Tag Archives: Cris Abrego

Eva Longoria to Appear on Season Four of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building”

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Eva Longoria is entering the building…

The 48-year-old Mexican American actress, who recently made her feature film directorial debut with Flamin’ Hot, has been cast in Hulu‘s Only Murders in the Building Season 4 in a recurring role.

Eva LongoriaDetails regarding the new season’s plot and character descriptions remain under wraps. However, new episodes will reportedly focus on unraveling the murder of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles-Haden Savage’s (Steve Martin) mind-bogglingly identical stunt double from his years on the series Brazzos and its 2020 revival.

Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich revealed in a recent Deadline interview that the Only Murders In the Building trio: Charles, Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez), will kick off the new season with a trip to Los Angeles before returning to The Arconia in their search of Sazz’s killer.

Longoria’s character becomes integral to the twists and turns of this season’s investigation, sources close to production reveal.

She joins Molly Shannon, the first new cast member announced for Season 4, in the role of a high-powered LA businesswoman who finds herself drawn into the world of the investigation in New York.

Meryl Streep recently set her Season 4 return reprising the role of Loretta Durkin.

In the Season 3 finale—following her highly praised performance in Oliver’s Broadway hit Death Rattle Dazzle— Loretta received two offers in productions that would require her to relocate to Los Angeles. Her new beau Oliver is into this idea as it would allow him to visit the City of Angels. Mabel’s new love interest Tobert (Jesse Williams) is also headed west, and surprisingly, she’s also keen on taking a little break from New York.

The Emmy-nominated comedy, produced by 20th Television, is co-created and co-written by Steve Martin and John Hoffman who also executive produce alongside Short, Gomez, Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal.

Longoria recently kicked off promotions for her new Apple TV+ series Land of Women in which she executive produces and stars opposite Carmen Maura. The six-episode dramedy series is inspired by Sandra Barneda’s best-selling novel of the same name and will be presented in both Spanish and English.

In addition to her work directing, acting and producing through her production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, Longoria partnered last fall with Cris Abrego to form the new media holding company and premium content studio, Hyphenate Media Group. Land of Women is the company’s first project.

Up next, she is set to star in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Longoria will also produce and star in the TV adaptation of Isabel Allende’s bestselling novel The House of the Spirits for FilmNation Entertainment. The series is a family saga following the extraordinary lives of three generations of women in the Trueba Family, Longoria will portray Blanca Trueba, one of the passionate and courageous women leaders.

Other upcoming projects include the Disney+ original series, from 20th Television, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, currently in development. The series is inspired by the legend of La Llorona (the weeping woman) and follows teenage Paola on a quest to save her best friend from a different world steeped in Latin folklore that defies logic and legend; and the HBO film A Class Apart, which tells the incredible true story of a group of Mexican Americans fighting for their civil rights during a landmark case that leads to the Supreme Court.

Cris Abrego Elected Chairman of Television Academy

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Cris Abrego is officially a chairman…

The Latino television producer, writer and television executive has been elected by the Television Academy’s Board of Governors as its chairman for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024.

Cris AbregoAbrego succeeds Frank Scherma, who was no longer eligible after serving two terns as chairman.

It was previously reported that Abrego was poised to become Chairman of the Primetime Emmys organizer. He was reportedly running uncontested with strong internal support stemming from his work on the Academy’s executive committee and as chairman of the Television Academy Foundation since 2021.

Abrego is the longtime Banijay U.S. chief who recently set up his own production group with Eva Longoria. He is Chairman of Banijay Americas and oversees the North American and Latin American divisions of Banijay, which acquired Endemol Shine a few years ago.

Previously, Abrego served as CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings. As co-founder of 51 Minds Entertainment, Abrego is considered an early architect of the unscripted television genre. He grew that company from its boutique beginnings to a major unscripted studio acquired by Endemol five years later.

Last month, he also launched Hyphenate Media Group with Longoria, where he is CEO, a Banijay-backed venture that will develop and produce its own slate as well as invest in creator-led companies.

“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said. “As the entertainment ecosystem continues to undergo seismic shifts, I look forward to linking arms with our new officers and governors to lead our Academy and support our membership as we forge the path ahead together.”

The Academy also announced its newly elected officers and governors for the 2024-2025 term. Additionally, TV Academy President Maury McIntyre has added CEO to his title as he has renewed his contract through 2026. Chief Financial Officer Heather Cochran has also been named Chief Operating Officer. She and Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Media & Brand Management Susan Spencer have extended their contracts through 2025

The incoming officers, elected by the Board of Governors, who will serve a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025, are: Sharon Lieblein, Vice Chair; Rickey Minor, 2nd Vice Chair; Allison Binder, Secretary; and Ann Leslie Uzdavinis, Treasurer.

The Academy’s newly elected governors will serve a two-year term through 2025 along with their co-governors who continue to serve two-year terms ending December 31, 2024.

The Emmys are set to air on Fox on January 15, 2024, pushed due to the writers and actors strikes. They will be preceded by the Creative Emmys the weekend before.

Eva Longoria Teams Up with Cris Abrego to Launch Hyphenate Media Group

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Eva Longoria is proving to be a real (multi)hyphenate…

The 48-year-old Mexican American actress, director and producer and Cris Abrego, two of the most high-profile Latinos in Hollywood, have joined forces.

Eva Longoria & Cris Abrego Longoria and Abrego have launched Hyphenate Media Group, a new Banijay-backed venture that will develop and produce its own slate as well as invest in creator-led companies.

The company, which has been in the works for months, was announced during a keynote with the duo, who have been friends for years, at Mipcom.

Abrego will serve as the CEO of the company, and Longoria will serve as its Chief Creative Officer.

As part of its launch, Hyphenate has acquired the full slate of Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which has been behind series such as NBC’s Telenovela, ABC’s Grand Hotel and CNN’s Searching for Mexico.

As such, Hyphenate will take on Apple TV+’s Land of Women, a six-part series starring and exec produced by the Desperate Housewives star that will launch in 2024.

The company will develop and produce both scripted and unscripted series and both of them will produce for the business with all television projects directed by Longoria also coming under the new banner, which is set to firm up its leadership team later this year.

Abrego, who founded Below Deck producer 51 Minds Entertainment in 2003, will remain Chairman of Americas for Banijay and he also serves as Chair of the Television Academy Foundation and a member of the Executive Committee for the Television Academy.

The move marks Banijay’s first investment into the scripted space in the U.S.

Speaking at Mipcom, Abrego spotlighted the decision-making behind launching a diverse content company, as he quoted research that found 50% of American under-18s are not white.

“Supporting creatives in their vision is what we will do,” he added. “The train has left the station and the content has to reflect that.”

He cited influential and talented diverse creatives such as Jordan Peele and Ali Wong, whose work “used to be niche but is now the center.”

Reflecting on the company’s name and MO, Longoria said people had always mistaken her for an actor-turned-producer but she is in fact a “producer-director that fell into acting.”

“That multi-hyphenate is not surviving in Hollywood because the industry wants you to stay in your lane, particularly women,” she explained. “So it was my frustration and Cris’s ambition a couple of years ago after I realized it’s not just me who feels this way. I know creators who are being suffocated by the system so Hyphenate will create the ultimate model.”

Longoria added that the current U.S. labor action is “a direct result of creators taking control back.”

Eva Longoria to Deliver Keynote Address at Mipcom Cannes Next Month

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Eva Longoria is preparing for a special keynote address…

The 48-year-old Mexican American actress, director, producer and Desperate Housewives star will deliver a joint keynote at Mipcom Cannes next month.

Eva LongoriaAlongside Banijay Americas chairman Cris Abrego, the Emmy-nominated Longoria will delve into the latest themes defining the entertainment industry, forecasting how they may shape the future both creatively and commercially.

The keynote will take place in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on Monday, October 16 at 4:00 pm local time, as part of Mipcom’s Media Masterminds track.

Longoria and Abrego have been professional collaborators for more than two decades. Their talk will highlight their experiences and insights as industry leaders.

Besides her acting roles, Longoria has run her own production business UnbeliEVAble Entertainment since 2005. The company is behind ABC’s Grand Hotel, NBC’s Telenovela and Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated documentary Reversing Row, as well as the culinary docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico for CNN.

She made her feature directorial debut through Flamin’ Hot, which was released earlier this year through Searchlight Pictures on Disney+ and Hulu, and engages in philanthropic work and activism on issues such as diversity in the media and Latina entrepreneurism.

Abrego, the founder of 51 Minds Entertainment and a key player in the establishment of reality television in the U.S., is one of the most prominent television executives in the Americas and currently leads acquisitions and new business ventures across North and South America for Banijay.

“Mipcom Cannes is one of the industry’s most significant global marketplaces, and it’s an honor to join the conversation as a keynote speaker alongside Cris,” said Longoria. “Our industry is facing tremendous disruption and transformation which can lead to opportunities that can transform and reshape the future of what content looks like.  I’m looking forward to discussing how we can drive what’s to come.”

Mipcom will run from October 17-19 in Cannes, France. Several industry keynotes such as Warner Bros Discovery International president Gerhard Zeiler have already been announced.

Gloria Calderón Kellett Appointed to Television Academy’s Executive Committee

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Gloria Calderón Kellett is reporting for committee duty…

The 47-year-old Cuban American award-winning television writer/creator has been appointed to the Television Academy’s Executive Committee for 2023 by chairman and CEO Frank Scherma.

Gloria Calderón KellettCalderon Kellet is among six new committee members that includes Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO/HBO Max Content; George Cheeks, President and CEO, CBS, and Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+; Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Universal Studio Group; Lisa Nishimura, Vice President, Independent and Documentary Films at Netflix; and Zack Van Amburg, Chief Content Officer and Head of Worldwide Video for Apple TV+.

They will advise on the organization’s diverse initiatives and help lead the Academy throughout the upcoming year.

“I’m thrilled to welcome these accomplished executives back to serve on our Executive Committee,” said Scherma in a statement. “They will continue to bring their extensive experience and insight to our dynamic organization.”

Additionally, the Academy’s Board of Governors has elected the following Peer Group Governors as their representatives on the executive committee for the 2023 term: Eddie Bonin (special visual effects), Debra Curtis (television executives), Jill Dickerson (reality programming) and Troy Underwood (children’s programming). Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy Foundation, will also serve on the committee.

Calderón Kellett’s recent credits include the One Day at a Time reboot and Amazon Studios’ With Love.

Eva Longoria Named to Television Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors

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Eva Longoria is joining the board…

The 46-year-old Mexican American actress, activist and former Desperate Housewives star has been appointed to the board of directors at the Television Academy Foundation.

 

Eva LongoriaThe foundation’s programs include an annual internship program, a media faculty conference and the College Television Awards in addition to its extensive archive of oral histories of TV legends, The Interviews.

Longoria will work alongside foundation chair Cris Abrego and the board to further the group’s work promoting inclusion in the TV industry and providing educational and professional development programs for students with diverse backgrounds.

“We are thrilled to welcome two exceedingly accomplished, inspiring and engaged trailblazers to the foundation’s board,” Abrego said in a release announcing the appointments. “As leaders in their respective fields, their expertise and thought leadership will help drive the Foundation’s initiatives and champion the advancement of aspiring professionals from underrepresented communities to ensure a more inclusive, next-generation television talent pool.”

Longoria has been has been leading the charge of diverse and female representation in the industry since her role on ABC’s Desperate Housewives, both in front of the camera and via her production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which recently teamed up with ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group for their First Time Directors program highlighting BIPOC and women filmmakers to produce 50 films across the group’s portfolio of networks and streaming services.

Gloria Calderón Kellett Appointed to Television Academy’s Executive Committee

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Gloria Calderón Kellett is joining the Television Academy’s executive committee…

The 45-year-old Latina television writer, creator and One Day at a Time executive producer is among the six new appointees to organization’s executive committee, as chosen by the organization’s chairman and CEO, Frank Scherma.

Gloria Calderón Kellett

Calderón Kellett is joined by Issa Rae, Rob Mills, Anonymous Content’s Dawn Olmstead, Amazon Studios’ Vernon Sanders and Apple TV Plus’ Zack Van Amburg.

“We are thrilled to be able to leverage the collective expertise of this talented group of Television innovators as we navigate this extraordinary time in the history of our industry,” Scherma said. “Their leadership provides invaluable insight that will allow the Academy to play an integral role in shaping the evolution of the medium.”

The six appointees will work closely with the Television Academy’s officers and board of governors to develop and guide the direction of the Academy for the 2021 term, the organization said.

Here’s more on Scherma’s new executive committee members:

Gloria Calderón Kellett: Executive producer, co-creator, co-showrunner, director and actress on One Day at a Time. Other credits as a writer/producer include Devious Maids, Rules of Engagement and How I Met Your Mother. She also directed episodes of Mr. Iglesias, Merry Happy Whatever, United We Fall and the Mad About You revival; and recently sold her first feature film, We Were There Too.

Robert Mills: Senior vice president, alternative series, specials and late-night programming, ABC Entertainment. Mills oversees development, current production and specials for ABC, with shows such as “American Idol,” “Shark Tank,” “The Bachelor” franchise, “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” He also handles late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and the “Fun & Games” programming block.

 

Dawn Olmstead: Recently named CEO and partner of Anonymous Content. Prior to that, she served as president of Universal Content Productions, overseeing all creative and business operations of scripted and non-scripted content for the studio.

Issa Rae: Actress, writer and producer. She created and stars in HBO’s “Insecure,” for which she has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Rae’s film credits include “The Hate U Give,” “The Lovebirds” and “Coastal Elites.”

Vernon Sanders: Co-Head of Television at Amazon Studios. Sanders oversees scripted and unscripted original programming produced for Prime Video and IMDb TV alongside Albert Cheng, including “Fleabag,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” and “The Boys.” Prior to Amazon, Sanders served as executive vice president, current programming for NBC.

Zack Van Amburg: Chief content officer and head of worldwide video for Apple TV Plus. Van Amburg oversees all aspects of strategy for video programming globally including the launch of the platform. Prior to Apple, he served as president of Sony Pictures Television.

Meanwhile also elected to the Academy’s board of governors as representatives on the executive committee for the 2021 term: Eva Basler, daytime programming; Kim Coleman, casting directors; Nicole Marostica, public relations; and Lois Vossen, documentary programming.

Cris Abrego, Chairman of the Americas, Banijay, and President and CEO, Endemol Shine Holdings, who was recently elected to serve a two-year term as the Television Academy foundation chair, will also serve on the Television Academy’s executive committee.

Cris Abrego Becomes First Latino Elected Chair of Television Academy Foundation

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Cris Abrego is making history…

The Latino television executive, who was recently named Banijay’s Chairman of the Americas and president and CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings, has been elected chair of the Television Academy Foundation.

Cris Abrego

Abrego becomes the first Latino to hold the office; his two-year term will begin January 1 and run through December 31, 2022.

Other officers elected to serve two-year terms at the Television Academy’s charitable arm include Vice Chair Jonathan Murray, Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder; Treasurer Deborah Bradley, president of Bungalo Homes, Amherst; and Secretary Billie Greer, a public policy advisor and consultant.

Abrego succeeds Madeline Di Nonno, the CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, who served two consecutive terms. She’ll remain on the Foundation’s board of directors, and with Thomas Sarnoff will continue to serve on the foundation’s Executive Committee as Chair Emeritus and Founding Chair Emeritus, respectively.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve as Foundation chair and look forward to working with the board and staff as we build a more inclusive entertainment business,” Abrego said. “During these unprecedented times, we are expanding our reach to serve an even greater number of diverse students from across the country, advancing the Foundation’s goals of helping to shape the careers of the next generation of television professionals.”

Abrego’s oversight includes Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds Entertainment, Stephen David Entertainment and Yellow Bird U.S.

In Latin America, Abrego also oversees Endemol Shine Latino, the company’s Spanish- and Portuguese-language sales and development division.

Cris Abrego Named Chairman of the Americas for Banijay

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Cris Abrego is leading the Americas charge…

The Latino entertainment executive has been appointed as the head of Banijay across the U.S. and Latin America.

Cris Abrego

The 51 Minds Entertainment co-founder scored the top job after Banijay closed its acquisition of Endemol Shine. He becomes Chairman of the Americas, Banijay and President and CEO, Endemol Shine Holdings, reporting to CEO Marco Bassetti.

Abrego, who was previously CEO, Endemol Shine North America and Chairman, Endemol Shine Americas, will oversee companies including Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds, Stephen David Entertainment and YellowBird US as well as Endemol Shine Latino.

Banijay Studios North America will continue to be run independently by President and CEO, David Goldberg.

Cris Abrego Named to Television Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors

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Cris Abrego is joining the Board…

The Television Academy Foundation has added four new members to its board of directors, including the Latino television executive at Endemol Shine.

Cris Abrego

Abrego will be joined by fellow newcomers to the board: Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder Jonathan Murray, OWN president Tina Perry and composer Rickey Minor.

Abrego is chairman of Endemol Shine Americas, and CEO of Endemol Shine North America. He oversees shows in the U.S. including Big Brother, MasterChef and Lego Masters.

The Television Academy Foundation is the charitable arm of the Television Academy. Its board of directors also includes Netflix’s Cindy Holland, Nina Tassler, Epix’s Michael Wright and Suzanne de Passe.

“Our incoming board members bring extensive business and creative acumen in key sectors of our television industry,” said Madeline Di Nonno, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “We welcome their thought leadership, strategic guidance and support as the Foundation expands its educational programs and community outreach, which are designed to promote diversity and inclusivity within the television industry and deepen support for the next generation of entertainment leaders.”