Grace Santos Makes Waves as Executive Producer of Two NATPE Showcase Series
Grace Santos Takes the Stage at NATPE
Grace Santos has recently made headlines for her impressive role as an executive producer, overseeing two series selected for the renowned NATPE Global Pitch Showcase. This event is a significant opportunity for creators in the television industry, offering a platform for a select few projects to be presented live to a panel of industry executives and professionals.
NATPE Global Pitch Showcase: An Overview
The NATPE Global Pitch Showcase is a prestigious live event that highlights the most promising scripted television projects. Every year, the event narrows down hundreds of entries to just five standout projects that are given the unique chance to pitch directly to key decision-makers in the industry. For 2025, Grace Santos' work has been recognized, as she executive produces two of these five chosen projects—a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive field.
Grace expressed her gratitude for being selected, stating, "I'm incredibly grateful to NATPE for this opportunity to share our projects with such influential decision-makers. Being selected as a finalist is a huge honor, and I'm excited to collaborate with my talented team to bring these stories to life. This is a chance to connect with the industry and showcase narratives that resonate globally."
The Selected Series
1. The Coolest Labels
Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1990s Miami, The Coolest Labels is a limited series that delves into the lives of high school students grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. As Root High School opens its doors to a wave of displaced teenagers from various backgrounds, the series captures the intense struggle of these students as they confront their realities. It raises poignant questions about unity and division amongst the students during a time of great turmoil. The series, which draws from real-life experiences, pairs writer Fred Smith, a former student at the real Root High School, with director Nayip Anthony Garcia, known for his work with rising stars in the industry.
2. Lost Ghosts
Lost Ghosts unfolds in the more somber setting of rural Manitoba, Canada. This mystery crime series follows Toronto-based reporter Charlie as she embarks on an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of two girls. Throughout her journey, Charlie must confront her Ojibwe heritage and the profound issues of violence against women and girls, alongside the significant implications of an oil fracking operation. Writers S.M. Turrell, recognized for his award-winning work and affiliation with the TIFF Filmmaker Lab, and Andrew Kirkwood, are collaborating on this stirring narrative. The series will be directed by Gabriel Correa, noted for his previous work on popular series such as Riverdale and Supernatural, along with production oversight from Santos.
About NATPE
NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives) stands as a pivotal global content organization, dedicated to shaping the future landscape of television and streaming content. The association is renowned for hosting some of the industry's leading conferences and showcases, fostering collaboration among key players from various facets of the entertainment sector. The upcoming NATPE conference in Miami, set for February 5-7, 2025, will spotlight the Pitch Showcase on February 6, where Santos will have the opportunity to present her selected series.
Grace Santos: An Accomplished Producer
Grace Santos boasts an impressive career in film and television production, with her credits including the upcoming teen comedy Almost Popular (2025). She has worn multiple hats in the entertainment industry, from producer to attorney, working with various organizations that have been influential in financing and distributing a multitude of projects. Her board involvement with FilAm Creative, a non-profit organization in Los Angeles, is a testament to her commitment to championing diverse stories.
Through her work at NATPE, Grace Santos not only showcases her impressive portfolio but also underscores the vital contributions artists make towards shaping narrative landscapes in media. Her final productions are eagerly anticipated and symbolize the broader potential of storytelling in uniting diverse backgrounds and experiences.