Fanny Grande - CEO / Co-Founder
Fanny Grande (formerly known as Fanny Veliz) is a Venezuelan-American filmmaker, actor, and director of considerable repute, boasting an impressive portfolio spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry. Born in the United States and raised in Venezuela, Grande's artistic journey began in her youth, laying the foundation for a career that would earn her recognition as a three-time Imagen Award nominee, along with a plethora of accolades for her contributions both on-screen and behind the camera.
Her talent and commitment to her craft led to her selection as one of eight distinguished fellows by Geena Davis for the prestigious "See It, Be It" fellowship, reflecting Grande's position as a leading voice in the industry.
Six years ago, Grande, in collaboration with her husband Nelson Grande, co-founded Avenida Productions, a production firm singularly focused on championing independent media content creators and emphasizing diversity. Under their stewardship, Avenida has grown into a formidable entity, launching a groundbreaking crowdfunding platform for creatives in March 2022, as well as establishing a state-of-the-art production facility in the heart of Los Angeles.
In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Grande served as the Vice Chair of Nosotros, the oldest Latino non-profit organization in the entertainment sector, founded by the iconic Ricardo Montalban. Her involvement in the Sandford LBAN business accelerator further underscores her dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the industry.
One of Grande's forthcoming endeavors includes the feature documentary "My DACA Life," set for release in 2022, produced under the Avenida umbrella. This work promises to encapsulate the essence of her commitment to authentic storytelling and artistic excellence.
Fanny Grande's remarkable journey is characterized by an unwavering dedication to her craft, a passion for diversity, and a profound understanding of the entertainment landscape. Her work continues to resonate on various levels, reflecting a legacy that extends beyond the screen, impacting the industry and audiences alike.
Nelson Grande - President / Co-Founder
Nelson Grande, a native Angeleno, has always been intimately connected with the dynamic pulse of the entertainment industry. Raised in the cultural melting pot of Highland Park, he spent his formative years observing cinematic masterpieces like Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" and Gregory Nava's "Mi Familia" come to life right in his neighborhood. It's no wonder that Grande's transition from actor to entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Avenida Productions seemed destined from the outset.
At the age of 19, Grande discovered an innate prowess for sales, a skill that swiftly propelled him into the role of brand ambassador for an array of distinguished luxury businesses. Yet, it was only when he turned 21 that he fully embraced his true calling, embarking on a career in acting that he would passionately pursue without reservation.
In the ensuing years, Grande's artistic talents have been showcased in various national and regional commercials, as well as guest appearances on prominent television shows, including the critically acclaimed HBO series "Eastbound and Down." Despite thriving in his acting career, he discerned an underlying challenge that is all too common for actors of color in Hollywood, a troubling tendency towards stereotypical roles and accents. Rather than be discouraged by this, Grande's determination only intensified.
The birth of his daughter marked a defining moment, igniting a desire for profound change. No longer content to rely solely on casting directors or producers for opportunities, Grande resolved to forge his own path, committed to creating meaningful opportunities for himself and fellow actors of color.
In 2016, this vision materialized with the founding of Avenida Productions, in partnership with Fanny Grande (formerly known as Fanny Veliz). Their collaborative efforts aim to make a substantial impact on local, national, and global stages, reflecting a commitment to diversity, creativity, and empowerment within the industry
Miguel Duran - Head of Production
Miguel Angel Durán is an award-winning writer and director, renowned for a body of work that encompasses documentaries, feature films, and branded content. A proud native of the Los Angeles area, Miguel has dedicated his career to crafting poignant narratives that illuminate the multifaceted Latino experience in the United States.
At the remarkably young age of 23, Miguel demonstrated his exceptional talent by directing his first feature-length documentary, "Unrest." The premiere of this profound piece was met with resounding success, attracting an audience of over 1,000 attendees.
Following this triumph, Miguel turned his creative focus to "The Valley in The Struggle," a significant thirty-minute documentary that chronicles the United Farm Workers' valiant fight for justice in the late 1960s. Narrated by the acclaimed actor Jacob Vargas, this work further solidified Miguel's reputation as a thoughtful and insightful filmmaker.
In 2020, Miguel reached new heights with the release of "Immigrant Voices of America," an eight-episode documentary series that garnered the prestigious Jury Award for Best Episodic Documentary at the 2020 Bentonville Film Festival. This accolade is a testament to Miguel's ability to capture complex and nuanced perspectives in a manner that resonates with audiences.
Currently, his short film "Separation" is receiving recognition across several film festivals, continuing his tradition of impactful storytelling.
Miguel Angel Durán's commitment to his craft transcends genre and form. He consistently strives to create compelling stories imbued with authenticity, depth, and a palpable connection to the human experience. His work stands as a significant contribution to the cinematic landscape, reflecting a unique voice and an unyielding passion for storytelling that engages and inspires viewers.
Liza Marrtinez - Executive Assistant
Liza Martinez is a dynamic entertainment professional, possessing a deep-rooted passion and strong commitment to championing inclusion and diversity within the film and television industry. Her ethos stems from a belief that representation matters at every level of entertainment.
At present, Liza holds the key role of Executive Assistant to the CEO and COO at Avenida Entertainment Group, one of the industry's front-running firms. Here, she plays a crucial part in daily operations, bridging communication gaps and ensuring smooth workflow between the company's top executives.
Her professional journey has been diverse, with significant stints in marketing, public relations, talent management, and even film archive licensing. This broad experience has enabled Liza to approach challenges with a multifaceted perspective, showcasing her adaptability and deep understanding of various industry segments.
An alumnus of California State University Northridge, Liza is proud to have earned her Bachelor's degree in Media Theory and Criticism. This academic grounding has given her a critical eye for media content, allowing her to evaluate and advocate for better representation.
Above all, Liza's dedication shines through in her tireless efforts to create change in the entertainment industry. Harnessing her strategic insights, unparalleled organizational skills, and an unwavering passion, she remains at the forefront of initiatives aimed at cultivating truly inclusive environments.