Women Wearing Shoulder Pads Team Talks Adult Swim’s Hilarious, Dramatic, And Sexy New Show

by

In a fresh, stop-motion animated series titled “Women in Shoulder Pads,” debuting on Adult Swim on August 17, the creative minds of Gonzalo Cordova and Cinema Fantasma bring us the tale of Marioneta Negocios, a prosperous Spanish businesswoman. She’s attempting to peddle miniature guinea pigs in Ecuador while battling an enigmatic stalker, a relentless admirer, a sour competitor, and other challenges. This gripping, intricate narrative boasts an all-women cast, prioritizes LGBTQ+ romances and family bonds, and showcases a collection of fashionable outfits that would make any shoulder proud.

In this conversation, Game Rant chatted with series creator Gonzalo Cordova and Cinema Fantasma co-founders Roy and Arturo Ambriz about various aspects of the show “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads“. Topics ranged from Cordova’s inspirations, such as marionette theater and Pedro Almodóvar and Joan Crawford’s work, to the Latin American identity of the series and the charming appearance of cuyes. Additionally, they touched upon why Cinema Fantasma’s stop-motion animation style was ideal for the show and their aspirations for “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” to serve as a motivating example for other non-English shows moving forward. For easy understanding, some parts of this transcript have been simplified and shortened.

Marionettes And Melodrama: The Origins Of Women Wearing Shoulder Pads

In this Game Rant article titled “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads,” it’s noteworthy that all the characters who speak are females throughout the series. Was this a deliberate decision from the start of production, or did it evolve during the development process?

In simpler terms, Cordova explains that the concept for their production came quite early on during the development process. Initially, they combined elements from various sources – such as a puppet theater in Los Angeles called Bob Baker Marionette Theater and films by Pedro Almodóvar. The title “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” emerged later, with the intentional inclusion of the word “women.” This suggests that Cordova was determined to stick with the original idea from the start.

Instead, let me rephrase it in a more conversational and engaging manner:

You know, I believe this show leans heavily into melodrama – it’s almost like an amplified version of it. In the finest melodramas, male characters tend to take a backseat, and the same can be said about Almodóvar’s work, with Antonio Banderas or Javier Bardem being exceptions you might still remember. The love interest often fades into the background, leaving us captivated by these strong female characters. In “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown”, some male characters are barely noticeable at all. I wanted to emphasize this even more. This work represents the culmination of an intentional push towards melodrama – it’s as if I was saying, “I am crafting the most melodramatic story possible.” Making such a choice felt natural and logical in my creative process.

Game Rant Discussion: One more fascinating aspect of the series Women Wearing Shoulder Pads is the prominent role played by guinea pigs, or cuyes. These charming creatures are ubiquitous throughout the show, and it raises an interesting question-are they pets, food, or something else? Can you explain why you decided to make cuyes such a focal point in your production?

Cordova mentioned that he likely drafted the pitch while working on it, as it was written incredibly quickly – faster than any other pitch he’s ever created. The pitch was previously presented and implemented, but due to television production timelines, there was a waiting period. However, everything about the show has an intuitive feel, and the reasons for his decisions became clear to him later on.

One way to rephrase the passage could be: A significant factor contributing to my viewpoint is my strong connection to Ecuador, which holds many precious memories for me. My family immigrated to the United States when I was six, but we frequently visited Ecuador during summers. A particularly vivid recollection from Ecuador etched in my memory is a road trip I took as a teenager. We stopped at a small outdoor eatery, where I initially thought the animals in cages were pets, only to discover they were food. This revelation startled me because I didn’t recall this detail from my childhood.

Reflecting on an emotional encounter, witnessing family partake in a certain activity at a specific restaurant, left a profound impact on me. Over time, I’ve evolved and developed a more open perspective. The act, portrayed in the show, is no longer as unsettling as it once was. It’s comparable to dining on duck at an upscale eatery. This experience served as a catalyst for me to delve deeper into my feelings. Simultaneously, it serves as a metaphor for Ecuador, embodying the themes of foreign intrusion, exploitation, and national pride. There’s still much about this show that remains instinctual and mysterious-much like the complexities of the narrative itself.

Inquisitively speaking, did the collaboration with Cinema Fantasma arise early on as a goal due to the influence of puppet theater on Women Wearing Shoulder Pads, or was it a subsequent development in the project?

In the beginning, Cordova wasn’t part of the project. Originally, he had planned to create marionettes for it. However, Adult Swim suggested switching to stop-motion animation instead, claiming it would produce a far superior result and be easier to execute. They also suggested that he could easily find collaborators for this new approach.

Upon encountering various stop-motion studios worldwide, it was Cinema Fantasma’s reel that immediately resonated with me. It was evident they grasped the essence of our project and would infuse it with their heartfelt dedication. That moment, that decision, crystallized the creative soul of our show. Adult Swim shared this intuition as well. As I met more exceptional individuals who could have undoubtedly excelled in our project, I felt confident that Cinema Fantasma was the team destined to capture its essence.

When Gonzalo presented his initial idea for “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads”, how did the Cinema Fantasma team react initially, and was it immediately clear to them that this concept would align well with their animation style?

Roy Ambriz initially thought, “What an extraordinary show that I can hardly believe will ever be made!” It seems unbelievable that someone would grant such creative liberty to such an unusual concept. We continue to hold this belief. The fact that this show even exists is nothing short of a miracle. I believe it challenges all the norms of modern television. Yet, it’s profoundly beautiful. It’s a gift that Gonzalo has bestowed upon the world.

Arturo Ambriz: The first time they mentioned pitching a show to us, it took us by surprise. Our reaction was something like, “Really? Why us? What do they see in us?” But we were certainly thrilled. I recall that Roy and I had a conversation, and we cautioned each other not to get too carried away. We believed they wouldn’t pick us since we were just starting out, fresh off our first production.

Instead, let me rephrase it for you: We proposed, “Let’s create an open and truthful pitch, showcasing our capabilities, identity, and what we can offer.” After our initial discussion concluded, we felt genuinely excited and optimistic, yet also a bit disheartened because we wondered if they might not select us due to our current circumstances. They informed us that they were considering numerous production studios for casting.

In that moment, I found myself holding a letter announcing that we were chosen to be part of this incredible project – all thanks to Gonzalo’s brilliant creation. That single opportunity marked the beginning of our career journey in the vast world of entertainment, not only in Latin America but also in Hollywood, right here in LA. And this is just the start of a beautiful adventure ahead.

In a light-hearted manner, Cordova finds amusement in Roy’s statement, “They were really realistic,” as during the meeting, they posed the question, “Could you elaborate on your approach to creating the show?” and received the response, “Being Mexican, we can handle anything.

The Show Features A Fascinating All-Female Cast

Game Rant: The series “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” is indeed stunning! What I adore most about it is that each character has a unique design. Naturally, this leads me to wonder – which character was the most exciting to bring to life through design?

In collaboration with everyone involved, Cordova ensured that all designs were meticulously coordinated. Ana Coronilla served as the art director, working alongside her design team. Various individuals contributed to the illustrations. Meanwhile, Cordova’s wife played a significant role by designing the costumes, further shaping the characters’ identities.

If someone were to query that team about their favorite character, it’s a unanimous pick – Espada. I found immense joy creating the matador costume, which I consider a masterpiece and one of the most impressive works on the series. However, I find myself drawn to Nina Quispe, the young girl. There’s just something about her that tugs at my heartstrings. Designing her various outfits was particularly enjoyable; I found them adorable. In my opinion, Coquita sported the most stunning costumes on the show.

My spouse, Rachel Kinnard, conducted extensive research on the costumes’ development. She uncovered numerous original images which were subsequently adapted to fit the puppets by her team. The design process was a harmonious blend of ideas between myself, Rachel, and the team, as we collectively brought these characters to life, defining their unique personalities, movements, and appearances. It was truly an inspiring collaborative effort.

Creating Characters Like Marioneta Negocios: A Discussion on Crafting Complex Leads

The process of shaping a lead character such as the wealthy businesswoman Marioneta Negocios, who may not always evoke sympathy due to her self-driven nature and occasional antagonistic behavior, can be intriguing. One might wonder how to pen an engaging narrative around a “villain protagonist” like her that keeps audiences hooked. Here’s one approach:

1. Establish Motivation and Justification:
Give Marioneta a strong backstory and motives that drive her actions, even if they seem unsympathetic to some viewers. This will help the audience understand why she behaves the way she does, making her more relatable and compelling.

2. Balance Sympathy with Antagonism:
Avoid portraying Marioneta as one-dimensional or purely villainous. Incorporate elements that evoke sympathy from the audience at certain points, such as her personal struggles, vulnerabilities, or moments of self-doubt. These humanizing traits will create a more complex and engaging character.

3. Develop Internal Conflicts:
Introduce inner turmoil or moral dilemmas for Marioneta to wrestle with. This will demonstrate that she is not just a ruthless antagonist, but also someone who grapples with the consequences of her actions and tries to navigate the gray areas between right and wrong.

4. Foster Character Growth:
Allow Marioneta to evolve or change over the course of the story. Whether she learns valuable lessons, makes amends for past mistakes, or experiences a transformation in some way, this growth will show that she is not static and will keep the audience interested in her development.

5. Use Multiple Perspectives:
Employ multiple viewpoints to provide insight into Marioneta’s actions from various angles. By allowing other characters to share their thoughts on her behavior, you can create a more nuanced portrayal of your lead and encourage empathy among the audience.

6. Engage with Audiences:
Encourage open dialogue about Marioneta with fans through social media, interviews, or forums. This will not only help build anticipation around her character but also allow you to gauge how she is being received and make adjustments if necessary.

7. Focus on Character Arc:
Ultimately, the success of a complex lead like Marioneta Negocios depends on a strong character arc that keeps the audience invested in her journey. Crafting an engaging and compelling narrative around her will require thoughtful planning, careful execution, and a willingness to explore unexpected facets of human nature.

Cordova: Much of it draws inspiration from Carmen Maura, a prominent actress in Pedro Almodóvar’s 80s films. Additionally, she embodies the intense and dramatic style of Joan Crawford on screen. This character is intentionally over-the-top, so I aimed to emphasize that aspect throughout the portrayal.

I’ve always found Marioneta to be both hilarious and endearing, yet her charm stems from her performing many unpopular actions. Our partnership with Pepa Pallares, the actress who embodied Marioneta, was delightful. She significantly enhanced the character’s likability by infusing it with elements of her own personality.

At first, some individuals tended to approach the task with a slightly more villainous flair, but I would encourage them to be themselves instead. Once they infused their own character into it, adding that unique edge and roughness, it became less harsh. I believe this added a fun element, making it seem more human. People often make such choices, and she had an exceptional knack for understanding this. Working with her was truly a pleasure.

Women Wearing Shoulder Pads Is A Celebration Of Latin American Identity

Could it be possible that women wearing shoulder pads could mark the beginning of Adult Swim shows being translated into different languages, or even prompt other television networks to do the same?

Cordova expresses that Los Espookys was not just a beginning, but a significant influence on him. The show, though primarily aimed at Latin America and produced in the US for Adult Swim, inspired him to attempt something similar. He attributes this groundbreaking Spanish-language series as a major motivator in his current endeavor.

Arturo Ambriz: I strongly believe that this program will significantly matter to the Latin American community. There’s an overall sense of excitement and people are expressing their feelings of being represented. They genuinely appreciate seeing depictions that are genuine, rather than stereotypical. I think this show is going to have a substantial impact on the Latin American and Mexican community.

We’re truly eager for this production to pave the way for more authentic representation in Latin American cinema, as it portrays characters and scenes that genuinely reflect our culture. The subtle nuances in the props, costumes, character actions, and gestures exhibit a distinctly Latin American flair, which is seldom found on television. I believe this show will prove to be highly significant.

One query regarding the portrayal and identity of the show in Latin America that intrigued me was why was Marioneta, the character, developed as a Spaniard who eventually settled in Ecuador; what prompted this creative choice?

Cordova: My idea primarily stemmed from being profoundly influenced by Pedro Almodóvar’s body of work, particularly Carmen Maura’s characters within his films. I pondered, “What if I could transfer a character from a Pedro Almodóvar film into my hazy, partially recalled, whimsical recollections of my childhood?” Then have her engage with my perception of the world during that time period. A significant portion of it involves placing her within that environment.

Grew up listening to highly dramatic, exaggerated tales of family history from my loved ones, which sometimes seemed reminiscent of Almodóvar’s cinematic works. Inspired by this, I envisioned inserting one of his characters into that setting and observing the outcomes.

Inquiry Regarding Family Opinion: Game Rant: You’ve shared that you draw inspiration from your family tales, has your loved one group had a chance to view “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads“? If so, I’m curious about their thoughts on the series.

As a devoted fan, I shared the initial episodes of the series with both my mother and father. To my delight, my mom has developed quite a fondness for it! Being a fashion enthusiast herself and having studied the subject, she was thrilled to recognize several of her designs incorporated into the show. Every now and then, she’d exclaim, “That’s one of my dresses! I remember creating that design back when I was in school!” It has been an incredibly gratifying experience to witness such a personal connection unfold.

Just like in superhero movies or comics where Easter eggs-hidden references for fans-are common, my dad noticed similar details in the show that were specifically for our family. These included character names, events, and other personal touches. The show has been deeply personal, and the creators found these elements amusing and intriguing.

Much like how Easter eggs are found in superhero movies or comics for dedicated fans to spot, my dad discovered similar hidden nods to our family in the show. These included character names, memorable moments, and personal references. The series is deeply personal, and these details struck the creators as both humorous and fascinating.

The TV show titled “Game Rant: Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” will air on Adult Swim on August 17. How does that make you feel? Are you feeling anxious or excited about it?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my curiosity about the public’s response to Roy Ambriz’s unique production. While it may not follow traditional formats, I’m confident that many will appreciate its innovative approach. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this marks the end of our creative journey or if there’s more to come in a second season.

The excitement is palpable as I find myself glued to each minute, much like watching a thrilling sporting event. The anticipation for the results is intense!

The show we’re working on is like a long shot at scoring a goal. It’s risky, but I’m both nervous and thrilled about it. Regardless of the outcome, I’m already really pleased with what we’ve created, yet another part of me can’t help but feel tense.

[END]

Read More

2025-08-17 13:19