Xochitl Gomez Signs with Hyperion Talent Agency

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Xochitl Gomez is heading into hyper(ion) space..

The 15-year-old Mexican American actress has signed with Hyperion for representation in all areas.

Gomez will next star opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in Disney/Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which hits theaters May 6.

Gomez plays America Chavez in the film, a groundbreaking Marvel LGBTQ Latin American character who ultimately joins the Young Avengers. Chavez is known for her strength, and the power of flight, particularly exceeding the speed of light. She also has a talent for kicking open star-shaped holes in reality, allowing her and her teammates to travel through the multiverse.

Gomez previously starred as Dawn Schafer, the lead of the Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club.

In 2020, she won a Young Artist Award for Supporting Teen Artist for her work in the film Shadow Wolves. That same year, her short film The Letter was licensed by HBO.

The actress is an alum of the Sundance Institute, where she was a feature actress in the Director’s Lab in 2018. Gomez won Best Child Actor at the London Independent Film Awards for her turn in Boob Sweat and also won Best Young Actress for the movie at the 2018 New York Film Awards.

Salma Hayek Signs First-Look Deal with Univision’s Streaming Platform Vix

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek will be livin’ the stream…

The 55-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress and producer has signed a first-look deal with Univision for its recently announced streaming platform, Vix.

Under the two-year deal, Hayek, through her production company Ventana Rosa, will produce exclusive Spanish-language feature films.

“Twenty years ago, I had a dream,” the star said during the Vix launch Wednesday. “The film industry in Mexico was doing five to six films a year, so I decided to go to Los Angeles. But when I got there, I realized that it was not going to be any easier but it was probably harder.”

“Things have changed,” she said, although there’s still a ways to go. The creative opportunity for Latino artists on Vix “fills me with joy.”5.2K

Her first project is a romantic comedy Quiero Tu Vida set in the world of soccer. It tells the story of a superfan who wakes up one morning in the body of a famous soccer player superstar and learns that his favorite sport is not all fun and games.

“This is such an important part of our Latin American culture and our hearts,” Hayek said. “It’s my favorite sport. This will be the first of hopefully many stories I’ll be bringing to you and all the Vix+ audience.”

Hayek’s deal joins other previously high-profile collaborators for Vix including Eugenio Derbez and Selena Gomez.

“Gentefied” Star Karrie Martin Lachney Signs with Paradigm

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Karrie Martin Lachney is shifting her paradigm…

The 32-year-old Honduran-American actress and producer has signed with Paradigm for representation in all areas.

Lachney rose to acclaim with her portrayal of Ana Morales on the Netflix dramedy series Gentefied, created by Linda Yvette Chávez and Marvin Lemus. The series followed a multigenerational, Mexican American family living and loving in Los Angeles, co-starring Joaquin Cosio, J.J. Soria, and Carlos Santos. It ran for two seasons before being canceled in January.

Lachney’s portrayal of Ana represented experiences that mirror that of many second-generation Latinos whose parents sacrificed everything in search of the American dream— a point of view rarely shown on television.

Ana had to prioritize her familial responsibilities while still a young woman herself over her own dreams and desires. She was challenged at every corner with having to choose between an upcoming art show opportunity, spending time with her girlfriend, and being a support to her mother at home while the matriarch worked long hours to support the family. And she had to do it all with a smile knowing that a few moments of freedom to follow her heart was more than what her mother was allowed.

Up next for Lachney is the release of the Disney+ animated series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, premiering on February 23.

On the film front, she’ll topline writer-director Jigeesh Magar’s Nexus Dream opposite Daniela Azuaje, Alejandro Patiño, and James Ken Blackmon, among others.

Lachney stars as Alejandra Chavez, a young woman of immigrant parents with a gifted intellect and a promising future, which, rare enough in her neighborhood, has to be put on hold. Devotion and loyalty to the family will always come first, and hers is desperately needing help through hard times, even as she grapples with a secret tragedy from her past.

She is also developing the bestselling book series That Boy from author Jillian Dodd as a series with producer Teri Weinberg. The two have acquired the film and television rights to the book via Lachney’s production company, Southern Ave. Productions and Weinberg’s Yellow Brick Road. Lachney and Weinberg will executive produce.

Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios Renews First-Look Deal with Lionsgate

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Eugenio Derbez isn’t leaving the (Lions)gate…

The 60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and his producing partner Ben Odell’s 3Pas Studios has renewed its first-look deal with Lionsgate.

The deal continues the longstanding relationship between the companies, which resulted in the breakout box office success of 2018’s Overboard ($91.2 million at the global box office).

The last three Derbez movies — including the blockbuster Instructions Not Included, released by Lionsgate’s Pantelion Films — made more than $250M off a $35M production cost before P&A.

Their latest collaboration is this summer’s Hulu Original The Valet, a remake of the eponymous French film. It stars Derbez, Samara Weaving and Max Greenfield. The studios are currently working together on several upcoming films, including the development project Unsafe House.

“Eugenio and Ben are productive and prolific producers who have delivered a wide range of hits to Lionsgate over the years and we are thrilled to be extending our relationship and excited about the projects we have in development together,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Nathan Kahane. “Our previous collaborations have been tremendously successful, including Overboard, How to Be a Latin Lover, and Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S. We adore their humor and the way they develop stories and believe the best is yet to come.”

“Lionsgate has always understood the power of my core audience since I made Instructions Not Included, and supported me when I wanted to reach audiences around the world and started making movies in English, like Latin Lover and The Valet. Ben and I are grateful to Joe Drake, Nathan Kahane, Erin Westerman, and the whole Lionsgate team for their tremendous freedom and support,” said Derbez.

“As we continue to position 3Pas as the market leader in producing content for one of the fastest-growing audiences in the United States and the world, renewing our deal with Lionsgate helps us to reach the broadest possible audience in a variety of ways,” added Odell.

Manuel Turizo Partners with Ritz Crackers for Company’s First Ever Hispanic-Specific Campaign

Posted on February 6, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Turizo is puttin’ on the Ritz…

The 21-year-old Colombian urban pop singer has partnered with Ritz crackers for the company’s first-ever Hispanic specific campaign, “Mixing Up Lo Nuestro.”

The campaign aims to welcome culture, family traditions, and diversity within the U.S. Hispanic community by shining a light on the rich cultures and countries of origin that make up the U.S. Hispanic community and capturing the real-life emotions of major life events unique to this audience.

The campaign spot features a Spanglish jingle by Turizo.

“When RITZ reached out for a partnership, I was beyond excited to collaborate on a song for the campaign that honors Latin culture,” says Turizo. “As an immigrant myself, this project felt important to me and hit close to home. Ritz has always been a favorite snack of mine, especially when topped with cream cheese.”

The campaign also features five highlighted recipes, including Ropa Vieja Bites, Salvadoran Refried Beans with Curtido, Ensalada de Nopales, Brigadeiro Bites and Arequipe Bites, which all will be hosted on the Mondelez Snackworks website and posted on RITZ’s social channels.

“While we have adapted campaigns into Spanish in the past, this is our first dedicated creative and I can’t be more humbled and excited to launch this campaign as we continue our mission of diversity and inclusion,” says Santiago Gomez Bernal, Marketing Director at RITZ. “The U.S. Hispanic population is extremely diverse, yet we are often put into one monolithic group. This creative breaks those connotations and represents the diversity within the U.S. Hispanic culture through recipes from five countries and the music of Manuel Turizo.”

The “Mixing Up Lo Nuestro” campaign will run on Spanish-language television networks, as well as digital and social platforms.

Maluma Becomes First Musician to Design Limited-Edition Bottle for Hennessy V.S.O.P.

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is bottling up his artistic talent…

The 28-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter is celebrating his three-year partnership with cognac brand Hennessy with the release of a special, limited-edition bottle.

The neon-hued Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle, designed entirely by Maluma — who becomes the first musician ever to design a limited-edition bottle for Hennessy V.S.O.P. — is a reflection of the singer-songwriter’s culture and roots.

“That was the most important thing for me,” Maluma, who partnered with Hennessy back in 2019, tells Billboard via Zoom. “That they give me the opportunity to come up with how the bottle would look. Not only because I’d be the first musician to do so, but because I wanted to tell my story with the design. If you look closely, you can see the buildings that identify my city, Medellín. That’s always been my plan, to take my city and my culture to a global level. I always want everyone to know where I come from.”

Jasmin Allen, senior vice president, Hennessy U.S., said in a statement: “Hennessy has a long history of championing and celebrating those who push the limits of potential, and Maluma’s journey is the perfect personification of our brand ethos. With this collaboration, we continue our legacy embracing Maluma’s expansive perspective in this Hennessy V.S.O.P limited edition — where quality meets unapologetic originality.”

In tune with Hennessy’s “Never Stop. Never Settle” motto, Maluma — whose 2021 Papi Juancho Tour grossed a grand total of $24 million and is featured as narrator in the newly released Amazon Prime documentary Mi Selección Colombia — most recently scored his first-ever entry on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart thanks to “Cada Quien,” his collaboration with Grupo Firme.

“I’ve always been a fan of regional Mexican music, of ranchera and mariachi,” he says about scoring a No. 1 on the tally. “Being on a Mexican chart in the U.S., well that’s a big deal. I always dreamt of that. When I travel to Mexico, it’s like being at home, I feel part of it, and I am very grateful to Grupo Firme for making this possible.”

Additionally, the “Hawái” singer will make his debut on the big screen on February 11 with Marry Me, starring alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson. He’s also featured on the film’s soundtrack, which is set to drop Friday. Originally slated to be released in 2021, Maluma is eager for fans to see his acting chops in the rom-com. “I feel happy, I feel very proud. It’s the beginning of a new journey because I didn’t act before and doing it next to Jennifer and Owen, it’s such a big deal. I want to keep acting. I love it and it’s part of my art.”

The Hennessy V.S.O.P Limited Edition by Maluma design is now available nationwide for a limited time only.

Visit Hennessy.com for more information.

Pitbull’s NASCAR Team Agrees to Partnership Deal with UFC’s Dana White

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is racing to a new deal…

UFC president Dana White has agreed to a partnership deal with the 41-year-old Cuban American rapper/singer and entrepreneur’s NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing, starting this week at the exhibition Clash in Los Angeles.

White’s Howler Head Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will serve as primary sponsor of Ross Chastain‘s No. 1 Chevrolet in Sunday’s race at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

“This is an absolute (wicked) car, and I can’t wait to see it compete on the track at the Coliseum on Sunday,” White said.

Trackhouse Racing fields two full-time NASCAR Cup Series cars in 2022 with drivers Chastain and Daniel Suarez.

Trackhouse Racing, owned by Justin Marks and Pitbull, ran with Suarez last year. Trackhouse then bought Chip Ganassi‘s team and expanded to two cars for this season.

“We want to transcend our sport, work with innovative minds and powerful brands, and Dana White, along with Howler Head and UFC exemplify that. Dana’s influence, vision, and passion is inspiring and I’m looking forward to working with him on amplifying both our brands and hopefully along the way, learning from him as well,” Marks said.

Carlota Pereda Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Carlota Pereda has new representation…

The Latina writer-director, whose debut feature Piggy (Cerdita) recently made its world premiere in the Midnight Section of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

In Pereda’s acclaimed Spanish-language horror film, an overweight teen is bullied by a clique of cool girls while holidaying in her village—with the long walk home that follows changing the rest of her life.

The project was selected in 2020 at script stage for the Cannes Film Festival’s Focus Co-Production Initiative.

It expands on Pereda’s breakthrough 2018 short of the same name, which has won 90 awards, including the Spanish Academy’s Goya Award for Best Short Film in 2019, and the 2020 Slamdance AGBO Fellowship.

Pereda has also worked extensively in television—most notably directing episodes of the Spanish-language series Paco’s Men for Money Heist creator Álex Pina.

Keyla Monterroso Mejia Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Keyla Monterroso Mejia has new representation.

The Guatemalan and Mexican American actress and Curb Your Enthusiasm star has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA).

Monterroso Mejia rose to acclaim as Maria Sofia Estrada, a short-order cook turned actress, on the 11th season of the Larry David comedy.

Although Maria Sofia’s acting skills leave much to be desired, it’s her dance moves and hilarious banter with Cheryl Hines (and tussle with Ted Danson) that solidifies Monterroso Mejia’s status as an up-and-comer to watch.

She previously starred in the Disney+ short Growing Fangs and the HBO Max short The 90 Day Plan.

Up next, Monterroso Mejia will star as a series regular in Netflix’s On My Block spin-off, Freeridge.

FKA Twigs Partners with Atlantic Records

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

FKA Twigs is crossing the Atlantic…

The 34-year-old part-Spanish English singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, video director and actress, who released her mixtape Caprisongs last week, has “partnered with Atlantic Records for this next exciting phase of her art,” according to the announcement.

In the U.K., FKA Twigs will continue to release music via the Young label (formerly Young Turks) through Beggars Group.

“FKA twigs is the kind of artist you dream of signing — one with truly original vision, voice, and presence,” said Atlantic chairman-COO Julie Greenwald. “She’s among the most compelling talents, always pushing her creative envelope to deliver emotionally honest music that’s both intensely personal and universal. We’re thrilled that she’s chosen Atlantic to be her home as she continues on her fantastic musical adventure.”

“The progression of FKA twigs’ music over the past decade has been extraordinary,” said chairman-CEO Craig Kallman. “She’s never content to stay in one place – constantly crossing musical boundaries, embracing fresh sounds, telling new stories, and exploring what’s next. An amazing vocalist, songwriter, lyricist, and producer, she’s barely scratched the surface of her potential, and we’re incredibly excited to see what she’ll be bringing her fans in the years to come.”

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