(PRODUCER CONT'D) BOSSA NOVA's producer says this pleasant atmosphere translated itself onto the set and that everybody's spirits were up during shootings, among Brazilian and foreigners alike. The enthusiasm of both cast and crew members of the most varied nationalities that were present daily on the set spread itself to the production behind the scenes. She also praises the dedication and professionalism of the top-notch professional of all nationalities involved in the production of BOSSA NOVA. "Our art directors were Cássio Amarante e Carla Caffé, whose feature film credits include Oscar®-nominated Central Station (Central do Brasil), with an excellent background, in a totally different film. Costumes were designed by Emília Duncan, and Sony Classics President, Michael Barker, was so impressed with them he plans to take part of our wardrobe for an exhibition at Bloomingdale's." The responsibility of capturing on film those glorious images of Rio Tom Jobim sung about was given to French director of photography Pascal Rabaud. "He used a special light of great value in sunset and sunrise scenes, and he's photographed a luminous and magical Rio", says the producer.

Lucy Barreto adds that even though their starting point was in place - story, director, main cast, and technical crew - the next step was pitching the project to attract partners. "The movie business stands on a tripod - production itself (supported by the Lei do Audiovisual Act), contracts for global release, and partnerships with a television. With BOSSA NOVA, we secured a international distribution deal with Sony Classics / Columbia TriStar with the film still in its script form, something unprecedented in the Brazilian movie industry. Our partnership with Globo Filmes also was signed at that premature script phase." She concludes: "With our tripod firmly planted on such firm bases, we could then dedicate more of ourselves to the production of the film itself."