The Kanan Team
We are a Full-Service Production Company founded in 2011 by a team of expert producers united by the goal of serving high-quality services for film, photo and video production in Mexico.
We believe in the Art Of Making Things Happen.
Our industry expertise, combined with our philosophy of making new old friends, has granted us a place as one of the most well-established production companies in Mexico.
We are proud to be Mexican and operate with a fully bilingual crew that focuses on making our clients not only achieve the best results possible but also involve them in a truly personalized, unique experience with a local feel in our time working together.
Meet the team
Israel "Simba" González
FOUNDER | MANAGING DIRECTOR
Raised in the Mexican Caribbean, I have had the opportunity to grow with the area, learning where to find unique landscapes for production and building effective contacts across various activities. As a surfer and explorer for over 35 years, I have had the fortune of traveling throughout my country, visiting most states and experiencing the magic of Mexico. For many years, I worked as a location manager, which allowed me to revisit my favorite places and showcase them to the world through film.
As the producer and owner of Kanan Films, I have the chance to contribute to the growth of the industry not only in my home state but also in other states where we promote filming. I always strive to involve the local production community to help them develop their industry.
READ MORE ABOUT ISRAEL +
I remember as a child watching my favorite shows and ads on TV and wondering how they were produced and how I could improve them. This curiosity made me realize that this was my lifelong passion, even as I approach retirement.
There are challenging projects and difficult times, such as during the pandemic, but it is this resilience that makes us stronger and allows us to come back with even more experience.
For me, the audiovisual industry is a universe where talented people with diverse skills and abilities come together to make things happen as a team. It’s all about teamwork!
Pablo "Chain" Ramos
CO-FOUNDER | SENIOR PRODUCER
I was born in Mexico City in August 1975, where I grew up in a family dedicated to the film industry. It was through this environment that I developed a passion for audiovisual production as both a career and a way of life. Today, I am delighted to live in the Mexican Caribbean and to be an enthusiastic collaborator and partner at Kanan Films.
With over 30 years in the industry, I began my career as a Production Assistant on both Mexican and international films. My interest in the world of filmmaking deepened when I became a location manager and later a unit manager. Eventually, I decided to relocate and moved to the Mexican Caribbean, exploring the Riviera Maya, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It was here that I met Israel González “Simba,” my partner, and together we embarked on a journey in the location department. We traveled throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, collaborating on a variety of projects such as films, music videos, and documentaries, and eventually ventured into the world of commercials.
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In 2018, we founded Kanan Films, where I took on the role of Production Manager. This role allows me to provide personalized attention to our clients and turn our shared vision into reality. I discovered a deep passion for engaging with all kinds of people—whether crew members, location owners, or authorities. I am dedicated to overcoming the challenges each project presents, such as securing permits for filming in the stunning natural settings of the Mexican Caribbean and the Yucatán Peninsula, and transforming these locations into the most impressive film sets imaginable.
As a lover of music and good food, I am always focused on addressing every need that arises in a project while ensuring a happy and professional atmosphere for the crew on every set.
A production full of challenges is especially appealing, as it allows us to continuously push our limits and achieve new heights.
Antonio "Toni" Zamorano
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
Most recently, during the pandemic, I began my journey with Kanan Films, discovering and learning about the distinctive production services crafted by the incredible duo of Israel and Pablo (better known as Simba and Chain). They have been perfecting their approach for over 10 years in the Mexican Caribbean—Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel—as well as in other parts of Mexico, including Baja California, Oaxaca, and Jalisco. Driven by the exhilarating feeling of seeing the final results of each project we undertake, I’m excited to embrace the future as part of this exceptional family.
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Since then, I can confidently say that my job has become a passion. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have learned every aspect and stage of the process: from bidding and budgeting to providing production services for clients, through pre-production tasks such as location scouting, local casting, and all the creative stages before the actual shoot days. I’ve been involved in production and filming at some of the most unique locations in Mexico, and I continue to be amazed by the final touches that post-production adds to the hard work of our extensive team of professionals. The entire process and its evolution still captivate me to this day.
