Gravitas Ventures Acquires North American Rights to Carlos Gomez’s Latest Film “Spiked”

Carlos Gomez’s latest project is getting a spike in attention…

Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Studios company, has acquired North American rights to distribute the 59-year-old Latin America actor’s film Spiked, which hails from writer/director Juan Martinez Vera.

Carlos Gomez

In addition to Gomez, who starred the in the short-lived series The Baker and the Beauty, the film also stars Aidan Quinn, Deirdre Lovejoy, Danay Garcia, Wendy Makkena, Lovensky Jean-Baptiste and Walter Belenky.

Sal Lopez, and Christopher Rich star in this indie feature drama.  

Spiked is a dramatic story rooted in the injustices that immigrant workers experience along the U.S./Mexico border. Principal photography on the indie feature was completed in 2019 on location in and around southern Arizona.

“Anchored by an outstanding performance by Aidan Quinn, Juan’s film integrates issues around immigration, law enforcement, and journalistic integrity into a compelling real-life narrative. We look forward to presenting this timely film to North American audiences,” said Tony Piantedosi, Vice President of Acquisitions at Gravitas Ventures.

The story follows John Wilson, a newspaper publisher in a small U.S./Mexico border town who denounces the abuse of power by local law enforcement. John has been at it for years and has made more than a few enemies and stepped on more than a few toes. Following the killing of an immigrant worker, an incident that the police are unwilling to do anything about, the newspaper publisher and his team take on the plight of the family and of the community to find those responsible and bring them to justice. At every turn, his efforts are thwarted by an uncooperative police chief who seems to have her own agenda. Matters escalate when John succumbs to a mysterious illness that threatens his life and his investigation.

Spiked follows the personal stories of characters along the border and how their lives collide when they attempt to fight for justice,” Martinez Vera said. “I was inspired to write and direct this project after hearing real-life stories of immigrants suffering abuse of power from law enforcement agencies some 20-years ago and incredibly moved by how relevant these stories are today as immigrant families continue to grapple with inhuman and unjust treatment. I’m thrilled that Gravitas will bring this film to audiences in the U.S., while we look toward announcing plans for distribution throughout Latin American and other markets.”

The film will be produced by Per Melita.

On March 26th, Gravitas will launch the film across multiple VOD platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, Vimeo, Gravitas Movies, and release on SVOD platforms to follow later this year.

Daddy Yankee Featured on Beat Fever’s Interactive Album to Help Puerto Rico’s Recovery Efforts

Daddy Yankee is spreading the Fever to help his homeland…

Beat Fever, a mobile music app with more than 9.1 million fans, has launched a campaign to help Puerto Rico recovery efforts, featuring the 41-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar.

Daddy Yankee

Play for Puerto Rico,” which Beat Fever launched in conjunction with non-profit organization Today I’m Brave, seeks to raise $500,000 to rebuild at least 100 roofs in Puerto Rico by driving awareness and donations to 100Roofs.org, which is spearheaded by actress Rosie Perez and Ramon Rodriguez in partnership with disaster relief organization Heart 9/11.

An interactive album featuring music from Daddy YankeeLuis Fonsi, Nicky Jam and more allows fans tap to the beat of the songs, and learn about the project via pop-up videos between songs. They can then donate directly to 100Roofs.org with the click of a button. Puerto Rican-themed virtual clothing will allow fans to personalize their avatar.

“It’s hard to imagine that 60,000 homes are still using blue tarps as roofs in Puerto Rico a year after the hurricanes. In the spirit of teaching a man to fish, 100Roofs is a sustainable and scalable way to help Puerto Ricans rebuild their homes and communities,” said David Angelo, founder of Today, I’m Brave.

Beat Fever, which was launched last year and has fans in over 150 countries, will run the “Play for Puerto Rico” campaign through November. 30 here and via iTunes and Google Play.

 

Bella Thorne’s “Amityville: The Awakening” to be Available Free on Google Play

Bella Thorne is ready to (Google) play scared…

After its release date was shifted four times, Weinstein Co./Dimension Films/Blumhouse Production’s Amityville: The Awakening, starring the 19-year-old half-Cuban American actress, will now be available for free exclusively on Google Play from October 12 to November 8.

Bella Thorne

In addition, Amityville will receive a limited theatrical release on October 28.

The movie stars Thorne, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jennifer Morrison, and Cameron Monaghan and was written and directed by Franck Khalfoun.

In the movie, Belle (Thorne) and her family encounter a strange phenomena when they move into their new house. Belle begins to suspect her mother (Leigh) isn’t telling her everything. It’s then that she soon realizes they just moved into the infamous Amityville house where between illusion and reality lies evil.

Lovato Releases New Single “Body Say”

Demi Lovato is sharing her Body (Say)

The 23-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress has dropped her new single “Body Say” on Apple Music, Spotify and Google Play.

Demi Lovato Body Say

The release of the steamy song comes soon after Lovato revealed it as her latest single.

Lovato recorded the sexy track — with lyrics that say “You can touch me with slow hands/Speed it up, baby, make me sweat/Dreamland, take me there ‘cause I want your sex/If my body had a say, I wouldn’t turn away” — only a couple weeks ago before releasing it Friday (July 1).

She tweeted to fans that she “wanted you guys to hear it right away…whats the point in waiting anymore.”

The singer first teased “Body Say” earlier in the week with a set of nude, black-and-white images taken for the single’s artwork.

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0i7bg5CcqyaceKjXaPXywN

El Rey Network Picks Up Garcia’s “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” for a Second Season

It’s From Dusk Till Dawn and beyond for Jesse Garcia and his co-stars…

El Rey Network has picked up the Mexican/Spanish-American actor’s new series From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series for a 13-episode second season. Garcia portrays Texas Ranger Freddie Gonzalez on the series.

Jesse Garcia

The announcement comes only two weeks after the network’s first original series debuted.

From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series has been earning bank  from distribution pacts, including a deal with Netflix, which carries the series in key international territories and is on board for Season 2, and a DVD/EST agreement with eOne for the U.S. and Canada, which makes From Dusk Till Dawn episodes available on Amazon, iTunes, Sony Playstation, Xbox, Vudu, Google Play, Cinemanow, Blackberry and Target Ticket after their El Rey premiere.

“As the television landscape becomes even more crowded, it’s important for El Rey Network to have a recurring and memorable franchise that speaks to our audience and allows us to break away from the noise of all the competition,” El Rey vice chair Scott Sassa said. “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series is most certainly that kind of property and we are thrilled with the response from our affiliate partners, advertisers, viewers and the international community.”

From Dusk Till Dawn is based on the cult classic film of the same name by the network’s co-founder Robert Rodriguez, who created the series and directed four of the first season’s installments.

“This is a truly unique property and one that has really resonated for viewers,” he said. “It has been a joy to bring these characters back to life and have the opportunity to take our storytelling to a whole new place.”

In addition to Garcia, From Dusk Till Dawn’s international cast includes D.J. Cotrona, Zane Holtz, Eiza González, Wilmer Valderrama, Adrianne Palicki, Jake Busey, Don Johnson, Madison Davenport, Lane Garrison, Robert Patrick, and Brandon Soo Hoo.