick – enables him to move effortlessly between modes, from script to script or moment to moment. His meticulous approach to casting and close collaboration with actors infuse each film with a unique vitality and humour.  

While still in school at the University of Porto, his short film, “Without a Story,” won the Grand Prix at the European Capital of Culture Festival and screened at Cannes. As he moved into advertising, his work has returned to Cannes once again, garnering Lions for Film Craft and Cinematography. 

“Shooting in Canada has been a fascinating experience,” said PACO. “The locations in Toronto and Vancouver have such incredible detail and character, all of which play an important role in creating a world for the characters to inhabit. There’s also a profound sense of legacy - that the past is vibrant and alive, co-mingling with the present - and I’m so happy to have signed with a production company that also has such a storied legacy.” 

On PACO’s signing, Jennifer Sykes said, “There’s an incredible vibrancy, playfulness, and sense of fun that seems to accompany PACO everywhere he goes, resulting in wonderfully memorable characters and films. We’re thrilled that he has decided to join Steam Films, and we look forward to writing a new chapter in our collaboration.” 

“I came to know Jennifer, Carling, and the team at Steam Films as production partners on several of my recent films,” said PACO. “From the very first moments, I felt connected to their team and knew that our collaborations would be safe, supported, and professional. There is a very rich, unique humour that comes through in the work of Canadian comedians, and I’m really looking forward to exploring the market.” 

Carling Acthim, executive producer/head of sales at Steam Films, remarked, "If you look at PACO’s films, you will see a unique style of comedy that really stands out within the genre. His work elevates character-driven comedy, amazing art direction, and visual trickery - and it’s completely unforgettable. We’ve found PACO's personality to be similarly memorable. His passion and humour make him an original, just like his work.”