Production Paradise

Welcome to the latest edition of Showcase Lisbon, your essential guide to the very best creative media companies working today in Portugal.

The country combines fabulous natural beauty with a wealth of history and tradition. Along with a beautiful climate, it becomes easy to see why so many people choose Portugal as the base for their creative endeavours. See the Production Paradise database for a comprehensive list of the best creative media providers.

Look out for the Moda Lisboa | Estoril, Portugal's major fashion event that takes place in Cascais from the 11th to the 14th October, where the very best of Portuguese fashion design will be on display. Also CAD 07, an exhibition of Portuguese interior designers, will be held at Casa de Cor on the Rua Garret in the heart of Lisbon until the 21st October.

Our cover shot features the work of photographer Sergio Matos.

Lsb photography/photographers: MÁRIO PRÍNCIPE PHOTOGRAPHER

Mário Príncipe has been busy working on a number of projects over the summer season, one of which included a shoot for GQ Magazine with the Portuguese Rugby Team.

He was awarded the Prémio Visão de Fotojornalismo and his picture is on exhibition with the World Press Photo organisation.

Lsb photography/photographers: ALEXANDER KOCH

Alexander Koch is currently undergoing a major expansion to offer its services to clients in the international marketplace. This includes recommencing operations in England, Spain, and Germany.

The company is aiming to widen its international image whilst maintaining its logistical back-up for productions in Portugal. The country offers outstanding locations and a perfect climate, making it the ideal base for client requirements.

Lsb photography/photographers: SIMON FREDERICK

Simon Frederick has built a modern, well-equipped studio in the fashionable Graça area of Lisbon, complete with a talented team and in-house production services.

'Beauty Works' is his ongoing personal project. A co-production with hair and make-up artist Laura Hamilton, the two have joined forces to collaborate on advertising, beauty and fashion projects across the city. The English duo's work has begun to attract international attention, recently leading to cosmetics company M.A.C. partnering this, along with future projects.

In recent months Simon created campaigns for McDonald's , IKEA , and mobile phone company TMN with TBWA Lisboa. His clients include MTV, BBC, EMI Music, Nestlé Waters, and Optimus.

He works internationally and is available for travel and private commissions.

Lsb photography/photographers: SERGIO MATOS

Sérgio Matos continues with a busy agenda, not only in Portugal but also across Germany and France. Editorials are his passion, but with business expanding and his client list growing, advertising and catalogue shoots are taking most of his time.

Sérgio is amongst Portugal's top photographers. In characteristic low-key style, he recently said of his work: "Working with a very good team always results in very good images".

Lsb photography/photographers: ANTÓNIO GAMITO

Antonio Gamito is a fashion photographer with an adventurous spirit. It becomes more and more of a challenge to find him settled in Portugal for any length of time, as he seems permanently ready with his luggage to jet-off to shoots all over the world.

Recently he exhibited a project shot in Costa Rica.

Antonio's images from his travelling can be seen in Blue Magazine.

Lsb production/commercial production: CHECK THE GATE

Check the Gate recently finished shooting a short film with Monica Belucci. Directed by award winning Italian director Gabrielle Muccino for lingerie brand Intimissimi, the shoot took place in Lisbon between the 24th and 29th of September.

The company - whose whole approach is based around client satisfaction - is currently expanding into the Italian market. Check the Gate are pleased to announce their new Executive Producer in Rome will be Nuno Coimbra Martins.

Lsb production/commercial production: ARTISTS GROUP

A round-up of the latest news from Artists Group:

The company was chosen to do stills shots and filming of the Catamaran Bioton for a worldwide publicity campaign. Photos by Carlos Duarte.

International fashion photographer Nick Haddow shot in Lisbon for the BHS Group. Produced by Ed Holmes.

Puma International commissioned a lightening-quick overnight shoot, expertly co-ordinated by Matt Koerd of M Productions.

Art Director Alicia Camancho transformed Sir Cliff Richard's home for the singer's new music video. Peacock Productions UK. Produced by Angela Fernandez

The company presented some of its artificial snow projects in Fil.

Beeline worked with South African director Michael Buckley on a challenging three-day shoot around Cascais, involving boats, helicopters, and a very inconvenient gale-force wind. Workshop, Moscow. Produced by Marilyn Alexander.

Some of the TV commercials involving children from Little Angels Children Agency include: Repsol, BMW, Ariel, Galp, Mitsubishi, Apollo, Babybel, Movitex, Zoo, Ecoponto, Modelo, Orange, EDP, Volvo, Pikolin, and Brisa.

Lsb production/commercial production: PRODUCTION PORTUGAL

Production Portugal works with producers, directors and photographers to achieve high quality productions for the film and photography industries. They specialise in locations, casting, project development, and telecine, with particular focus on TV commercials and photography production.

Clients highly regard the team's professional and efficient services. A recent project with Ennemm advertising brought praise for the company's "great production and smooth co-operation".

'Siminn3G _ Last Supper', was shot near Lisbon in September. Saga Films, Ennemm, and directors Samuel Petursson and Gunnar Pall Olafsson, along with DOP Sebastian Pfaffenbicher, are all credited with the success of the production.

Check the company's website for its range of production services.

Lsb production/photo production: OLD DOGS - ARMANDO BACELAR

Old dogs is a photographic production company based both in Lisbon and the Algarve.

Since 1999 they have offered full photo production, location scouting, casting, and many other services, to enable clients to fully realise their design ideas.

Lsb production/commercial production: GABY CORRÊA PRODUCER

Gaby Corrêa productions have had a busy summer season. 'Surf Road Trip' was the concept for the Sportscheck catalogue shot by Simone Schneider. For two weeks the team drove through southern Portugal shooting in some of the most attractive coastal spots.

Gaby was also in charge of a production with Siemens in The Iguazu Falls, Brazil, for Evans Productions.

Other clients this summer have included Otto, Quelle, and Getty Images.

Lsb talent/artists & stylists: PAULO GOMES

Paulo Gomes creates concepts and styles for a number of catalogues, editorials, campaigns, shows, books, and modelling contests.

He is art director of the famous Portuguese fashion event Moda Lisboa, and author/director of fashion magazine '86.60.60' for the RTP TV channel.

As fashion advisor for Elle Portugal, he has in his client list: Ana Salazar, Manuel Alves/José Manuel Ghonçalves, Alexandra Moura, Fashion Clinic, Mike Davis, Pantene, and Elite Model Look.

Paulo is currently in Paris following the new trends on display during this season's fashion shows.

Lsb talent/artists & stylists: ANTÓNIA ROSA - ATELIER

Antonia Rosa opened her make-up bar in famous Porto hairdresser Miguel Viana's salon, offering specialist techniques in eyebrow and biological make-up products.

At the end of the year she will open another kiosk, this time in the Ana Salazar store in the heart of Lisbon. She was also the make-up artist in charge of the Giorgio Armani Beauty Stand in Lisbon.

Lsb talent/model agencies: CENTRAL MODELS

Recent news from Central Models: 

25 year-old Ana Luísa Barbosa, a model with Central Models since 1999, had her dreams come true when she was chosen to be the new VJ for MTV Portugal.

Fashion icon Yolanda is back at Central. A big star in Portugal during the 70´s and 80´s, today at 50 years old she is once again working as a model, appearing in the latest worldwide campaign for Ponds.

Elsa Correa and Nunu Lopes received awards for Best Portuguese Model In 2006. Both have been working extensively in the international market.

Lsb hotel/hotels: DOM PEDRO PALACE HOTEL

A member of 'The Great Hotels of The World', Dom Pedro Palace is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Lisbon that enjoys wonderfully exclusive views over the city and the Tagus River.

The hotel is known as the 'celebrity's hotel' - it was recently the official hotel for 'The New 7 Wonders', and is scheduled to be used by the stars of 'Rock In Rio' in 2008.

The recently opened Dom Pedro Spa offers great beauty, health and wellness treatments.

Lsb event/fashion events: MODA LISBOA

Moda Lisboa brings its faithful followers and compulsive detractors face-to-face with a fresh challenge: Cascais!

To the ancient summer residence of King D. Luís, where for four days in October the jewels in the crown of Portuguese fashion will be on display.

This is an exclusive opportunity to see the very best of Portuguese fashion design.

Lsb food/restaurants: BICA DO SAPATO

Bica do Sapato claims to be one of the greatest restaurants in Lisbon, resting on a strong concept of contemporary ambience mixed with excellent cuisine, all complemented by beautiful people and art.

The environment changes along with the mood, and guests are invited to explore current exhibits by Daniel Blaufuks, Francisco Rocha, and Pedro Claudio.

Bica do Sapato is the favoured address of Portugal's 'Beautiful People'.