These Brazilian Boys Want to Make the Most Megalomaniacal Films Around

Caio Amantini and Raphael Pamplona, known together as Los Pibes (‘the boys’), are a Brazilian directing duo, represented in the US by Burbank-based production company, MADRE.

Stylistically defined by kinetic camera movement and textured, emotionally driven work, the pair have made a name for themselves in both the music video space – for Francisco, el Hombre's ‘MATILHA’ and DJ Alok's ‘Hear Me Now’ – as well as with ads for brands like Google, Tinder, Netflix, Sprite, and Anheuser-Busch.

The duo met on the very first day of classes at Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires - though Caio’s shyness and Raphael’s extroverted nature were not an instant match. “But over time,” says Raphael, “I realised that although Caio seems reserved, he is actually someone with a warm heart, who likes a good conversation and is very confident.”

They worked together on their first music video and, despite not clicking immediately, sparked a connection that is still developing today. “The best way to describe some of our first collaborations is: ‘not getting along right away’,” Raphael continues. “From the beginning, it was clear that we think very differently, so all ideas needed to be discussed a thousand times. And obviously, what always prevails is what is best for the project and not necessarily individual preferences.”

Through this process, the pair have tried before to formally divide their responsibilities on projects. However, they quickly realised that a more natural dynamic appears as they work – even if, more often than not, Caio starts the day in front of the camera, with his partner behind. “From the 10 years we’ve been together,” he says, “we’ve learned how to tune ourselves in a way where we know when it’s time to step up or step down, giving the space needed to complement each other.”

Along the way, the pair picked up the nickname ‘Los Pibes Brasileños’ (‘the Brazilian boys’ in Argentine Spanish), quickly shortening it ‘Los Pibes’ – celebrating “a youthful and eternal experience”, explains Raphael. “Anyone can be a pibe, even if you are 80 years old, because being a pibe means having a young and fresh outlook, with an active and modern life.”

“Our creative philosophy is to stay fresh and always try to get the best out of each project,” says Caio, “adding our touch to it and understanding what the client and the agency need without losing the originality of the piece.”

This approach means frequently leaving their comfort zone, prompting the directors to innovate and find new paths to authentic, creative work. “We love to think of each film as ‘cinema’ that should go beyond the ordinary,” says Raphael, sharing that the duo seeks unusual work that poses cinematic or narrative challenges.

Their creative process begins from the moment they receive a brief, and start debating how to create something truly unique. They build as detailed treatments as possible to make the production workflow smooth, and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page as them.

But what if any creative disagreements arise – an inevitable result amidst the constant debate between the two contrasting characters? “Five minutes of ‘Luta Livre’ in the corner of the room,” jokes Raphael, before clarifying they prefer a non-violent option. “Sometimes, we begin with two really different views on the film,” adds Caio. “But we keep discussing it and sometimes the ideas merge or transform into something else and develop until we both believe it’s best for the project.

“Throughout our relationship, we’ve learned to understand each other, how each of us thinks, and most importantly, to be flexible; to not be attached to our own ideas, and to be open to the others’ views and learn from each other. In the 10 years we’ve had together, we’ve grown a lot as directors and as individuals, learning from each project and from each other.”

“After all,” adds Raphael, “audiovisual work is a collaborative art… Our goal is to ensure that, despite just conveying a message, the work is entertaining and has a sense of authenticity (whether visual or authorial).”

This unique POV jumps out more so on music videos than commercials, with the smaller budgets and fewer resources providing enhanced motivation to be creatively agile and different. “We’ve often ended up taking on the role of executive producers, having to think outside the box to fit the project to its budget, carefully choosing our crew and convincing them to be part of it, and also talking directly to the artist and the label,” says Caio.

Besides that, music videos also afford them the chance to write a script from scratch, and work on the project from end-to-end. “That gives us new experiences to improve and make better decisions production-wise than on commercial projects.” Raphael adds, “In a music video, we first hear the music and then feel the story unfold. But how it is told is dictated by the tempo of the music. When we do advertising, it is completely the opposite. The story is already there. My job is to find the melody for it. To define the tempo. To find the tone.”

The pair reflect on music video projects like ‘Matilha’ for rock band Francisco, el Hombre, and their film school project ‘Hear Me Now’ as turning points in their careers. Both are deeply personal films, the former addressing “dark times” in Brazilian politics, and the latter exploring experiences with relatives with Alzheimer’s. “But because we enjoy what we do and give our most in each project,” says Caio, “our latest one will always be the one we are proud of at the moment.

“The satisfaction of achieving what we are aiming for with our crew and seeing the film done is truly the best feeling we have,” he continues, sharing that they’ve brought this attitude into 2025 with the same goals they’ve held as a North Star since first joining forces as ‘the Brazilian boys’ in Argentina a decade ago. These being; to keep growing, to find even more challenging and fun projects, to meet inspiring people, have amazing experiences, and, as Raphael adds, “To make the most megalomaniacal films around the world.”

It’s clear, after 10 years maturing as directors and creative partners, Los Pibes have finally found their Madre – and with that, their original groove – and now look ahead to making their distinct mark on America’s commercial filmmaking scene.