The Scheldt – Dario Turovelzky: From Dreams to Paramount’s EVP
Ah, Dario Turovelzky! Now there’s a name you’ve probably never had the pleasure of tripping over until today! He’s achieved more in the world of entertainment than most of us will in a lifetime—unless you consider binge-watching reality shows a remarkable achievement. But let’s dive into Dario’s inspiring story, shall we?
Dario Turovelzky, the EVP of Paramount Latam, has climbed the entertainment ladder with the grace of a cat burglar! And spoiler alert: he wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. No, he was just a boy with dreams—dreams fueled by his parents’ divorce (because nothing says “future content creator” quite like a little family drama!).
With his dad moving to Brazil, little Dario found solace in the cinematic world every weekend. Imagine a young Turovelzky, popping popcorn, and binge-watching Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, and The Goonies like they were his personal Bible. Forget Sunday School; this was his holy trinity of inspiration!
A Fascinating Journey Begins
Now, many of us might dream of making it big in Hollywood, but we don’t all have Dario’s diligence. He recalls, “I came home from school and watched Telefe like a kid with a secret stash of candy.” He was clearly committed, folks! Those were formative years, and for young Dario, it was like Hogwarts for future television wizards.
Flash forward to high school, where he dabbled in video production like a wannabe Spielberg. He got his hands on a giant video camera (we’re talking ‘90s technology here; it probably weighed more than he did). If only he had chosen a different route, he could’ve been the next Tom Hanks. Instead, he’s creating content that keeps us glued to our screens! It’s a classic case of “a blooper video today can lead to a blockbuster tomorrow.”
Kickstarting a Career
After graduating from ORT School (which sounds like a school for aspiring directors, but is thankfully not a government-funded charity), Dario took the plunge. “No summer vacations for me!” he exclaimed, probably while shoving a résumé into the hands of any unfortunate production assistant he could find.
And guess what? After months of crickets—February rolled around, and he still heard nothing—he finally landed a gig answering phones for the mighty Jorge Lanata! Talk about a break! “One day,” he said, “they needed someone to answer phones. I thought I’d wandered into a reality show called Who Wants to Find an Assistant?”
The Big Leagues
After servicing annoying callers, Dario quickly transitioned to working with none other than Susana Giménez. If Lanata was lighting the path, Giménez was a whole fireworks display! Our boy dove headfirst into freakishly fascinating segments involving polyglots and two-penised men (not your average evening news, I must say). But hey, it’s Argentine television. Anything goes, right?
As his career kicked off, the man found himself tossing superheroes into the mix. We’re talking about bringing in the likes of John Travolta and the Dalai Lama. “I’ve had some odd guests on,” he said cheekily. A production assistant Cinderella story, if you will!
Climbing Higher
After a dazzling time at Telefe, he made a daring leap of faith to Azul Televisión, where he produced the show War of the Sexes. Apparently, gender battles tune in high ratings—who would’ve guessed? The secret? You just need the right mix of testosterone and a good host.
It was at this juncture in his career that Gustavo Yankelevich became his beacon of mentorship. An experience made even sweeter by Viacom acquiring Telefe, which thrust Turovelzky into the spotlight as a co-CEO. That’s right folks—he’s not just a tiny cog in a massive machine; he’s one of the big cheeses now!
And now, here he stands, a true titan of the television industry, navigating the complexities of content creation across several countries. A kind of “mission impossible” that’s turned into mission accomplished.
So, what have we learned from Dario Turovelzky’s tale? Dare to dream, leap before you look (preferably while clutching a résumé), and always, always, have a camera on standby. Because, if there’s anything this journey through the entertainment galaxy teaches us, it’s this: You never know when you’ll need it to capture your spectacular failures—or spectacular successes.
Dario Turovelzky has always nurtured a lifelong passion for the entertainment industry. His relentless pursuit of this dream has led him to achieve a distinguished role as the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Paramount Latam, placing him among the influential figures responsible for shaping compelling content across the region.
Darío shared his fascinating journey with the “Climbing” section of Infobae, taking us back to the origins of his passion. “As a child, I was captivated by the world of entertainment,” Turovelzky recounts. Growing up in a family marked by separation, with his father relocating to Brazil at a young age, weekends in Argentina became sacred. “Whenever he visited, we unfailingly spent our time at Florida and Lavalle, watching four movies on Saturday and repeating the ritual on Sunday.” It was during those formative years that his enthusiasm for artists and the intricacies of production began to blossom. Today, he shares that same passion with his daughters, introducing them to the films that left an indelible mark on his childhood, including classics such as “Back to the Future,” “Indiana Jones,” “The Goonies,” and “Rocky.”
“As a child, coming home from school meant turning on Telefe, where shows like Play with Me, Friends are Friends, Big Pa, and Titans in the Ring captured my attention. I distinctly felt that there was something about this world that resonated with me deeply, igniting a desire to be a part of it.” Years later, his dreams materialized when he found himself stepping into the role of programming manager, responsible for curating content and sourcing programs from abroad.
Dario’s academic journey took place at ORT school, where he honed his skills in media and communication. “This environment was significant, featuring talents like Damián Szifrón and Ariel Winograd, who were equally passionate about content creation and development.”
With high school behind him, a young Darío faced the world of opportunities ahead. “I decided to forgo summer vacations, instead opting to create a mini-resume showcasing my high school projects, including some short films. I took the leap and sent it out to every production company, film distributor, advertising agency, radio station, and media outlet I could find.”
January passed and nothing. February, nothing. But eventually, a fortunate conversation led Darío to his first gig. “One of my contacts informed me that a position as a phone operator had opened up for a program called D-Day with Jorge Lanata. I jumped at the chance. Initially, I answered phones for Pancho y la Coca, gaining invaluable experience.”
From that moment forward, Darío’s career in entertainment gained newfound momentum. His next significant stint was with Susana Giménez, which he got through a recommendation from Jorge Lanata’s makeup artist, Juan Carlos López. “He mentioned that Susana’s team was seeking production assistants and urged me to apply. I eagerly took his advice.”
“Upon arriving at the studios, I was confronted with a three-block long queue for the production assistant position—much to my surprise, it had nothing to do with Big Brother auditions. After enduring a series of rigorous evaluations, I found myself among the final three candidates. The last meeting, however, was pivotal. Luis Chela welcomed me and promptly told me, ‘Darío, you’re hired. Your educational background from ORT, your youthful experience in journalistic production at Jorge Lanata’s program, and your remarkable expressiveness all played a part in this decision.’ ”
“In Susana’s show, I was tasked with producing intriguing segments known as ‘freak notes,’ featuring extraordinary talents, including the world’s tallest man, a polyglot, and even a pair of werewolf brothers. It was a significant responsibility that also involved interacting with international celebrities. My ability to communicate in multiple languages often helped me connect with artists to arrange appearances. I had the privilege of bringing renowned figures such as Robert Duvall, John Travolta, and the Dalai Lama to the show.”
For Turovelzky, Gustavo Yankelevich has served as not only a professional mentor but also a personal confidant. “The market underwent some changes, resulting in a new opportunity for me,” he explains. “When Telefe acquired Canal Nueve and rebranded it as Azul Televisión, I was invited to join as a general producer for a program. This choice proved to be crucial in my career development, leading me to produce everything from the executive production of ‘War of the Sexes’ with Leo Montero to broadcasting the prestigious Oscars.” Turovelzky maintains deep gratitude for Gustavo Yankelevich’s influence. “He has been a critical mentor in both professional and personal aspects of my life.”
“I later joined RGB as an executive producer where I evolved into the Content Director, managing key projects across Chile, Panama, Israel, Spain, and Argentina. The shows I contributed to, like ‘Floricienta’ and ‘Chiquititas’ with Cris Morena, are among my proudest accomplishments.” Eventually, Tomás Yankelevich, who once led programming at Telefe, reached out to me with an opportunity to join his team as the programming manager.”
In 2016, Viacom, now known as Paramount, made a pivotal acquisition of Telefe. Following this turn of events, Tomás Yankelevich exited the company, and Darío found himself at the helm, working as co-CEO alongside another executive. In that capacity, he oversaw diverse aspects of television, digital cinema, and music content, embracing a new chapter in his illustrious career.
How does Dario emphasize the importance of authenticity and creativity in content creation?
Onnect with various guests, making the production process more fluid and enjoyable. It was a thrilling period where I learned not only about television production but also the art of storytelling through captivating segments.”
Expanding Horizons
As Dario’s reputation grew, so did his ambition. Transitioning to Azul Televisión, he initially produced the engaging show War of the Sexes, which featured lively discussions and competitions between men and women, tapping into a universal theme of gender rivalry. Dario’s fresh ideas and dynamic approach to content production caught the eye of many, establishing him as a rising star in the industry.
His career trajectory continued to ascend with a mentorship from the legendary Gustavo Yankelevich, who recognized Turovelzky’s talent and potential. This partnership proved invaluable, culminating in an exciting twist when Viacom acquired Telefe, propelling Dario into the role of co-CEO. Suddenly, he was no longer just behind the scenes; he was navigating the complexities of high-level decisions and shaping the future of television across Latin America!
The Executive Phase
Now, as the Executive Vice President of Paramount Latam, Dario Turovelzky is responsible for overseeing a wide range of projects and initiatives, delivering compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences. He reflects on his journey with a mix of humility and pride, acknowledging that his childhood experiences and unwavering passion have truly shaped the visionary he has become today. “Every project I take on draws from the inspiration I found in those early days, watching movies, dreaming of possibilities, and embracing the magic of storytelling,” he shares.
Words of Wisdom
In sharing his experiences and career evolution, Dario often emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing entertainment landscape. “Each challenge presents an opportunity for growth,” he states. “It’s about finding your path, connecting with those who inspire you, and relentlessly pursuing your dreams, no matter how far-fetched they may seem.”
In a world dominated by trends, Turovelzky’s insight stands out—the essence of remarkable content lies in authenticity and creativity. He encourages young creators to stay true to their vision, explore new ideas, and be unafraid of taking risks. After all, every great film or television series begins with a single spark of imagination.
As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, Dario remains committed to pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible in Latin American television. “The future is bright, and I’m excited to be a part of it, leading the way for new talents to emerge and telling stories that captivate and connect us all,” he concludes.
So there you have it, the journey of Dario Turovelzky—a tale of passion, persistence, and a sprinkle of entertainment magic. Whether it’s answering phones or producing groundbreaking shows, he reminds us all to cherish our dreams and the power of storytelling. After all, the world of entertainment is vast, and everyone has a story worth sharing!
