Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes: Neon Director Oz Rodriguez & Reggaeton Superstars Unveil Unforgettable Puerto Rico Experience

Summary

Neon tells the tale of a young reggaeton artist on a journey of self-discovery, as he strives to make a name for himself in the competitive music industry. Along the way, he confronts obstacles that test his determination and gains valuable insights into the vibrant world of reggaeton.

The show showcases popular reggaeton artists such as Daddy Yankee, Jota Rosa, and Jhayco, who bring both credibility and a playful side to the table. The chemistry among the cast is a crucial factor in the show's triumph, as they infuse their unique experiences and personalities into their characters, resulting in a genuine and relatable bond between friends.

Neon, a gripping drama, follows the journey of Santi, a passionate reggaeton artist, along with his closest companions, Vanessa and Felix. Determined to propel Santi's music career, they make the life-altering decision to relocate to Miami. As they delve deeper into the reggaeton scene, they will confront various obstacles, pushing Santi to overcome impossible challenges in his pursuit of stardom.

Neon features an ensemble cast including Tyler Dean Flores, Emma Ferreira, Jordan Mendoza, Courtney Taylor, Genesis Rodriguez, Jhayco, Santiago Cabrera, Alycia Pascual-Peña, and Jordana Brewster. The series boasts appearances from prominent figures in the music industry, such as Jota Rosa, Daddy Yankee, Scooter Braun, Ken-Y, and Jon Z, playing themselves. Created by Shea Serrano and Max Searle, Neon is brought to life by their expertise as well as the executive production of Daddy Yankee and Scooter Braun.

Oz Rodriguez On Neon

Our website: Neon is an incredible experience! It revolves around the journey of an aspiring reggaeton artist, delving into the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the music industry. What drew you to the captivating realm of Neon?

Oz Rodriguez: There were many aspects that made working on Neon a great experience for me. One of the highlights was the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler and Shea, with whom I had already formed a strong working relationship. Coming from the Dominican Republic, where I grew up listening to reggaeton, filming the show in Puerto Rico was a no-brainer for me. It allowed me to immerse myself in a culture and music that I have always been passionate about. Being a part of telling a necessary story in a world that is familiar to us in terms of what we hear, but not necessarily what we truly know, was incredibly exciting.

Absolutely, man. What truly stood out to me on this show was the incredible diversity it showcased. It was such a refreshing sight, and I actually binge-watched the entire series because it was just that good. I was hooked and eagerly wanted to watch each episode. Neon also features real-life reggaeton stars like Daddy Yankee, Jota Rosa, and Jhayco, among others. Working with these music superstars was a surreal experience and I can't wait to talk about it.

Oz Rodriguez: Oh, man, it was awesome. It was really cool. I mean, I'll start with Daddy Yankee. That was wild, that first zoom, and just to be able to talk to him in Spanish.

He's a legend!

Oz Rodriguez: I've been a fan for as long as I can remember. It was such a relief when we discussed the show, and I described the atmosphere and the importance of getting the cultural aspects right. He genuinely felt good about joining the project, which confirmed that we were on the right track.

It was incredibly exciting to have a mix of established and up-and-coming reggaeton artists on the show. One aspect that I particularly enjoyed, and I believe they did too, was the chance to let loose and be silly. We're used to seeing them create amazing hits and be cool in music videos, but they rarely get to showcase their silly side. Being part of a Netflix show allowed them to embrace their goofiness on a global scale.

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The use of music in Neon is crucial to the storytelling. Caribbean folk and reggaeton play a prominent role in the show, reflecting the cultural background of the characters. Tainy, a renowned producer known for working with artists like Bad Bunny, was enlisted to create the songs, and each new demo exceeded expectations. Tyler not only recorded the music but also provided the vocals, ensuring that the sound was exactly what we needed. With the music in place, the show found its sonic identity.

Wow, this content is amazing! Not only does the show feature fantastic music, but what really had me captivated were the captivating main characters. Each one of them has their unique hustle, making it incredibly relatable. I would love to hear your insights on how you set the foundation and created the immersive world for Santi, Ness, Felix, and Mia.

Oz Rodriguez: The first challenge was filming in Puerto Rico instead of Miami, which required finding locations that captured the essence of Miami. The success of the show depended on the authenticity of the friendship between the characters. Shooting in Puerto Rico was a fantastic experience, but it meant that we were all away from our homes. However, being secluded in paradise allowed us to form even stronger bonds. There were natural connections between the actors that made the characters feel like they had been friends for a long time. So, if you have the opportunity to film a pilot in Puerto Rico, I highly recommend it.

I had no idea you guys shot it there. I genuinely thought it was all filmed in Miami until you mentioned it just now. Honestly, the chemistry between Santi, Ness, and Felix is remarkable. Their friendship feels so authentic right from the start. Can you discuss how you developed that chemistry with the main cast?

Oz Rodriguez: During our time in paradise, the seclusion really helped everyone connect and bond. Each actor took their character very seriously. Tyler, representing Nuyorican from Harlem, and Emma, being Dominican, infused their own personalities into their characters, resulting in some Spanglish moments. They brought in the language and expressions they would use with their families. Jordan, on the other hand, was simply amazing. His spontaneous and wild lines during fun takes often made it into the final cut, truly making the character his own. Courtney's talent shines through as she portrays a deceitful character, yet manages to be likable and someone to root for.

These actors deserve recognition for their dedication. For instance, Tyler relocated to Puerto Rico months before filming began just to immerse himself in the role. He engaged with local performers and musicians. I must also mention Emma, who added personal touches to her character's wardrobe, such as wearing jewelry representing the Dominican Republic. These small details make the characters feel genuine and resonate with Caribbean Diaspora viewers.

Yes, absolutely! It felt like I was simply observing my friends hanging out and being a part of their journey. Tyler Dean Flores, who plays Santi, really impressed me. He was absolutely phenomenal. Not only did he embody the character, but he also had to perform as Santi. His charisma was off the charts! What made his performance so convincing and likable?

Oz Rodriguez: This is my second time working with Tyler, and I have complete confidence in him. It's as if he was made for the camera. Put him in front of it, and magic happens. However, his role was quite demanding. He had to strike a balance between sweetness and naivety, while also making us believe that he could sing, command the stage, and film a music video. During his time in Puerto Rico, Tyler immersed himself in the music scene, spending time with musicians and producers, in order to authentically portray this character and hopefully become a superstar one day. It's every artist's dream for people to be jamming to their songs in their cars. So, yes, it was a challenging role that required singing and dancing lessons. Tyler put in a tremendous amount of work, and he deserves all the praise. He truly did an exceptional job.

The visuals of this show unmistakably evoke the vibrant atmosphere of Miami, yet it is fascinating to discover that it was actually filmed in Puerto Rico. Can you share some insights on how Puerto Rico managed to encapsulate the essence of Miami? It seems like Puerto Rico almost became a character in its own right, you know what I mean?

Oz Rodriguez: It was a challenge because we weren't in Miami, but there are similarities in terms of weather, vibes, Latinos, and culture. Our cinematographer, Diana Matos, who lives in Miami, played a crucial role in ensuring authenticity. She would immediately point out anything that didn't feel like Miami and pushed us to keep searching. She really guided us in capturing the essence of Miami.

Definitely. I believe that every character in this show has the power to inspire. Besides the amazing music in this show, what do you hope audiences take away? The music is simply outstanding.

Oz Rodriguez: I hope the music is not only enjoyed at the club or in the car, but that people have a great time. Reggaeton is a global phenomenon and I hope those who only know Bad Bunny can discover new artists and catch a glimpse into that world. Representation is important, but I personally enjoy the silly representation. It's great to see a group of reggaetoneros and Latinos just having fun, and I hope the audience has a good and entertaining time watching the show.

Now, let's discuss your cast a bit more. Mess is definitely the most hardworking member of the trio and I believe she is the one who binds the group together. Can you tell me about what Emma brought to the role that went beyond what was written on the page?

Oz Rodriguez: Indeed, there is an abundance of talent in her comedic abilities. Whenever the writers would present her with lengthy monologues, she never failed to impress. She effortlessly conquered those comedic moments, providing us with a sense of relief. It was comforting to know that she could handle comedy so exceptionally well. However, it was in those heartfelt moments, like in the pilot, when she expressed her unwavering belief in Santi, that she truly shined. I approached her and explained that we had a time constraint of 20 minutes to shoot the scene. The sunset backdrop would create a stunning visual, but she only had two attempts to get it right. Without hesitation, she confidently entered the scene and delivered a performance that served as the cornerstone of the pilot, solidifying their friendships. She is undoubtedly a talent to be reckoned with, possessing multiple strengths.

About Neon

An aspiring reggaeton star and his best friends move to Miami on a mission, weathering roadblocks and reality checks together in their quest for success.

Neon is available on Netflix now.