Wilmer Valderrama’s Allied Management Group Signs a Slew of Latino Writers

Wilmer Valderrama is giving up-and-coming Latino writers their big break…

The 44-year-old Venezuelan & Colombian American actor’s Allied Management Group, which he set up with John Pollak, has signed a number of Latino writers to its roster.

Wilmer ValderramaThe company has signed Luisa Leschin, Raphael Draccon & Carolina Munhóz, The Original Content Society’s Raúl Campos and Felix de Valdivia, and Daniel and Diego Ayala López.

The goal is for Allied to bring these Latino writers to networks, streamers and studios in the U.S English-language market.

Leschin has worked on nearly 500 episodes of television including Netflix’s Gentefied, where she was a co-exec producer on its second season, Max’s Head of the Class, where she was a co-EP and Hulu’s East Los High. She has also worked on series including Everybody Hates Chris and The George Lopez Show.

Draccon and Munhóz are a husband-and-wife writing team who showran The Chosen One and Invisible City for Netflix and have a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Discovery LatAm to work with Max. They have also written comic books for both Marvel and DC

Campos and de Valdivia are brothers, born in Mexico, who run The Original Content Society. They created, wrote, directed and produced the first YouTube Original sitcom in Latin America – Sobrevivi – as well as Spotify’s first original comedy series, El Grupo, and are co-exec producers for the third and fourth seasons of Amazon’s LOL starring Eugenio Derbez. In addition to producing and directing 24 Netflix comedy specials, they have a first look deal with ITV America, where they are developing an international comedy series called Güerita.

Daniel and Diego Ayala López, born in Colombia were behind Amazon series Manes, which was the most-watched series for Amazon Colombia, and Los BillisThey have worked with Colombia’s Caracol and are currently developing a number of projects with U.S. studios and production companies.

“These writers are currently helping to define the future of Latino story telling by creating universal stories that aren’t defined by borders or language, but instead reflect the modern content experience- groundbreaking storytelling that can be consumed by viewers in a global market,” said Pollak and Valderrama.  “As the need for fresh stories and unique points of view continue to be the priority for Hollywood, these writers will lead the charge and redefine how premium content is created and Allied Mgmt Group is honored to be working alongside them.”

Roku Expands Slate of Spanish Originals with Six New Unscripted Series, Including Jennifer Lopez’s “Un Millón de Gracias”

Jennifer Lopez is ready to rok(u)…

Roku has expanded its slate of Spanish originals, adding six new unscripted series from Latino voices including the 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar.

Jennifer LopezJ.Lo appears on the roster of new Spanish-language projects that includes Juanpa Zurita and Jaime Camil. 

Lopez’s project, Un Millón de Gracias, will feature several Latino stars, including Wilmer Valderrama, Belinda, Sofia Reyes and Michael Peña.

“The deep engagement we have seen within the Spanish-language content category on The Roku Channel in the U.S., as well as the exceptional growth of the service in Mexico, are all signs of the strong appetite for free ad-supported streaming amongst Spanish-speaking and bilingual audiences,” said David Eilenberg, head of content, Roku Media. “We’re committed to delivering high-quality, culturally relevant original programming to tens of millions of viewers, and we are thrilled to welcome such an exceptional new group of on-camera and off-camera creative voices to our Roku Originals lineup.”

In addition to J.Lo’s Un Millón de Gracias, the other five new original series include “Carpe DM with Juanpa,” “Desde la Raíz,” “Serenata De Las Estrellas,” “La Divina Comida” and “Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen.”

Here’s Roku’s slate of Spanish originals:

“Un Millón de Gracias”
Executive produced by Jennifer Lopez, “Un Millón de Gracias’” third season will be shot entirely in Spanish for the first time. The series returns with 10 celebrities — Chiquis, Gina Torres, Camil, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Lauren Jauregui, Peña, Michelle Rodriguez, Pau Gasol, Reyes, Valderrama — who will each give away $100,000 to someone who has inspired them. But the recipients must give half away to someone they’re grateful for, and continue the chain of kindness. The 10-episode series is executive produced by Lopez, Rhett Bachner, Brien Meagher, Aliyah Silverstein, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Larry Del Sant and showrunner Alex Davies. The series will air on August 11 on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and at a later date in Mexico.

“Carpe DM with Juanpa”
Mexican actor Juanpa Zurita invites audiences to join him as he faces challenges that push his body and mind to the limit as he steps outside of his comfort zone and treks across the U.S. The bilingual series will have six episodes. “Carpe DM with Juanpa” is executive produced by Eric Day, Mark Koops, Sarah Davies, Brenda Tubilla, Dave Lingwood and Zurita.

“Desde la Raíz”
In this four part docu-series, actor Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin) will explore origins and meaning of Mexican products like coffee, chile, corn, and mezcal. Camil describes the series as “a love letter to México and some of the country’s richest heritage and legendary commodities.” “Desde la Raíz” is produced and directed by Paulina Gamiz and Gus Sánchez, with Ray Jimenez and Camil serving as executive producers.

“Serenata De Las Estrellas”
Hosted by Julissa Bermudez, Serenata De Las Estrellas enlists Latin musicians, Chiquis, Snow Tha Product, Los Lobos and Ozomatli to surprise participants with a performance and a life-changing gift. The four-episode series is executive produced by Greice Santo, RJ Cipriani, Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager, Jared Morell, Jordan Barrow and showrunner Gil Lopez.

“La Divina Comida”
“La Divina Comida” is a 16 episode series featuring Latin celebrities who open their homes to fellow celebrities and face off to prove who is the best dinner party host. The winner will be judged on their culinary skills as well as their hosting skills. Featured celebrity dinner party hosts include Alex Lora, Belinda, Carlos Gatica, Dulce María, Emmanuel, Erik Rubín, Faisy, Itatí Cantoral, José Ángel Bichir, Karol Sevilla, Manu Nna, Margarita The Cumbia Goddess, María León, Michelle Rodríguez, Rafa Márquez and Verónica Toussaint.

“Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen”
Hosted by Colombian influencer Mario Ruiz, Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen is a cooking competition show that challenges Gen-Z chefs to develop twist on traditional Latin dishes. In each episode, three young chefs face off against each other before the final two contestants compete against an experienced Abuela chef. The featured Abuela chefs include Carla Dawkins from Panama, Eneida Mascetti from Puerto Rico and Patty Lavalle from Mexico. The competing chefs are judged by Chef Margarita Bernal, Chef Adolfo Cavalie and Chef Octavio Ortega. Executive produced by Mari Urdaneta, Liliana Moyano, Luis Balaguer and showrunner Moira Noriega. The series will air on June 9 on The Roku Channel in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Trailer Released for Netflix’s “That ’90s Show,” with Wilmer Valderrama Returning as Fez

It’s a reunion to remember for Wilmer Valderrama

The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor and some of his fellow That ’70s Show cast mates are reuniting to welcome the next generation in the first trailer for Netflix’s That ’90s Show.

Wilmer Valderrama Season 1 premieres on January 19.

In addition to Valderrama, who portrayed Fez on That ‘70s Show, other returning stars include Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman and Kurtwood Smith as Red Forman in series regular roles; Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, Valderrama, and Tommy Chong will reprise their roles on the series as special guests.

The trailer also reveals the identity of Michael Kelso (Kutcher) and Jackie Burkhart’s (Kunis) son: Jay Kelso, who is played by previously announced regular Mace Coronel.

In That ’90s Show, it’s 1995 and Leia Forman (Callie Haverda) is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn’t her dad (Grace). When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she’s looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide).

With the help of Gwen’s friends, including her lovable brother Nate (Maxwell Donovan), his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki (Sam Morelos), the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie (Reyn Doi), and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago. Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer. With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well…Red.

The multi-cam That ’90s Show was created by That ’70s Show alum Gregg Mettler — who serves as showrunner — That ’70s Show co-creators Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner, and their daughter Lindsay Turner. The quartet executive produces alongside Rupp, Smith as well as Marcy Carsey, and Tom Werner under the Carsey-Werner Company, which produced That ’70s Show and its offshoot That ’80s Show

Wilmer Valderrama Developing Drama Series Based on Anthony Almojera’s Memoir “Riding the Lightning”

Wilmer Valderrama is riding high…

The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor is developing a drama series alongside Eric I. Lu based on Anthony Almojera’s memoir Riding the Lightning: A Year in the Life of a New York City Paramedic.

Wilmer Valderrama CBS Studios is the studio.

Riding the Lightning will follow a veteran team of EMS workers in New York City grappling with life-or-death emergencies while welcoming an eager group of new recruits to their tight-knit unit.

Lu will serve as the writer and executive producer; Valderrama and Kaitlin Saltzman will executive produce through his WV Entertainment. Almojera will serve as a consultant on the project.

Lu will feel right at home working on a medical drama due to his four years working as a writer and producer on Fox’s The Resident. He joined the show in Season 2 and departed after the sixth season.

Valderrama is an actor and producer who’ll next reprise the role of Fez in Netflix’s That ’70s Show spinoff That ’90s Show. The series’ freshman season premieres on January 19. Projects under development include the straight-to-series drama Keep This to Yourself for Peacock/Telemundo and a reimagined Zorro series for Disney Branded Television.

Wilmer Valderrama Becomes Shareholder of IHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network

Wilmer Valderrama is taking on more responsibility…

The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor has expanded his role with My Cultura Podcast Network from iHeartMedia by becoming a shareholder.

Wilmer ValderramaIn addition, Valderrama will help to curate the network’s slate of Latinx-focused podcasts and has committed to five new shows that will be executive produced by and/or star him.

According to the company, monthly podcast downloads across My Cultura have more than doubled since the beginning of the year, with 9 in 10 of the network’s total downloads coming from listeners aged 18-49.

“Representation shapes not just how others see us, but also how we see ourselves. It is imperative that every facet of our media includes narratives that uplift Latino and Hispanic voices,” Valderrama tells Deadline in an exclusive statement. “At WV Entertainment it is our mission to not just choose purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx community but to also make sure these stories are accessible to everyone. We are so grateful to our partners at iHeartMedia for seeing the value in this and prioritizing the need to highlight the joy, the power, and the heart of our community in ways that are still all too rare.”

Valderrama’s relationship with My Cultura began in the Summer of 2021 with the launch of his podcast, Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama.

The weekly interview series, executive produced by Valderrama and Leo Klemm via his production banner WV Entertainment and Clamor, features conversations with people in the front line of food service, transportation, child-care, and other systems where workers’ voices are often overlooked.

“We are excited to have Wilmer on board in an even larger, expanded capacity as a shareholder in iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group. “His energy, experience, and creativity will set this network up for even further success in year two and beyond.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the rapid growth our network has seen in its first year,” said Gisselle Bances, SVP, Head of Production and Development for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. “We are the first majority Latinx-owned podcast network, and we are grateful to our partners and our diverse roster of hosts, including Wilmer, who continue to further My Cultura’s mission to tell our own stories. It’s stories by us for everyone to enjoy.”

Other popular podcasts from My Cultura include Connections with Eva LongoriaPrincess of South Beach starring Rachel Zegler and Sheryl RubioWrestling with Freddie from Freddie Prinze, Jr., Sisters of the Underground executive produced by Eva Longoria and Dania RamirezChiquis and Chill, and Lone Lobos with Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand. Listeners can hear all My Cultura shows on iHeartRadio and anywhere podcasts are found.

Wilmer Valderrama to Appear in CBS’ “NCIS” and “NCIS: Hawai’i” Crossover Episodes

Wilmer Valderrama is heading to Hawaii…

The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor will take part in a NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i crossover event.

Wilmer Valderrama, CBS, NCIS, NCIS: HawaiiThe two CBS series will kick off their respective new seasons with the crossover event beginning at 9:00 pm ET/PT on September 19.

Across two hours, the hunt for a dangerous suspect unveils a complex network and a larger sinister plan that will take the D.C. team to Hawai’i in a race to thwart the next large-scale attack.

It begins with the Season 20 premiere of NCIS at 9:00 PM. The “A Family Matter” episode picks up following the cliffhanger season 19 finale, with Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) still on the run with his ex-wife Vivian (Terri Polo) and the team investigating who from his past might have a personal vendetta against him in hopes of clearing Parker’s name. Enlisting the help of NCIS: Hawai’i’s Special Agent Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) and computer specialist Ernie Malick (Jason Antoon), who are in town meeting with director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) in preparation for a global military exercise, the group tracks down their prime suspect, The Raven.

The crossover event concludes with the Season 2 premiere of NCIS: Hawai’i, which follows at 10:00 pm. In the “Prisoners’ Dilemma” episode, Tennant’s team, along with NCIS agents Nick Torres (Valderrama) and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), track The Raven’s whereabouts to the island of Oahu and learn about his plans to attack RIMPAC (The Rim of the Pacific Exercises), the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. NCIS stars Gary Cole, Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover also guest star in the episode.

The episodes will air on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Wilmer Valderrama Partners with John Pollak to Launch Latino Talent Agency ‘Allied Management Group’

Wilmer Valderrama is hoping to expand Latino voices in Hollywood.

The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor, producer and activist has joined forces with former NBCUniversal executive John Pollak to launch Allied Management Group.

Wilmer Valderrama The company is focused on partnering with, collaborating, and representing new and existing Latino voices across traditional and digital media.

Pollak and Valderrama are co-founders and co-owners of L.A.-based AMG.

After two decades in the entertainment business as both a global distribution head and producer, Pollak will oversee day-to-day operations.

Clients include Dhana Media, the company led by producers Mari Urdaneta and Liliana Moyano who are behind Amazon’s scripted series Maradona: Blessed Dream and Univision’s The Jenni Rivera Story, Tuti Loor, showrunner of CNN’s Searching for Mexico with Eva Longoriaand L Word writer Maria Renee Prudencio.

Valderrama is the latest actor to make the move into management; last year, Kenan Thompson launched Artists for Artists and formed a joint venture with McKeon/Myones Entertainment.

“Latino talent has traditionally been relegated to the Latin American arm of major Hollywood companies but thanks to an exciting industry shift bolstered by the rise of global streaming platforms, they are now a major part of the general US market. Our mission will be to champion current talent and discover new voices who can help create content that is relatable to all audiences including the 200% demographic – consumers who see themselves as both 100% American and 100% Latino,” Pollak told Deadline.

Added Valderrama, “As a community, it is vital that we see ourselves on screen – it shapes both how we see ourselves and how others see us. However, the reality is that there’s an undeniable void of authentic stories being told by Latino voices and through the perspective of our creators. I am so excited to partner with John and the rest of the AMG team. Together we will discover and cultivate new voices, and help our talent deliver fresh, authentic Latino storytelling to audiences in the US and around the globe.

AMG’s roster of clients includes the following Latino creators:

Dhana Media (Maradona: Blessed Dream/Amazon; The Jenni Rivera Story/Univision), led by producers Mari Urdaneta and Liliana Moyano;
Crea84U (Borrego/Paramount), led by producers Monica Gil-Rodriguez and Julie and Phantoms’ Jaime Aymerich;
TDO (Rebelde/Netflix; Corazón Contento/Amazon) led by producer Paulette Bensussen;
Writer Maria Renee Prudencio (L Word/Showtime);
Writer Ricardo Avilez Mozota (Las Vocales/Vix; Fake/Netflix; El Galan/Disney);
Writer/Director Marcelo Tobar (Ana/Pantaya; Amarres/HBO Max; and
upcoming No Culpes al Karma/Netflix);
Director Alejandro Hartmann (Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta?/Netflix);
Showrunner Tuti Loor (Searching for Mexico with Eva Longoria/CNN; Now and
Then/Apple TV);
Showrunner Moira Noriega (Ultimate BeastMaster/Netflix; Essential Heroes: A Momento
Latino Event/CBS Special; Treasure Truck/Nickelodeon);
Author Andrew Paxman (Jenkins of MexicoEl Tigre: Emilio Azcárraga y su imperio
Televisa with co-author Claudia Fernández)

New projects and clients will be announced in the coming weeks.

Broken English Options “A Christmas to Remember” Screenplay from Erick Galindo & Patty Rodriguez

It’ll be a Christmas to remember for Erick Galindo and Patty Rodriguez.

Broken English has optioned an original screenplay by the award-winning Latino writer, producer and journalist and the best-selling Latina author for the holiday ensemble film A Christmas to Remember.

Erick Galindo & Patty Rodriguez

The film tells the story of Rose Klug, who has turned White Elephant into a war of attrition, one where bringing the best or most creative gift is more important than Christmas itself. The battles have become legendary among locals on the powdery slopes of Big Bear where the former hedge fund manager has called home for decades (she called it quits to manage a growing ulcer problem).

Rose feels like she’s from a different era: she drinks whiskey straight, she doesn’t say much yet commands attention, and she never takes two steps when one will do. Her family gift exchange is the one time of year she allows herself to go wild. But this Christmas, something threatens to upstage Rose’s epic game of White Elephant: her estranged and rebellious daughter Ana Klug is bringing home a rich and famous fiancé.

Broken English is currently in talks to attach a director to the project. Filming is expected to begin in Los Angeles in the fall.

Tamara Nagahiro of Grandave International will be introducing the title to buyers at next month’s Cannes Film Market.

“Erick and Patty have been on my radar for some time. I am excited to go on this journey with such visionaries,” said Jolene Rodriguez, president of Broken English Productions.

Galindo most recently announced the development of the family comedy series Mexican Beverly Hills for CBS in collaboration with Wilmer Valderrama’s WV Entertainment. He is also is a five-time Telly Awards winner known for the shorts The Bubble Machine and El De Buena Park.

Rodriguez is coming off a 15-year career at iHeartMedia’s 102.7 KIIS FM Los Angeles where she most recently served as senior producer and on-air talent of the internationally syndicated show On Air With Ryan Seacrest.

She is also created and co-founded Lil’ Libros, a bilingual children’s media publisher.

Under their banner Sin Miedo Productions, Galindo and Rodriguez created the podcast Out of the Shadows: Children of ‘86, which is currently in production with iHeartMedia.

A Christmas to Remember will be produced by Broken English’s Rodriguez with Stanley Preschutti of Grandave Capital as executive producer.

Wilmer Valderrama Open to Reprising Role of Fez in Netflix’s “That ’90s Show”

Wilmer Valderrama may be reprising his star-making role…

The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor hasn’t completely ruled out reprising his character, the fan-favorite Fez, on That ’90s Show, if time permits.

Wilmer Valderrama Valderrama is having a jam-packed year between starring in the CBS crime procedural NCIS and preparing for the titular role on the ABC reboot of Zorro, but he he’s hoping to squeeze in a return to Point Place, Wisconsin.

“I’m a little busy now, but I support them so much. I’m rooting for them. I wish them nothing but the best,” Valderrama said in a TV Line interview.

“If the timing is right, I’d never say no,” suggesting his return to the Netflix That 70’s Show spinoff is possible.

Valderrama played Fez on the eight-season run of That ’70s Show from 1998 to 2006. In the Fox sitcom, Fez – which stands for Foreign Exchange Student – quickly became a favorite among audiences for his flirtatious antics and ambiguous ethnicity.

Earlier, casting of several lead characters on the upcoming Netflix’s That ’70s Show spinoff, That ’90s Show.

Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp have been set to anchor the follow-up show as their original roles, Red and Kitty Foreman.

The spinoff will be led by Callie Haverda, who plays Leia Forman, daughter of Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon) from the original series.

Ashley Aufderhaide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi and Sam Morelos round out the cast as new teen characters opposite fellow series regulars Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp.

Other original That ’70s Show cast members, including Grace, Prepon, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, are in negotiations to recur in the 10-episode spinoff.

That ’90s Show is set in 1995 back in Point Place, Wisconsin where Leia Forman (Haverda), daughter of Eric and Donna, is visiting her grandparents for the summer. Leia ends up bonding with the new generation of town kids under the watchful eye of Kitty (Rupp) and the stern gaze of Red (Smith). Sex, drugs and rock ’n roll never dies, it just changes clothes.

Christian Valderrama Appears in Mandy Moore’s “In Real Life” Music Video

Christian Valderrama is giving an inside look into his life…

Mandy Moore has released the music video for her new single “In Real Life,” and she called on a bunch of her celebrity friends to help her tell the story, including the Latino actor.

Christian Valderrama The new clip, released Friday (Mar. 18), finds Moore and her husband Taylor Goldsmith playing and taking care of their son Gus to the tune of the uplifting track, in which Moore sings, “Coming out of the dark / With you in my arms / We see whatever we needed to see.”

In addition to Valderrama, others stars appearing in their own “real life,” include Moore’s This Is Us co-stars, Matthew Koma and Hilary Duff, Wilmer Valderrama, Amanda Kloots and Karamo Brown, among others.

“I started writing this song while I was still pregnant with my son Gus, but didn’t end up finishing it until after he arrived. In a way it speaks to every cliché about becoming a parent: All the lights get turned on, everything crystallizes in a way that you never could have imagined,” Moore said in a press statement of the song, per Rolling Stone. “Before Gus was born, my life was completely about me, and not necessarily even in a selfish sense — you just put one foot in front of the other and make your way through the world, and hopefully try to be the best version of yourself. But then this person enters the equation, and all that gets turned on its head.”

Moore is set to release her album, In Real Life, on May 13.