Multi-Year Agreement Launches 1868 Studios, Which Commits to Having Creatives From All Parts of the World Develop & Represent Content Culturally Misrepresented Across Multiple Formats

NEW YORK, NY – October 15, 2020 – Today, Sony Music Entertainment announced a multi-year joint venture with René Pérez Joglar, known as “Residente,” an award-winning, iconic Latin rapper, composer, producer, filmmaker, visionary and activist, to launch 1868 Studios. Under this new venture, Residente and Sony Music Latin/Iberia will create, produce and globally distribute original content projects across multiple formats. Residente will write and direct TV shows/programming, films and all-types of on-screen content, and production.

Residente, who will spearhead all creative aspects for the partnership, will focus on properly representing cultural narratives on-screen, including LatinX stories, and mostly importantly for him, behind the camera. As part of this endeavor, 1868 Studios commits that Residente will collaborate with an international creative consortium of writers, directors, on-screen talent, musical artists, and visual artists to provide creative services for a robust slate of new projects, including TV series, films, documentaries and branded content. Sony Music Entertainment will provide its expertise in content creation, marketing and monetization to enhance the scale and scope of 1868 Studios’ work.

Residente has created history as one of the most Grammy-winning artists by conquering the world of music as both a member of the legendary global group Calle 13 and as a solo artist (Four Grammys and 25 Latin Grammys). Unapologetically creative, Residente has always merged his passion for cinematography into his music career and has been recognized for his constant innovation. His keen sense of art hails from Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. His own legacy and work has garnered the respect of his industry colleagues through his pioneering approach on award-winning music videos and feature length films, including his own documentary called “Residente” about his DNA and journey to make his first solo album, which was selected by prestigious film festivals around the world. 

Commenting on the new partnership, Residente said, “There are much more important things than talking about million-dollar businesses in the midst of a pandemic, where unemployment is becoming a larger issue daily. But, together, we are announcing that under this venture there will be employment opportunities for Latinos around the world. Throughout my career I always knew that rap would be the vehicle that would lead me to fulfill my true passion, cinema. We are going to make films, TV series, documentaries and all kinds of visual content, where the main priority will be creativity. I am proud to have friends like Rob Stringer, Afo Verde, and Tom Mackay, who understand the great power of the intangible values of art.”

“Residente is a creative genius whose work has inspired the global music industry for many years and whose vision has inspired LatinX creators and communities all over the world.” said Afo Verde, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Latin, “This partnership enables us to channel his vast expertise and develop engaging and diverse content for audiences everywhere.”

Tom Mackay, President, Premium Content A&R, Sony Music Entertainment, said, “Residente is one of the world’s most powerful storytellers. His career spans much more than music and we are excited to see how this partnership creates even more opportunities for his unique vision to shine across all formats.”

A highly-respected social activist, Residente has been acknowledged for his contributions to many philanthropic causes and organizations; he serves as an ambassador of Amnesty International and was the recipient of the Recognition Award at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in 2015.

About Residente
René Pérez Joglar A.K.A Residente is a multiple award-winning Puerto Rican rapper, writer, filmmaker, and activist. René has won more Latin Grammys than any other artist and has conquered the world of music performing in front of thousands around the world. In addition to the music industry, René has gained recent success in filmmaking writing and directing his own award-winning music videos and directing a feature length documentary that was officially selected by prestigious film festivals around the world including SXSW. His writing style and lyrics have earned him the respect of many critics and have been studied as part of school and university courses. René has been recognized for his social contributions including serving as the face for Amnesty International and most important receiving the recognition award at the World Summit of Nobel Piece Laureates. Earlier in March of this year, René played a sold-out show with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Most recently, the music video “Rene,” written and directed by Rene, has reached 100 million views on YouTube and both the video and song have sparked very positive conversations about mental health around the world. His video Bana Papaya won the 2019 Latin Grammy for best short form music video and he directed his video “Somos Anormales,” which featured John Leguizamo, Leonor Watling, Óscar Jaenada and Juan Diego Botto. Residente has directed a mini-film/video called “Desencuentro,” which starred French-Canadian actress Charlotte Le Bon and actor Edgar Ramirez. In addition, latest music video “HOY” was shot in Argentina and features international movie stars such as Leonardo Sbaraglia and during COVID 2020, he directed his music video called “Antes Que El Mundo Se Acabe,” which featured Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas, Leo Messi, Zoe Saldana, Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny and many more.

About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 60 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship. Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about our artists, creators, and labels here.