The Escuela de Actores Lecuona launches a diploma course in ‘Performing. Training in film, tv and theatre’

17 May, 2019 Mónica Fuentes Leave a comment

A 2-year course plus a 1-year master

The Escuela de Actores Lecuona [Lecuona Drama School], based in Tenerife, now offers a two-year course on film, TV and theatre for future actors, in addition to a third year (master) of training with the best casting directors in the country.

In this school students learn and work with prestigious teachers and directors from the spheres of theatre, film, tv and casting. From day one, the course has a hands-on approach to film, tv and theatre. All the students will be included in the national management agency AMC Representación to go in for professional work.

The first year consists of acquiring teamwork habits and commitment to the play and to oneself. Learning different rehearsal techniques for film and TV. Controlling performance according to type of shot and camera lens. Shooting interior and exterior scenes and short films.

In the second year the focus will be on improving film performance and entering the work market by working with casting directors.

The third year is devoted to film training, reinforced with different special sessions devoted to performing, casting, coaching, etc.

To access these courses, candidates must be at least 18 years old and they must pass the admission test, which consists of an interview and a test in which candidates must perform a monologue chosen by the school to suit the student’s profile. This monologue will be from film or TV and will be performed in front of the camera.

More info and enrolment on:

ESCUELA DE ACTORES LECUONA

T.00 34 922 27 63 00

info@escuelalecuona.com

www.escuelalecuona.com

Miscellanium

Stunts Leal Group is backed by The Stunt Club in the Canaries

16 May, 2019 Mónica Fuentes Leave a comment

Canarian film industry is now stronger as the services offered by the stunt team are widen

The Canarian stunt group connected to Canary Pictures Vehicles, Stunt Leal Group, is now part of The Stunt Club, which is one of the major stunt companies in Spain. They have worked in action scenes in international productions like Terminator: Dark Fate, Skyfall, World War Z, A monster comes to see me, Rambo V: Last Blood, Elite, Vis a Vis, La Isla Mínima or The Impossible.

The most recent productions Stunts Leal Group has worked in include national films like Salir del ropero, El silencio del pantano, 4 latas, and series of the digital platform Netflix such as Las chicas del cable or La casa de papel.

Canarian film industry is enriched by the new services offered by Stunts Leal Group, and it means production companies will now have a more direct, simple way of hiring this type of services.

400 metres of Truss
Security material and equipment hire for action scenes
Bonzos
Training actors for action scenes
Preparing extras for action scenes
Action Coordination
Horse department for action scenes and stunt riders for horseback scenes
Developing action scenes and firearm tactics
Water scenes, underwater equipment and zodiac
Different periods fencing
Parkour
Qualified Stunt drivers
Stunts for different action scenes
Heights (jumping, falling…)
Security and risk control in action scenes
Stunt rigging
Scene vehicles and logistics support in collaboration with Canary Pictures Vehicles

More info on:

CANARY PICTURES VEHICLES
T. 00 34 622 062 266
john@canarypicturesvehicles.com
www.canarypicturesvehicles.com

Miscellanium

Enrol now in the workshop on sustainable film productions

16 May, 2019 Mónica Fuentes Leave a comment

Tenerife Film Commission schedules training workshops for 2019

Turismo de Tenerife, through its Tenerife Film Commission, has started its training courses for 2019. The first of the six workshops scheduled until December is called Producciones audiovisuales sostenibles [Sustainable film productions]. It will take place on 1 June during the Festival Internacional de Cine Medioambiental de Canarias, in Garachico. If you’re interested you can enrol (places are limited) on the website tenerifefilm.com/tallersostenible.

The film industry is a major socio-economic driving force of the Island but the activities it involves are a source of carbon emission due to transportation, lighting, building, food and drink, water use, etc. Can the film sector contribute to sustainable development by curbing the environmental impact of productions? What can we do in Tenerife? These are some of the issues the course will deal with. A certificate of having attended the course will be given at the end.

During the session, participants will also be trained on the Agenda 2030, which follows the road map set out by countries that are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Objectives. This is a social commitment of governments, administrations, civil society and the private sector in which Turismo de Tenerife and its Film Commission are also involved. It includes, among other examples, the training being offered or the production of a Good Practice Guide for Sustainable Production on the Island.

Yanira Cáceres will be giving the workshop. She is a professional with ten years of experience as consultant in environmental assessment, training and sustainability. Cáceres has worked as an expert and consultant in different prestigious film productions including: Exodus: Gods and Kings, Mine, Allied, Han Solo or the post-production of Wonder Woman 1984.

Five other courses

Tenerife Film Commission has scheduled a further five courses to be done throughout the year. They will each be 20 hours long and have the collaboration of the Government of the Canary Islands, thanks to its Canary Islands Film. The aim of these courses is to develop and professionalise the local industrial and creative talent.

For the first time in the Canaries, there will be a workshop concerning legal issues in shoots from 1 to 5 July. (registering with Social Security, work risks, rights and insurance). It is designed and produced by the renowned publicity film school Makkers School.

The next four workshops are planned by the Instituto de Formación e Investigación Cinematográfica (IFIC). There is no exact date yet but in September, we’ll have Production Management; in October, Assistant Director; in November, Accounting for film projects, and finally in December, Post-production Coordination

More info on:

TENERIFE FILM COMMISSION

T. 00 34 647 346 462

film@webtenerife.com

www.tenerifefilm.com

Miscellanium

World-leading visual effects company settles in Tenerife

15 May, 2019 Mónica Fuentes Leave a comment

Emmy award winning El Ranchito is set to open a new production studio in Santa Cruz, hiring up to 40 employees

Felix Bergés, Director of El Ranchito, in the meeting with the Cabildo (Tenerife Government) which included the island’s president, Carlos Alonso, and the president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo

Recognised as one of the best visual effects companies in the world, El Ranchito has decided to open a new production studio in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The move will see up to 40 new jobs created on the island, boosting the local economy. The world-leading visual effects company already has studios in Barcelona and Madrid alongside commercial representatives in Mexico and Los Angeles. It gained an Emmy Award for its work on ‘Game of Thrones’, one of many high calibre productions the team has worked on since ‘El Ranchito’ was founded.

The plans for a new hub in Tenerife were announced this week by Felix Bergés, Director of El Ranchito, following a meeting with the Cabildo (Tenerife Government) which included the island’s president, Carlos Alonso, and the president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo.

“We want to establish a team and start training people in Tenerife,” said Bergés, who credits the tax incentives offered by the Canary Islands through the Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF) and the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) as one of the key reasons for moving.

The president of the Cabildo, Carlos Alonso, thanked the El Ranchito representative for his commitment to the island and commented that the company’s planned arrival in Tenerife “culminates three years of talks in coordination with the Government of the Canary Islands to attract companies in the production and animation sector, from which the island is already home to almost a dozen companies that employ 300 people.”

Alonso, who has recognised the great future that is glimpsed for the sector, also pointed out that “although fiscal incentives open the door, you must then have the ability to train people and the infrastructures in place which are important for attracting companies from these industries, such as the supercomputer, submarine cables, optical fibre or the Datacentre.”

For his part, Fernando Clavijo has highlighted the “high level” El Ranchito represents in the industry of audio-visual production and special effects companies “which are now installed in Tenerife thanks to the joint work carried out by the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo to promote the tax advantages of the REF and the internationalisation of the islands “.

The Canarian president has insisted that little by little a very favourable ecosystem is being generated for companies that, in the case of El Ranchito, “come with a future vocation to generate talent and knowledge”.

El Ranchito is a Spanish visual effects company for film, television and advertising. Created in 2004, it has participated in the postproduction of more than one hundred commercials and a hundred movies and television series, many of them for the international market. The work of El Ranchito, which currently employs more than 150 professionals, has been recognised with eight Goyas in the section of best special effects; five VES (Visual Effects Society Awards) for Game of Thrones and The Impossible; three Gaudí and with an Emmy and an HPA (Hollywood Professional Association) Award for the best visual effects for Game of Thrones. They have also shown their professionalism in other film titles such as Ágora, by Alejandro Amenábar; A monster comes to see me, from J. Bayona, Superlopez, Wild or Biutiful Tales.

Miscellanium, Traditions

Romerías in Tenerife – calendar, history and tradition

30 April, 2019 javier Leave a comment

The pilgrimages, called romerías, of Tenerife are certainly the highest expression of Canarian idiosyncrasy. People dressed in traditional costumes (many hand-woven and embroidered) accompany ox carts decorated with great attention to detail, distributing traditional delicacies to all passers-by. Music in each corner, sounds created by unique instruments of the Canaries… Join us!

Origin of the pilgrimages in Tenerife

The romerías arise from religious pilgrimages, made first to Rome (hence the term “romería”). But then they brought it to each municipality making the pilgrimage towards the church or Saint.

In Tenerife, the oldest celebration not only of the Island but of the entire archipelago is the “Romería del Socorro”. It is celebrated in the municipality Güímar in September and comes from the Guanche era. When the aborigines found the Virgin of Candelaria, the Mencey (King) Acaymo decided to carry the statue and had to ask for help, as it was not transportable because of its weight.

Today the pilgrimages have evolved to be an effusive expression of the Canarian people. Chácaras (percussion musical instrument), carts, traditional dresses and typical dishes mark the beat of any celebration, to which the locals usually decorate their balconies with elements and pennants.

Romerías in Tenerife of special tourist interest

On our island there are an infinity of pilgrimages, each with its own character and identity. However, some of our celebrations stand out and have been awarded the title “Fiestas of National Tourist Interest”. These are for example: the Fiesta de las Cruces and Fuegos de Mayo in Los Realejos (although this is not a pilgrimage) and the Octava del Corpus and Romería of San Isidro in La Orotava.

Other noteworthy romerías of the island are: the Romería of San Isidro Labrador (in Los Realejos), the Romería of San Agustín, the Romería of San Roque, the Romería of San Benito Abad and the Romería of the district La Florida, which premiered this year the distinctive “Fiesta of Regional Tourist Interest”.

Pilgrimage calendar of Tenerife 2019

In May starts the romería season on the island. Most of these festivals take place until September, although they are celebrated all year round. If you are looking for a complete calendar of pilgrimages in 2019, Casa de los Balcones has created an updated calendar with all the important dates and celebrations, although here we summarise the most important festivals:

Romería of San Marcos in Tegueste

The event will be celebrated this year on Sunday, May 5th. It is one of the most popular romerías in Tenerife. Thousands of locals and visitors come together to see the famous carts that populate the streets of Tegueste. Last year 80,000 people participated in the romería.

Pilgrimage of San Isidro Labrador in Los Realejos

Since the seventeenth century, this festival is celebrated in the municipality of Los Realejos. Documents from 1676 confirm that the peasants worshiped the saintly figure of San Isidro Labrador. Nowadays, the event is a “Fiesta of National Tourist Interest” and a very special day for the locals. This year it will be celebrated on June 2nd from 12:00 pm in the Parich of the Apostle Santiago.

Pilgrimage of San Isidro in La Orotava

84 carts crowned one of Tenerife’s most multitudinous pilgrimages last year. This year, the “Fiesta of National Tourist Interest” will also be celebrated on June 30th. In addition, it celebrates 83 years of history paying homage to San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza.

Pilgrimage of San Benito Abad in La Laguna

On July 14th, one of the most important festivals will take place in the municipality of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the pilgrimage of San Benito Abad in La Laguna. Around 43,000 people gathered at this popular celebration last year. In total, more than 55 carts participated, demonstrating their status as a “Festival of National Tourist Interest”.

There are many more events, but that would go beyond this blog post. Therefore, do not forget to check our calendar to be informed about all news and events.

Miscellanium, Traditions

Holy Week in Tenerife – passion and tradition

14 April, 2019 javier Leave a comment

The Holy Week in Tenerife is lived with great devotion. Many municipalities of the island come together to celebrate the ecclesiastical tradition with different events. It is an ideal time to get to know the history and processions of the island.

Holy Week in La Laguna

In San Cristobal de La Laguna Lent is lived with special devotion. Not in vain, this year is the second centenary of the local diocese. Neighbors and brotherhoods come together during the festivities to make the World Heritage City shine in the best light in each procession.

The richness and diversity of works and images from places as diverse as Cuba, Mexico, Flanders or Seville stand out especially in the Holy Week of La Laguna. The so-called “Procession of Silence”, which will take place on Friday, the 19th, from 10:00 pm, is one of the most important events. It is performed at night, in absolute silence, you only be able to hear the walk of the Nazarenes who accompany the image of the deceased Christ.

Holy Week in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The capital of the island also hosts many events during Holy Week. The centre of the festival is the Church of Matrix de la Concepción, the main Catholic church of the city and the place from which most of the old town can be reached.

One of the most revered figures is “La Macarena”, which was created after the image of its namesake from Seville and was carved by a sculptor from Granada living in Tenerife. On the night of Maundy Thursday, as they leave the church, the bearers rock the figure to the beat of the music. It is one of the most emotional moments of the celebrations.

Easter in Guía de Isora

In Guía de Isora they live the tradition in a very original way. The “Pascua Florida” is a unique ephemeral art event in Spain that brings together local and international artists to create beautiful works and sculptures. They are inspired by passion scenes and use flowers and plant material as the main motif of their works.

The works exhibited on the main squares and streets of the old town can be visited from April 18th to 21st. You can also enjoy opera, contemporary dance and even take part in a photo contest that will reward the best photograph of Easter.

Representation of Easter in Adeje

In the municipality of Adeje takes place one of the most characteristic performances of the Holy Week, broadcast even by local and national television. This tradition began spontaneously in 1996 as a small homage, where neighbors collaborated.

Over time, it has grown to bring together hundreds of actors and extras, many of them are residents of the municipality. The performed scenes are part of the last moments of the life of Jesus Christ, the crucifixion on the square of the Church of Santa Úrsula is the most emotional moment.

The performance will take place on Friday, April 19th, at 12:00 pm at Calle Grande de Adeje.

Holy Week in other municipalities in Tenerife

Many other municipalities on the island also celebrate the Holy Week. In Santiago del Teide, one of the places in the south, this tradition is also more deeply rooted. In the municipalities such as Arona, Puerto de la Cruz, Candelaria, Guimar, Icod de los Vinos or La Orotava it is also celebrated with special devotion.

If you are in Tenerife during Holy Week to get to know the culture, remember all the family activities or the new adventures that you can be booked right here. We look forward to seeing you!

Hiking, Miscellanium, Nature, Sports

Hiking in Tenerife – 5 years Tenerife Walking Festival

3 April, 2019 javier Leave a comment

Hiking in Tenerife is an activity that generates more and more interest among our travellers and visitors. The Tenerife Walking Festival, the great hiking event of our island, takes place for the fifth time this year; five years full of anecdotes, stories, landscapes, legends, gastronomy, culture… Are you going to miss it?

Green, volcanic and coastal paths at the Tenerife Walking Festival

The trails of the Tenerife Walking Festival are as varied and colourful as the island itself. From the intense blue of the Atlantic to the reddish Martian landscapes of the Teide National Park, you will walk through thousand-year-old forests, historical volcanoes and along beautiful coastlines.

Green trails of the Tenerife Walking Festival

Caressed by the trade winds and rocked by a sea of clouds, the forests of the north face of Tenerife immerse you in an enchanting green mountain world. Canary pines and laurel trees open the way to rural and endemic landscapes, each with its own history and culture.

New this year is the route El Palmar – Talavera – Los Silos. In the extreme northwest of Tenerife, five hours of hiking await you between farmland, tabaibas, heather and other native plants. You will discover what makes the Teno Rural Park unique and you will also explore one of Tenerife’s little treasures, the Isla Baja.

Volcanic trails at the Tenerife Walking Festival

Tenerife is an island that was slowly born from volcanoes. It took millions of years to create this jewel in the middle of the Atlantic. Mount Teide is our landmark, but not the only volcanic landscape in Tenerife.

At the Tenerife Walking Festival 2019 you can discover many volcanic landscapes; up to seven routes are offered at the event. Of course, El Teide is the big protagonist, although you can choose famous places such as Punta de Teno or Masca. On these routes you will learn all about the volcanic history of Tenerife.

Coastal paths at the Tenerife Walking Festival

The fact of being surrounded by the sea, means that many trails pass along the coast. Whether gigantic cliffs or curious rock formations, both the north coast and the south coast of Tenerife hide treasures that are worth to be discovered.

One of these treasures is definitely Benijo, the star of the festival’s coastal routes. It is a small beach, barely 300 metres long, but it is one of the most photographed beaches in Tenerife. The sunsets here are spectacular and together with the characteristic rocks it is one of the most beautiful places on the island to take pictures.

Although Benijo is just the beginning of the adventure! You will hike through the most exciting areas of the Anaga Mountains and ascend to Cruz del Draguillo. Finally, you will reach Roque Bermejo, a hidden beach reached by the narrow paths.

Complementary activities at the Tenerife Walking Festival

Although the Tenerife Walking Festival is mainly made up of hiking and nature, we tell you, that’s not all. During the hikes you will also get to know the nature and culture of the islands. For instance, you’ll be able to experience live the “Salto del Pastor“, an ancient technique still used by the goatherds of the island to move around on difficult and steep terrain.

The activities include also the welcome and farewell parties. In particular, the closing ceremony is usually a very emotional moment where all hikers of all participating nationalities make a parade through Puerto de la Cruz, additionally live music and gastronomic specialties are offered to finish farewell to the five intense days of adventures.

Are you ready to take part in this adventure?

Hiking, Miscellanium, Nature, Outdoors, Teide

Experiences on Mount Teide – stars, hiking trails and Martian landscapes

20 March, 2019 javier Leave a comment

The experiences in the Teide National Park can be very different. From challenging hikes that reward you with breathtaking views, to exploring the constellations and galaxies in the night sky.

A tour to El Teide and the National Park in all its splendor

A trip to El Teide is certainly one of the most important experiences that can be done in Tenerife. There is a lot to see and to discover! After all, the size of the National Park is 18,990 hectares or 26,000 football fields!

The duration of an excursion is approximately eight and a half hours. Here you will discover volcanic landscapes, typical Canarian villages and some natural monuments of the park while getting to know the geological history of our islands.

Ascent to Pico Teide, the summit of Spain

The ascent to Pico Teide is an experience that you can’t describe in words. You have to live it to really understand what it feels to stand on the summit of Spain, at 3,718 metres, and the third highest volcano in the world, measured from the seafloor.

When you reach the top and raise your gaze, you will see two seas. The first is a sea of fluffy clouds rocked by the trade winds, the second is the vast Atlantic Ocean with its intense blue.

In favorable weather conditions you can also see the silhouette of the rest of the islands that are closest to Tenerife: La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria. An immaterial experience that you will surely keep in your heart and memory.

Stars of El Teide – close to the galaxy

Stargazing on El Teide is undoubtedly a galactic experience. The Teide Observatory is the world’s largest solar observatory with instruments and telescopes from various nations and international institutions.

After visiting the facilities you can wait for the sunset to finally see the stars. Depending on the night you will see stars and radiant galaxies or a bright moon full of craters, landforms and mountains… As you’ve never seen it before!

Did you know that you can also find the mountains Tenerife, Pico and the crater Piazzi Smyth on the moon? The latter was named in honour of the Scottish astronomer, who wrote “Tenerife: The Experiences of an Astronomer” and whose studies made a great contribution to the scientific interest on the island.

Trails in the Teide National Park – paths between volcanoes and rocks

Walking at more than 2,000 metres can be a challenge. Mount Teide offers several routes that lead from the difficult paths to the summit or the refuge of Altavista (although you can always take the cable car as an alternative) to the trails that pass through the natural heritage of the National Park such as the Roques de García or the Cathedral of the Teide.

No matter which route you choose, always remember to bring water or isotonic drinks in your backpack, and stop occasionally to rest and recharge batteries. Also wear warm clothes, regardless of the season in which you make the trip, as the temperature can change at that altitude and then it gets very cold.

Precisely this is what makes Tenerife unique. You can sunbathe on the beach, then put on your coat and be in a few hours above the clouds. Do you want to discover it?

Traditions

Carnival in Tenerife 2019 – the most important dates

26 February, 2019 javier 2 Comments

The Carnival of Tenerife 2019 is here and with it the big parties, lots of fun and great costumes. You still do not know which are the most important events? It would be great having the different carnival programmes of the municipalities to plan your carnival on the island… No problem, here is a brief summary of the main celebrations, so you do not miss anything.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2019

The most famous carnival of all is celebrated in the capital and marks the start of the season for the whole island. We have to divide the carnival into two areas: the contests and the street carnival.

Contests and Gala elections of the Carnival of Tenerife

The competitions are characterised by the fact that the best groups, costumes and dances of the carnival come together and compete in great contests against each other. The carnival groups such as murgas, comparsas and rondallas are well known, but the prelude to the carnival on the street, is always the Gala of the Carnival Queen, which is celebrated on February 27th this year.

After the election of the Carnival Queen, the street parties officially begin with the opening parade on Friday, March 1st. The next day, on Saturday, March 2nd, the comparsas will be having a great night out at the “Rhythm and Harmony” parade, one of the most rhythmic and colourful events.

Carnival on the street

There is something for everyone at the street carnival, for the little ones and for adults, whether during the day or at night. The carnival of the day is celebrated on March 3rd and 9th, while the carnival at night takes place the whole week with various concerts and events such as the burial of the sardine. Below you have a summary image with all the highlights and the carnival programme of Tenerife.

International Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz 2019

In Puerto de la Cruz there is also a carnival and the men’s marathon “Mascarita Ponte Tacón” is the absolute highlight. In this crazy race men wear extravagant costumes and gigantic heels, which must be at least 8 centimetres high. The marathon will be held on Friday, March 8th, starting at 8:00 pm.

Carnival of Los Gigantes 2019

The whole Olympus will come to the carnival in Los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide, because the festivities are dedicated to Greek deities this year. From March 15th to 23rd (next to the carnival in Los Cristianos) different celebrations take place and make this carnival one of the most important events in the south of the island.

Carnival of Los Cristianos 2019

The jungle is the topic chosen this year by the International Carnival of Los Cristianos, which is the last to be held from March 21st to April 1st. The most important dates of this carnival are the opening parade on Saturday, March 23rd, the Queen’s Gala election on Thursday, March 28th, the Drag Queen Gala on Friday, March 29th, the carnival of the day on March 30th, and the Apotheosis parade on March 31st, ending with the burial of the sardine on April 1st.

Carnival of Candelaria 2019

This year the carnival of Candelaria will be celebrated from March 9th to the 23rd. The programme includes the Queen’s Gala election on March 15th, the choreographic festival and carnival on March 17th, the Drag Queen Gala on March 22nd and the dance of the carnival on March 23rd.

Carnival of Los Silos 2019

The historic town of Los Silos is also celebrating its carnival in March, from the 4th to the 10th. One of the funniest events is the crazy car race on Saturday, March 9th.

Piñata Chica de Tacoronte 2019

The Piñata Chica, the carnival in the municipality of Tacoronte from March 15th to 18th, are festivities where especially the little ones can celebrate big. Particularly noteworthy is the traditional show of classic cars on March 17th.

With so many carnival possibilities, you will definitely enjoy our tradition! Do not forget to check our event calendar for more events and more news on the island.