Press Conference in Buenos Aires (2013)

Freddie Highmore ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Discovering Neverland", "My Name is August Rush") passed through Buenos Aires to present "Bates Motel", the new suspense series in which he stars alongside Vera Farmiga ("The Departed", "Love Without Scales") and which is based on the film "Psycho" directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1960. It is produced by Carlton Cuse ("Lost") and Kerry Ehrin ("Boston Legal "," Friday Night Lights "," Parenthood ").

The 10 one-hour episodes that make up the first season will be broadcast on the Universal Channel screen starting Monday, July 8 at 10 pm. The signal, which since the mentioned month has presented a refresh of its image, brought the young British actor to Argentina (he also passed through Brazil) as part of the promotional tour in South America of this prequel that focuses on the adolescence of Norman Bates and explores her complicated relationship with her demanding mother, Norma.

Set within a contemporary context, the series imagines the dark and twisted history behind "Psychosis" and shows the transformation of Norman's psyche and the events that helped shape the infamous serial killer we all knew in the classic film.

At an event held at a Palermo hotel, Freddie, now 21, gave a press conference entirely in Spanish (he told us that he studies languages ​​at Cambridge University in his native England) after the screening of the first episode of this episode. production that has had a successful opening in the United States (it premiered last March), where it obtained an average audience of 4.4 million viewers, becoming the number one drama on Monday on cable during a period of 12 weeks in the air. For this reason they have granted him a second season that will begin filming in the coming weeks in Vancouver (Canada). “We were lucky that people liked it. He was interested in the series because it was about 'Psycho'. The numbers have been growing

About his time in our country he commented: «It is not my first visit to Argentina. Three years ago, after finishing high school, I was with some friends here in Buenos Aires, we went through San Antonio de Areco to meet the gauchos. We were also able to go to the provinces of Mendoza and finally to Misiones, to see the Iguazú Falls ».

Regarding his studies, Freddie shared his experiences: “I was always interested in languages ​​themselves. Being able to delve into the cultures of the countries and speak to people in their own language. At school I studied French and Spanish until I was 18 years old. Regarding Arabic, I said to myself why not? In England they think I'm going to become a spy (laughs). I have been lucky to combine the recording of this series with my career, since my studies are a priority, beyond my career as an actor ».

On his character, he noted: “I am very lucky to be part of the Norman Bates mythology. I didn't feel a lot of pressure to take on this role because of the previous baggage and because of what we all know. I did not want to copy but to create my own version. What attracted me most to the project is that he is such an iconic character that I couldn't say no. The biggest challenge in making this, my first television series, is that it allows me to develop my character for a longer time, unlike the cinema that handles other times.

When asked about what it means to receive a call from one of the producers of "Lost" and if it generated any expectations, the actor said that working with Carlton (Cuse) gave him great confidence. "The project was already approved and we did not make a pilot episode for later approval by the network. We did the first season of one. That he is involved in the project has greatly influenced the success it has achieved so far.

The mother-child relationship

Norman wants to have his own life. He begins to take an interest in girls at school, which goes against his mother with whom he has always maintained a very close relationship. The two recognize that they need each other. There are feelings of guilt that are generated in both. For them their relationship is normal.

Watch the video with part of Freddie's press conference.

100% characters
As of July 1, Universal Channel began to present a refresh of its image (new positioning, logo, on-air package and its slogan, "100% characters", which focuses entirely on the characters of its programming.

"We came to this position because we believe that great people are the ones who draw viewers back to their favorite shows week after week," said Lee Raftery, Executive Vice President of Marketing for NBCUniversal International Television. "The new logo, image and slogan are simple but allow a connection with our different audiences, maximizing the potential of this global entertainment brand."

“Universal Channel is Universal Networks' flagship channel and a lot of resources and time have been invested to work on a brand that remains attractive and up-to-date for the channel's more than 82 million viewers in 103 countries around the world. The accent is on the characters. 'Elementary', 'Grimm' and the new 'Bates Motel' are some of the examples of this positioning ", said Clara Moreno, Marketing Manager of Universal Networks Intl, during the meeting with the press.

«Freddie Highmore is the first international talent that we bring to Latin America; but it will definitely not be the last, "said Ken Bettsteller, Managing Director of Universal Networks International Latin America. "Our commitment to providing top-of-the-line entertainment to our viewers is once again demonstrated by Freddie's visit for the launch of the critically acclaimed new series' Bates Motel."