Manolo Gonzalez Vergara to Host Roku Competitive Cooking Show “Celebrity Family Cook Off”

Manolo Gonzalez Vergara is heading to the kitchen…

Roku has ordered a celebrity cooking show Celebrity Family Cook Off, which will be hosted by the 31-year-old Colombian actor and executive produced by his mother Sofia Vergara.

Manolo Gonzalez Vergara & Sofia VergaraThe streamer has greenlit the new series, which will see famous families face off in the name of charity.

In each episode, a food-loving celebrity and a family member compete against another celebrity family duo in a two-round battle, dinner followed by dessert. Each round of the competition will feature a culinary challenge inspired by a hit movie or television series. The winning celeb-family duo will receive a cash prize to donate to a charity of their choice.

Gonzalez Vergara will be joined by judges Kalen Allen and Fariyal Abdullahi.

The six-episode series is produced by Butternut, the Wheelhouse company run by former Food Network boss Courtney White and Latin World Entertainment, the company founded by Luis Balaguer and Vergara.

It is Roku’s latest food show after The Great American Baking Show, Morimoto’s Sushi Master, Martha Cooks and Emeril Tailgates.

Brian Tannenbaum, Head of Originals, Roku Media, said, “It’s incredible to have the opportunity to collaborate with Sofia Vergara and Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, alongside the production teams at Butternut and Latin World Entertainment, to serve up Celebrity Family Cook Off, a new Roku Original series that will dish out food, family and competitive spirit in the name of charity.”

“We’re so excited to be partnering with Roku to bring you a fun, new cooking competition! Working as a family is great and doing it in the spirit of giving back is even better,” said Manolo Gonzalez Vergara.

Courtney White added, “This show perfectly blends Sofia and Manolo’s infectious love for family with their shared passion for food. We think this series will be an absolute delight for viewers and a great addition to Roku’s endless entertainment offerings. Our team at Butternut is excited to be part of the fun.”

Sofia Vergara to Portray Drug Queenpin Griselda Blanco in New Netflix Series “Griselda”

Sofia Vergara is dealing her way to the small screen…

The 49-year-old Colombian-American actress, television producer, presenter and model is set to portray notorious drug queenpin Griselda Blanco in a new Netflix limited series.

Sofia VergaraThe six-episode series Griselda chronicles the real-life of Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most profitable cartels in history. A devoted mother, Blanco’s lethal blend of charm and unsuspecting savagery helped her expertly navigate between family and business leading her to become widely known as the “Black Widow”.

The series comes from writer Ingrid Escajeda, who is showrunner, writer, and executive producer, as well as Eric Newman, Doug Miro, Andrés Baiz, and Carlo Bernard— the creative team behind Narcos – but it is unrelated to Netflix’s drug thriller franchise.

Vergara will also serve as executive producer of the project with Luis Balaguer for Latin World Entertainment. Colombian native Baiz will direct all episodes.

“Griselda Blanco was a larger-than-life character whose ruthless but ingenious tactics allowed her to rule a billion dollar empire years before many of the most notorious male kingpins we know so much about,” Vergara said. “We are thrilled to have found the perfect partners in Eric, Andrés and Netflix to help us bring this story of her life to the screen.”

Newman added, “Griselda Blanco has long been a passion project for Sofia and we are grateful that she and her partners at LatinWe have chosen us to help her tell that story. Sofia is a brilliant talent and her passion combined with a fantastic story from Doug and Ingrid, and the amazing Andrés Baiz at the directing helm, means we have a very exciting series to share with audiences.”

Peter Friedlander, VP, UCAN scripted series at Netflix, said, “Eric Newman has deftly brought to life among the most dynamic characters and stories on screen today. We’re excited to continue on this creative path with him and for this collaboration with Sofia Vergara — a force in entertainment and a world-beloved talent. With an incredible team at the helm — we can’t wait for the world to see how Ingrid Escajeda, Doug Miro, and Andrés Baiz take on the twists and turns of Griselda Blanco’s epic story.”

Blanco burst onto the pop culture scene after her exploits were highlighted in the 2006 documentary Cocaine Cowboys and its sequel two years later from Billy Corben. She was portrayed by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the Lifetime biopic Cocaine Godmother in 2018.

Jennifer Lopez announced she’d portray Blanco in the film The Godmother, a project she is rumored to also direct.

Sofia Vergara May Be Headed to the Judges’ Table on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Sofia Vergara may be on the hunt for new talent…

The 47-year-old Colombian actress, currently in her final season on ABC’s Modern Family, may be the newest judge on NBC’s summer reality series America’s Got Talent

Sofia Vergara

Vergara reportedly met with top executives at the network yesterday. It was a broad, general meeting to discuss a number of possible projects and collaborations, including Vergara joining the America’s Got Talent judging panel. 

According to TMZ, which first reported about the meeting, reps for AGTproducer Fremantlealso were present.

AGThas two vacancies after the reality hit created and executive produced by Simon Cowellopted not to bring back as judges Gabrielle Unionand Julianne Houghfollowing one-season stints.

The firings triggered a wave of controversy after it was revealed that Union had complained of a toxic work environment and racism before being let go. The backlash prompted NBC and Fremantle to launch an investigation, which is ongoing.

Vergara recently appeared in and executive produced 365 Days of Love, a daily docuseries for Facebook Watch. It came from Latino-focused entertainment company Raze, which Vergara co-founded with Emiliano Calemzuk and Luis Balaguer.

Vergara has earned four Emmyand four Golden Globe nominations for her role as Gloria on ABC’s Modern Familynow in its 11th and final season.

Trailer Released for Telemundo’s “El Secreto de Selena,” Starring Maya Zapata

The secret’s out for Maya Zapata

Telemundo has released the first trailer for the new series El Secreto de Selena, starring the 37-year-old Mexican actress as the slain Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla, aka La Reina de la Musica Tejana.

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The story is an adaptation of the book also titled El Secreto de Selenawritten by Telemundo journalist Maria Celeste Arrarás and published in 1997.

The one-minute clip shows a ring falling to the ground and revisits the moment Arrarás goes on-air to announce the death of Selena. Then, the trailer shows fragments of scenes from the trial of Yolanda Saldivar(Selena’s convicted murderer) and showcases Saldivar’s behavior during different key moments, ranging from Selena’s wedding to Chris Perezto heavy discussions with the late singer.

In addition to Zapata, the series also stars Damayanti QuintanarSofía LamaJorge ZárateBaltimore Beltrán and Bárbara González.

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Arrarás participated co-executive-produced the series with Fernando BarbosaLuis BalaguerLeonardo Aranguibel and Francisco Cordero

The series was produced by Buena Vista Original ProductionsMoconocoLatinWE and BTF Media.

El Secreto de Selena is set to premiere on Sunday, August 25, on Telemundo.

Facebook Watch to Launch Sofia Vergara’s Daily Docuseries “365 Days of Love” on New Year’s Day

Sofia Vergara is making a Loveconnection…

Facebook Watch has scheduled a New Year’s Day premiere for its new daily docuseries 365 Days of Love, featuring the 46-year-old Colombian actress and Modern Family.

Sofia Vergara 

The project—hailing from New Form and Latino-focused entertainment company Raze, co-founded by Vergara, Emiliano Calemzuk and Luis Balaguer—was developed by New Form CEO Kathleen Grace.

365 Days of Love will feature a new story of love and human connection daily throughout 2019. The stories hail from top talent, influencers, emerging filmmakers and everyday people and take on different forms, with each storyteller offering their own perspective of what love means to them.

Vergara will serve as executive producer, along with Balaguer for Raze, and will be the subject of several stories.

“When I founded Raze with Emiliano and Luis, our goal was to always provide a place where people can share passionate stories and make a difference. The 365 Days of Love daily documentary series does just that by allowing us to create a movement that challenges the world to contemplate the things that make us connected as humans,” said Vergara. “I am excited to partner with New Form and Facebook Watch to help bring the world closer together in a conversation about unity, love and what we all share in together.”

The series is currently in production and is actively seeking stories. More information can be found on the Facebook Watch landing page.

Nicolas Goldschmidt to Star as Diego Maradona in Amazon Prime Video’s Biopic Series “Maradona: Blessed Dream”

Nicolas Goldschmidt is headed to the football pitch..

The 31-year-old Argentine actor has been cast as the legendary and notorious soccer star Diego Maradona in Maradona: Blessed Dream, an Amazon Prime Video biopic series being produced by RAZE, Dhana Media and BTF.

Nicolas Goldschmidt 

Nicolas Goldschmidt will star alongside Nazareno Casero and Juan Palomino in the series, which follows Maradona’s life from infancy to his present life and his journey playing for Barcelona, Napoli, Boca and leading his national team as captain for Argentina.

The actors will each play a different stage in Maradona’s life. Goldschmidt will play Maradona during his early years, Casero will play him during his rise to fame with club teams like Barcelona and Napoli, and Argentina’s national team, and Palomino will take him on in the darker times.

The first season will begin filming in Argentina, followed by Uruguay, Spain, Italy and Mexico.

RAZE is the production company launched by Sofia VergaraLuis Balaguer and Emiliano Calemzuk to create Latin-centered content.

The series will be available in more than 200 territories on Amazon Prime Video, and later distributed on linear platforms through Disney Distribution.

Goldschmidt previously appeared in the Farsantes and Mis amigos de siempre. Casero starred in the film Estamos Juntos. Palomino has starred in Sálvame María.

Sofia Vergara’s Latin Digtal Media Company Raze Closes Development Deals with Netflix, Hulu & TNT

Sofia Vergara’s razing the roof…

Raze, the Latino digital media company co-founded by the 45-year-old Colombian actress and Modern Family star, has struck production and development deals with NetflixHulu, and TNT.

Sofia Vergara

Co-founded by Latin World Entertainment founder Luis Balaguer, and industry leader Emiliano Calemzuk, the fast-growing company will roll out three series across the aforementioned platforms.

Raze is moving forward into production with the original series Catrina, la Santa Muerte for Netflix. They are also developing Mi Hermanastro for Hulu and Black Veil for TNT.

“In just one year, Raze has jumped to a leadership position as a multi-purpose Latino creative engine capable of growing a digital media and social platform, as well as supplying high-quality long-form product to top distributors in the US and Latin America,” said Calemzuk. “As we move forward with this original programming slate, we will bring the best content to our viewers through their favorite platforms.”

“At Raze, we continue working to develop and produce original content that changes the narrative on how Latin-centered stories are told,” adds Mari Urdaneta Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer. “We work with an excellent team of creative writers and producers who will provide unique and innovated plots that will resonate with viewers across key demos.”

Raze has teamed with Hollywood leading creative writers Natasha Ybarra-Klor, Liz Sczudlo, and Luisa Leschin to bring the Latino stories to the market

Here’s the programming slate:

Catrina: La Santa Muerte is heading to production at Netflix. Starring international star Blanca Soto, the series marks Soto’s comeback to the small screen. The action series is set on the geographical border between Mexico and the United States, at a time when the metaphysical border between the world of the living and the Land of the Dead is beginning to blur. Produced by Raze, the series is executive produced by Blanca Soto and is written by Natasha Ybarra-Klor whose credits include Netflix hit series Ingobernable, Cadena 3, Las Aparicio and Infames, and Fox/Argos Dos Lunas, among others.

Mi Hermanastro (My Step-brother) is set up as a script at Hulu. Based on the online Latin American smash hit series with the same name, Mi Hermanastro is about two teenage step-siblings at odds with each other and struggling to find their place in life, who accidentally sleep together during a debauched game of seven minutes in heaven. Produced by Raze, the script is written by Liz Sczudlo whose credits include Lifetime’s Sea Change, Freeform’s Switched at Birth, Fox’s The Following, and CW’s 90210.

The Black Veil is set up at TNT. The events and characters depicted in The Black Veil are fiction, though inspired by actual events described in newly-released Inquisition documents from the Vatican regarding a criminal case against an Italian order of nuns, around 1800. The series centers around the cloistered Convent of St. Agatha’s, nestled in New Mexico’s Blue Mountains overlooking the town of Sagrado. As the U.S. enters WWII and New Mexico readies to send over 1800 of its rough-hewn cowboy, Navajo and Mexican- American soldiers overseas, the hierarchical population of nuns, novitiates and staff living behind the high stone walls of the convent struggle to remain solvent and unaffected by the war. To maintain their sanctuary hidden from the outside world, the nuns live in symbiotic collusion under the strong hand of a cultish Abbess. The isolation and constant search for enlightenment creates a hothouse atmosphere of religious ecstasies, miracles, sexual repression and powerful intrigue. A sophisticated, authentically depicted, nighttime series, The Black Veil features forbidden love, lust, poisonings, feigned miracles and murder. Produced by Raze, the script is written by Luisa Leschin whose credits includes Amazon’s Just Add Magic, Hulu’s East Los High, and ABC’s George Lopez, among others.

Nazario to Serve as Guest Speaker at the Billboard Latin Music Conference

It’ll be all about “me” for Ednita Nazario in April…

The 61-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and Latin Grammy-winning artist will be a guest speaker at the newly announced panel discussion “Me, Me, Me” at the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Conference.

Ednita Nazario

Other speakers on the panel, which will explore why Latin stars are a “hot commodity for memoirs and biopics,” include Creative Artists Agency agent Bruno del Granado, Luis Balaguer (CEO and co-founder — along with Sofía Vergara — of Latin World Entertainment), and executive producer and literary agent Raymond García (known for negotiating memoir deals for superstars like Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez).

Nazario is releasing her autobiography, Una Vida, on May 2, 2017 via Penguin/Random House.

“Many people will be surprised by some of the anecdotes,” Nazario tells People en Español. “Some were evident, others not. What I want to do with the book is let them discover that part that I kept private. “

The Billboard Latin Music Conference will kick off April 24 in Miami with other panels like “Superstar Q&A’s” and marquee sessions like the “Urban Music Panel,” the “Divas Panel” and “How I Wrote that Song, the New Generation.”

Colombian superstar Maluma was previously announced as a panelist taking center stage at the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Conference on the new panel, “Socializing Maluma.”

The chart-topping artist and also a seven-time 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards finalist will give the audience an inside look on how he works his social media.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards are the culmination of the Billboard Latin Music Conference, taking place April 24-27 at the Ritz Carlton Miami Beach. To register, visit www.billboardlatinconference.com.

Vergara’s “Killer Women” Gets Pilot Order at ABC

It looks like Sofia Vergara may soon be following in the footsteps of Salma Hayek

ABC has ordered a pilot to an adaptation of Argentine series Killer Women from the 40-year-old Colombian actress-turned-producer, much like the network did with Hayek’s Ugly Betty, which was based on Fernando Gaitán‘s Colombian telenovela  Yo soy Betty, la fea.

Sofia Vergara

Ugly Betty would end up being picked up to series and run on ABC for four seasons.

Killer Women revolves around a female Texas Ranger, with the Modern Family star attached to executive produce the hour-long project, which landed at the network with a script commitment in October.

The drama is based on the Argentine series Mujeres Asesinas, which itself is based on the book trilogy of the same name by Marisa Grinstein.

Hannah Shakespeare will pen the pilot script and executive produce alongside feature director Martin Campbell, Vergara and her Latin World Entertainment partner Luis Balaguer.

Vergara to Executive Produce “Killer Women” for ABC

Sofia Vergara has lined up her next television project… Only this time, it’ll find her behind the camera…

ABC has given a script commitment to Killer Women, with the 40-year-old Colombian actress and Modern Family star attached to serve as executive producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sofia Vergara

Killer Women is described as a soapy procedural revolving around a female Texas Ranger.

The hour-long project is based on the Argentine series, Mujeres Asesinas, which is actually based on the book trilogy of the same name by Marisa Grinstein.

Hannah Shakespeare (The Raven) will pen the script and executive produce alongside feature director Martin Campbell, Vergara and her Latin World Entertainment partner Luis Balaguer.

The drama hails from ABC Studios.

Vergara started her career in Colombia as a model/actress, eventually playing Alicia Oviedo on the local version of Desperate Housewives.