An Overview of Prime Video’s “Every Minute Counts”: Everything You Need to Know

An Overview of Prime Video’s “Every Minute Counts”: Everything You Need to Know

Every Minute Counts (Cada Minuto Cuenta), a highly anticipated Mexican drama series, is set to grace the screens of Amazon Prime Video on November 8, 2024. This 10-episode series narrates the poignant true story of the devastating earthquake that struck Mexico in 1985, showcasing the remarkable resilience of ordinary citizens who became heroes amid the chaos.

The series is a collaborative effort directed by esteemed filmmakers Jorge Michel Grau, Moisés Urquidi, Analeine Cal y Mayor, and Fernando Urdapilleta. Notably, it is reported to be the most expensive production for Prime Video Latin America to date. Utilizing cutting-edge virtual production techniques, the show recreates historical scenes that contribute significantly to its production costs.

Read on to explore everything you need to know about the upcoming series before its much-anticipated launch on Amazon Prime Video.

Insights from the *Every Minute Counts* Trailer

*Every Minute Counts* is rooted in the real-life events of September 19, 1985, when an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale rocked Mexico City at 7:19 AM. The trailer illustrates the magnitude of destruction, revealing that the quake unleashed energy equivalent to approximately 1114 atomic bombs and resulted in over 20,000 fatalities.

The visuals featured in the trailer showcase a harrowing scene where citizens are trapped under debris while others valiantly attempt to rescue the injured. Meanwhile, the government scrambles to downplay the disaster’s ramifications, concerned about the potential economic fallout and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

According to the synopsis provided by Prime Video, the narrative unfolds as follows:

“On September 19, 1985, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Mexico City, leading to one of the nation’s greatest catastrophes. In the immediate aftermath, a doctor and his nurses become unlikely heroes while a journalist navigates the city to report on the disaster, and a family struggles to reunite amidst the rubble.”

The series not only highlights the challenges faced during the disaster but also emphasizes the unity and courage displayed by the Mexican populace. Iván Salcido, an author with expertise on the 1985 earthquake, served as a consultant on the project, lending his insights to give the series authenticity.

Produced by Amazon Studios and Traziende Films , the screenplay is crafted by a talented team including Alfredo Félix-Díaz , Victoria Orvañanos , Natalia Quevedo , Alejandro Valenzuela , Venancio Villalobos , and Grau himself.

Transforming Latin American Television with *Every Minute Counts*

A still from the series
A still from the series (image via Prime Video Mexico)

The innovative use of virtual production technology in *Every Minute Counts* aims to provide an immersive experience for its actors while minimizing reliance on post-production effects. This advanced technique seamlessly integrates live-action imagery with computer-generated graphics to create an eerily realistic setting displayed on expansive LED screens.

Director Grau emphasized the meticulous attention to detail directed toward achieving authenticity in the set design. Speaking to Variety on October 6, 2024, he stated,

“Everything is an exact replica of how it was in 1985. It’s a time machine, told through the eyes of our characters.”

This groundbreaking application of virtual production is unprecedented in Latin America, positioning the series to potentially reshape perceptions of cinema in the region.

The Ensemble Cast of *Every Minute Counts*

A still from the series
A still from the series (image via Prime Video Mexico)

The series boasts an impressive cast, led by Osvaldo Benavides as Ángel, Antonio de la Vega as Ignacio, and Maya Zapata as Camila. Additional cast members include:

  • Damayanti Quintanar as Gabriela
  • Daniel Martinez as Alberto
  • Oswaldo Rada as Topoyiyo
  • Miriam Balderas the Key
  • Jesus Zavala as Carlos
  • Enrique Arreola as Moises
  • Azalia Ortiz as Hilda
  • Luis Fernando as Peña Pepin
  • Zamia Fandiño as Monica
  • Pamela Vargas as Lucia Sanchez
  • Gerardo Saldaña as Beto Sanchez
  • Alexander Colmenares as Pablo
  • Gabriela Cartol as Rosario
  • Melanie Rius as Josefa
  • Monica Del Carmen as Tona

Mark your calendars for the premiere of *Every Minute Counts* on Amazon Prime Video on November 8, 2024.

Source & Images

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *