Iñaki Godoy Signs with M88 for Representation

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Iñaki Godoy has new representation…

The 19-year-old Mexican actor and star of Netflix’s forthcoming series One Piece has signed with M88 for representation.

Arriving on the streamer on August 31st, the series created by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda is a live-action adaptation of the same-name 1997 manga series from Eiichiro Oda.

Godoy stars as Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate captain who sets out with his crew to attain the mythical treasure known as ‘One Piece’ and secure the title of Pirate King.

Godoy was most recently seen in Netflix’s series The Imperfects, centered on imperfect superheroes who must navigate their newfound abilities while dealing with personal struggles and a looming threat to humanity. He is otherwise best known for a turn in the streamer’s Spanish-language drama series Who Killed Sara?, following a man’s relentless pursuit of justice while investigating the mysterious death of his sister and the dark secrets he uncovers.

Additional credits for Godoy include the Mexican films No Abras La Puerta, MexZombies and Go Youth, as well as the series Los Elegidos and Sin miedo a la verdad.

He continues to be represented by Viewpoint.

Founded in 2020 by former WME partner Phillip Sun and Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King, M88 reps storytellers, actors, writers and multi-hyphenates.

Jessica Alba To Take Part in Creative Artists Agency’s Amplify Summit 2023

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba is amplifying her voice…

The 42-year-old half-Mexican American actress and entrepreneur has joined the list of Hollywood speakers and attendees for the Creative Artists Agency’s Amplify Summit 2023.

The invitation-only event kicks off on June 26 in Ojai, Calif., and will convene leading artists, thought-leaders, and executives of color from the industries of entertainment, sports, media, brands and technology.

While there, invitees will have the opportunity to explore business and social justice initiatives, as well as potential collaborations that could “accelerate transformational change in rooms of leadership and popular culture,” according to the event’s organizers.

“CAA Amplify has long utilized CAA’s role as conveners and connectors to create business opportunities for our communities, bringing decision makers together in one room,” CAA’s Natalie Tran, who has been a lead organizer for the summit since its inception. “Now, more than ever, the collective expertise and influence of the CAA Amplify network are essential to drive stronger collaborations in storytelling and partnerships that will help spark change across our industries.”

The complete list of attendees frequently straddle multiple industries and titles, and have notable award nominations and wins.

That includes actors Lupita Nyong’o, Steven Yeun, Xolo Maridueña, Thuso Mbedu, Yara Shahidi and Jillian Mercado; directors Ava DuVernay and Blitz Bazawule; showrunners Quinta Brunson and Sierra Teller Ornelas; recording artists Chloe and Halle Bailey, and Becky G.; comedians Roy Wood Jr. and Ego Nwodim; NBA pro-athletes Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul; author Anand Giridharadas; media personality Tabitha Brown; The Honest Company founder Alba and CEO Carla Vernón; Planned Parenthood president Alexis McGill Johnson; president of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker; and co-founder and CEO of Inflection AI, Mustafa Suleyman, among other leaders.

Anitta Reportedly Taps Rebeca León to Serve as Her New Manager

Posted on June 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta has a new manager…

Rebeca León has been tapped as the 30-year-old Brazilian singer, songwriter, acress and television host’s new manager, according to Variety.

León is the CEO and founder of Lionfish Entertainment, an artist management and production company operating in the music, film, TV, and digital businesses.

Representatives for Republic Records, Anitta’s new label, and León did not respond to requests for comment from Variety.

Anitta was formerly managed by Brandon Silverstein, the founder/CEO of S10 Entertainment, who helped build the multi-lingual singer’s career in the United States.

Just a few months ago, Léon amicably parted ways with her longtime client Rosalía, with whom she started a partnership in 2018. As a manager, she’s worked with numerous renowned Latin acts, including overseeing the fruitful career of Colombian superstar Juanes, and the emergence of J Balvin (they amicably split in 2019).

Before Lionfish, León led Latin operations as senior VP for AEG/Goldenvoice.

This shift in Anitta’s team comes as she’s also switched labels: Anitta had signed a new deal with Universal’s Republic Records in late April, just weeks after her highly-publicized split from Warner Music.

She cut ties with Warner after 11 years at the company and a big effort by the company’s Warner Records label to launch the singer’s career in the U.S. with her multi-genre latest album “Versions of Me,” released just over a year ago.

“After eleven years of successful partnership, we’ve agreed to go our separate ways,” read a statement from the label and artist. “Anitta would like to thank the Warner Music team for all their support. And the Warner team wishes Anitta all the best in future.”

Anitta recently announced the incoming release of her first Republic Records single titled “Funk Rave.” She’s also said to be releasing a new project, a “Brazilian album of English and Spanish,” that pays homage to the early beginnings of Brazilian music.

“I think Brazilian funk is opening its room right now and I want to show more about where this was born and it’s my culture, my community, my place so I feel happy to have this in hands with Republic,” Anitta told Variety.

Rudy Valdez Agrees to Overall Unscripted Deal with Imagine Documentaries

Posted on June 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Rudy Valdez has a new unscripted partner…

The Latino documentary filmmaker has agreed to an overall unscripted deal with Imagine Documentaries.

As part of the agreement, Valdez will develop, direct and executive produce new nonfiction projects for the studio through his Bluff Road Films banner.

The two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker started his career as a camera operator on the Peabody Award-winning, Sundance series Brick City and went on to direct his passion project on HBO’s The Sentence.

Shot and directed by Valdez over the course of a decade, this feature documentary tells the very personal story of his sister’s plight in the criminal justice system, while tackling subjects like mandatory minimums and sentencing reform.

“It has been wonderful to work with Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, and the entire Imagine Documentaries team through the years,” said Valdez. “They have entrusted me with telling a variety of stories and have always supported my vision and approach. This new partnership will allow us to continue to create inspiring projects together and for me to expand, not only in the stories that I am able to tell, but also in my efforts to create a platform that fosters new voices. Along with this new deal, I’m excited to announce the launch of my production company, Bluff Road Films. Steered by an intimate storytelling approach, my team and I will aim to amplify unheard voices. Having the support of Imagine as we ramp up our efforts and take on new projects is invaluable.”

His most recent projects include Sony Pictures Classic’s Carlos and Choir on Disney+.

Both projects are produced by Imagine Entertainment and will premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Festival.

Carlos, the definitive feature documentary of Carlos Santana, follows the artist’s lifelong journey from 14-year-old street musician to 10-time Grammy winning global sensation.

Choir is a six-part docuseries, following the Detroit Youth Choir after their star turn on America’s Got Talent.

“As longtime collaborators of the extraordinary Rudy Valdez, Imagine is thrilled to formalize our unique creative partnership with Rudy and further bolster his prolific documentary impact,” said Bernstein, president of Imagine Documentaries.

Karol G Signs New Record Deal with Interscope Records

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is celebrating a new deal…

Following lengthy negotiations, according to sources, the 32-year-old Colombian superstar has signed a record deal with Interscope Records, the Universal Music Group-owned label has announced.

The new deal will see Karol G leave her longtime home at Universal Music Latino, the label that signed her as a new artist nearly a decade ago and developed her into an international powerhouse, but will have her remain within the Universal family.

Karol G, who is managed by Noah Assad (Bad Bunny), was signed by Universal Music Latin Entertainment in 2016, and under them, she released her history-making set Mañana Será Bonito earlier this year.

The 17-track set debuted atop the Billboard 200 becoming Karol’s first No. 1 on the tally and the chart’s first No. 1 all-Spanish-language album by a woman.

“Our partnership with Karol and her team dates back to the beginning of her career, and it has been a thrilling journey filled with incredible music,” said Lucian Grainge, UMG chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement. “She is simply one of the most exciting artists in popular music today and we’re honored she has chosen to deepen her partnership with UMG for many more years to come.”

“Karol G is without a doubt one of the most powerful, creative and dynamic artists in the world,” said John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “We are thrilled to welcome her into the IGA family.”

Interscope Executive Vice President Nir Seroussi who oversees the company’s Miami operation added: “Karol is one of the most talented, driven and astute artists with whom I’ve ever worked. She brings with her a world-class team in Noah Assad, Jessica Giraldo and Raymond Acosta, and we look forward to working with them to build upon Karol’s global legacy as an artist.”

Karol G’s move, from Latin label to mainstream label, is not all that common in the music world. While many stars who are signed to major labels release their music jointly between Latin and mainstream labels according to language –Shakira long released her English albums on Epic and her Spanish language albums on via Sony Music Latin, for example, and Enrique Iglesias released both on Interscope and Universal Music Latin– Karol G will fall entirely under Interscope’s purview.

“John, Nir and the entire team at Interscope have built the only platform of its kind which will enable Karol to serve her current fanbase while continuing to grow her audience around the world,” said Assad about Karol G’s new deal. “We’re excited to get started with everyone at Interscope.”

Karol G’s tenure at Universal Music Latino was successful and steadily ascending. There, the “Tusa” singer became a force to be reckoned with and a leading lady in the male-dominated genre of reggaeton. To date, Karol G is one of only two women (the other being Selena Gomez) who’ve had No. 1 releases on the Top Latin Albums chart between 2020 and 2023 thanks to KG0516 (2021) and Mañana Será Bonito (2023). In March, Karol G jumped to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Songwriters chart, becoming just the second woman — after Yahritza Martinez (Yahritza Y Su Esencia) — to rule the ranking.

Most recently, Karol G announced her very first-ever stadium trek in the United States. The Mañana Será Bonito Tour — produced by Live Nation — is set to kick off on August 11 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and will visit Pasadena, Miami, Houston and Dallas, among other cities.

Last year, her arena $trip Love Tour became the highest grossing U.S. tour by a Latin woman in history. It grossed $69.9 million across 33 shows in North America — according to numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore — surpassing Jennifer Lopez’s $50 million grossing It’s My Party World Tour in 2019 and Shakira’s El Dorado World Tour, which grossed $28.2 million in 2018.

Before hitting the road for her stadium tour, Karol will become the first Spanish-language female artist to ever headline Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3.

“Mañana será bonito marked a new era for me that came with many unforgettable milestones,” said Karol G in a statement. “I’m continuously amazed at the support my fans give me, which motivates me to deliver the best of me, and I’m certain that this partnership with Interscope and their incredible team will help us continue building and making history. I’m thrilled to see what’s to come.”

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Featuring Oscar Isaac, Opens with $120.5 Million U.S. Box Office Haul

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Oscar Isaac is slinging his way to the top of the box office…

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, featuring the 44-year-old Cuban-Guatemalan actor as Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099, earned a stellar $120.5 million in its domestic box office debut.

The film beat expectations to land the second-biggest opening weekend of the year, behind only The Super Mario Bros. Movie with $146 million, as well as the third-biggest opening weekend for any Spider-Man film.

Sony’s animated sequel is benefitting from great reviews and positive word-of-mouth, as well as goodwill from its predecessor, 2018’s Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Initial ticket sales were significantly higher than the first film, which introduced audiences to Miles Morales and the idea that “anyone can wear the mask” and opened to just $35.5 million. But it proved to have enduring appeal and stuck around in theaters for a while, ending its run with $190 million in North America and $384 million globally.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse earned another $88.1 million from 59 territories in its international box office debut, led by China with $17.3 million. That brings its worldwide total to $208.6 million to start.

“This is an exceptionally good opening for an animation follow-up sequel,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “Spider-Verse took a well-liked superhero, gave the storytelling an original visual style and voice and created a unique experience.”

Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson directed the PG-rated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which cost $100 million.

The story follows Miles and Gwen Stacy (a.k.a. Spider-Woman) as they attempt to save their fellow Spider People from the villain who goes by the name the Spot. Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld returned to voice Miles and Gwen, while the rest of the voice cast includes Brian Tyree Henry, Issa Rae, Jason Schwartzman, Daniel Kaluuya and Isaac. Lauren Velez voices the character of Rio Morales, Miles’ mom.

Audiences awarded the film an “A” CinemaScore while critics bestowed it with a 95% average on Rotten Tomatoes.

Bad Bunny Appears as a Lifeguard In His First-Ever Pepsi Commercial

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is officially on guard…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican global superstar become a pool lifeguard in his first-ever Pepsi commercial, which was released today (June 1).

Directed by Dave Meyers and co-directed by Mia Barnes, with choreography from Sherrie Silver, the 90-second spot shows the Puerto Rican rapper overlooking a community pool where everyone is tired and drained from the summer heat. In an effort to get the vibes going, he discovers that his latest single “Where She Goes” easily turns up the party once a bottle of Pepsi is opened.

The summer-themed commercial is part of Pepsi’s latest “Press Play On Summer” campaign with Apple Music that offers new and qualified returning subscribers up to three months of free, unlimited listening on the music streaming platform. The campaign, available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, also includes over 100,000 instant prizes and the opportunity to travel with the purchase of select limited-edition PepsiCo beverages.

“Pepsi has a rich heritage of creating iconic music video style commercials with some of the world’s biggest artists – from Britney Spears to Ray Charles, Madonna to Dr. Dre, Beyonce to Chloe Bailey and so many more,” said Todd Kaplan, CMO of Pepsi, in a statement. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Bad Bunny to the Pepsi family with his very own spot, bringing in all the summer vibes with his newest track ‘Where She Goes.’ This song is already the soundtrack of the summer, so it is a perfect way to kick off our Press Play on Summer program that gives fans up to three free months of Apple Music with every 20oz ice-cold Pepsi.”

Bad Bunny’s Jersey Club-inspired track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, becoming his third leader on the chart, after “Un x100to,” with Grupo Frontera, two weeks earlier in May, and “Dakiti,” with Jhay Cortez (now Jhayco), for three weeks in November-December 2020. He also becomes the first soloist with three Global 200 No. 1s; overall, he’s second only to BTS, with six. Justin Bieber, BLACKPINK, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift each boast two.

Juanes Renews Recording Contract with Longtime Music Partner Universal Music Latino

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes isn’t going anywhere…

The 50-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning superstar has renewed his recording contract with Universal Music Latino.

With this deal, Juanes extends a 23-year-old partnership with the label.

The news comes just days after the release of Vida Cotidiana, his first album with original music in four years.

“Throughout the years Universal Music Latino has become a second home and I am excited to continue working with such a respected label,” Juanes said in a press release. “I believe that my musical career will continue to thrive and grow within this new creative cycle. I am eager to see and share what the future holds.”

Jesús López, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula, added that the label “will continue to support and grow with Juanes,” whose “talent and professionalism have made him one of the most sought out acts for so many decades.”

No additional details of the deal renewal were announced. As for publishing, Juanes remains with Warner Chappell Music.

Juanes made his solo debut in 2000 with the Gustavo Santaolalla-produced Fíjate Bien, and rose to fame soon after with hits like “A Dios Le Pido” from his sophomore album Un Día Normal, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, and “La Camisa Negra” from Mi Sangre (2004), which spent eight weeks at No. 1. “Me Enamora”, “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” and “La Fotografía,” with Nelly Furtado, are some of his other chart-topping hits.

Among other achievements, Juanes has won three Grammy Awards and 24 Latin Grammys, and was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year of 2019 not only for his work as a musician, but also as an activist with his Fundación Mi Sangre.

In a recent interview with Billboard Español, the superstar spoke in depth about his most recent production, Vida Cotidiana, in which he reflects on his relationship with his wife and children and the problems that afflict his country. Juanes is currently preparing to announce his Vida Cotidiana Tour, with expected dates in Latin America, the U.S. and Europe.

Reservoir Media Acquires Rights to Enrique “Kiki” García’s Full Catalog

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique “Kiki” García’s catalog has a new home…

Indie music company Reservoir Media has acquired the rights to the full catalog of the Latino drummer and songwriter.

García, who was part of Miami Sound Machine, penned many of the group’s biggest hits in its heyday with Gloria Estefan as its lead singer, including the much synchronized “Conga.”

García also wrote Miami Sound Machine’s 1984 breakout “Dr. Beat” and co-wrote several tracks alongside Estefan, including “1-2-3,” “Give It Up,” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” for the group’s final album, Let it Loose.

But García is best known for “Conga,” which he famously penned on a flight from Utrecht, in the Netherlands, after playing a successful club show the night before.

“The performance stayed on my mind all night,” García recounted in the book Decoding Despacito: An Oral History of Latin Music. “The next day, as we got on the plane and I sat down, this song comes flying out of my mind. I start tapping on the seat table in front of me and I’m singing, “Come on, shake your body, baby, do the song. The rest was sketchy, but by the time we landed I had it all put together. I got up and sang my idea to Emilio and he loved it from the start.”

“Conga” would go on to became an international hit, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 8, 1986.

After leaving Miami Sound Machine, García continued working with top Latin musicians like Chayanne and Julio Iglesias, while “Conga” and his other hits remain widely and constantly licensed.

“Kiki has contributed so much to the face of modern music as we know it. His collaborations with the Miami Sound Machine brought Latin music to mainstream audiences,” said Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir’s founder & CEO, in a statement. “Embarking on this deal with Kiki marks a notable expansion of our rights in Latin American music and is an exciting opportunity to further diversify our catalog while maintaining our focus on acquiring the rights to evergreen hits.”

Camila Cabello Stars in Olipop’s First-Ever National Campaign

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a family (and friends) affair for Camila Cabello…

The 26-year-old Cuban & Mexican singer is joined by her family and friends in her new campaign with Olipop, the soft drink company’s first-ever national campaign.

“I wanted it to feel authentic and those are the people that really make me who I am,” the former Fifth Harmony member tells Billboard of the new ad, which follows the theme of “Real Love Makes Us.”

In the 30-second Daniel Mercadante-directed clip, the “Havana” singer is seen hanging out and laughing with her parents, sister and friends.

“Success is always measured by the big stuff, but we forget that it’s the little stuff that really makes us,” she is heard saying in the video, as she and her loved ones enjoy some Olipop soda at the dinner table.

The relaxed environment in the clip directly reflects some of Cabello’s favorite childhood memories, telling Billboard that her most beloved times with her family and friends are “those moments when we’re all in the kitchen and someone is cooking or making coffee, and we’re talking about nothing, but simply being around each other feels like we’re tending to something important.”

Olipop already sticks out in grocery stores due to its fun, colorful packaging, but the brand also aims to redefine soft drinks by developing a tonic that combines the classic soda taste with the benefits of plant-based fiber, prebiotics and other botanical ingredients to help balance out the body’s microbiome and promote overall well-being.

“Soda is a powerful force that has historically brought people together and fostered social cohesion, family bonding, and lifelong memories,” said Ben Goodwin, Olipop’s founder, formulator and CEO in a press statement. “But how can we still associate this nostalgic, friendly feeling most of us get with soda when we as a society have accepted the serious health consequences associated with it? Our new campaign goes back to why I created Olipop in the first place — to allow consumers to enjoy soda once again without any sacrifice on taste or health. We can hopefully inspire people to truly take the time to celebrate the real moments that make us who we are — with a soda in hand that’s actually good for you.”

And, yes, Cabello told us her favorite flavor. “It’s between Vintage Cola and Strawberry Vanilla,” she shares. “Vintage Cola is so good with tacos and pizza! Reminds me of childhood.”

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