Irene Berrera-Kearns & Her “Real World Los Angeles” Cast Mates Reuniting for MTV’s “The Real World Homecoming”

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Irene Berrera-Kearns is getting real again…

The Latina former reality show personality and some of her fellow The Real World Los Angeles cast mates will get another shot in the MTV spotlight as the network will bring them together for Season 2 of The Real World Homecoming.

Set to reunite are Beth Anthony, Beth Stolarczyk, David Edwards, Glen Naessens, Berrera-Kearns, Jon Brennan and Tami Roman, who will return to the same Venice beach house from the 1993 installment.

After spending decades apart, the roommates will reconnect to find out how the series transformed their lives since the cameras stopped rolling, and they’ll discover, once again, what happens when people stop being polite… and start getting real.

MTV also revealed that The Real World Homecoming: Los Angeles will make its Paramount+ debut on Wednesday, November 24. The series also scored a renewal for Season 3.

Created for MTV by Jonathan Murray and the late Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim/Murray Productions, The Real World was the first reality series on television. It helped shape a generation and sought to spotlight culturally resonant stories such as HIV/AIDS, race, sexual orientation, mental health and addiction, including one of the first LGBTQ+ relationships documented on a television series, the first televised same-sex commitment ceremony, and its unforgettable portrayal of Pedro Zamora’s battle with HIV.

Cris Abrego Becomes First Latino Elected Chair of Television Academy Foundation

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

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.

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

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

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.

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

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

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.

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.”

Nikki & Brie Bella’s E! Series “Total Bellas” to Premiere in September

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Nikki Bella and Brie Bella are Total-ly ready for their close-up…

E! has scheduled the Season 2 return of the 33-year-old half-Mexican American twin sisters’ reality television series Total Bellas for Wednesday, September 6 at 9:00 pm ET.

Nikki is a two-time WWE Divas Champion, Brie is semi-retired. The two won the award for Choice Female Athlete at the Teen Choice Awards in 2016.

The new eight hour-long episodes will continue to look at the lives of WWE superstars, including their evolving professional careers, romances and family lives.

Total Bellas is produced by WWE and Bunim/Murray Productions.

Pele Teaming with Bunim/Murray Productions for Scripted TV Series Based on His Life

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Pele is ready to shine a light on his legendary life…

The 76-year-old soccer legend and his manager Paul “PK” Kemsley are teaming with Bunim/Murray Productions for a scripted limited series based on the Brazilian fútbol star’s life.

The untitled program will focus on his life in New York while playing for the NASL’s New York Cosmos alongside other international footballers in the mid-1970s.

Considered arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, Pelé (née Edson Arantes do Nascimento) and Kemsley will executive produce the series with Bunim/Murray CEO Gil Goldschein and Jeff Jenkins, BMP’s Co-President of Entertainment & Development. No time frame for production has been announced.

“Growing up playing soccer competitively and now coaching my kids’ teams, I have always admired Pelé and aspired to share his story and approached PK about doing this series,” Goldschein said. “As soccer continues to gain legions of fans around the world, now is the right time to delve into and dramatize his story. Pelé’s talent, humility and charisma make him an outstanding role model, and we anticipate that this series will have mass global appeal.”

After joining Brazil’s national team at 16, Pelé led them to FIFA World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He was named World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee, Since retiring in 1977, Pelé has been a global ambassador for soccer and was named the Honorary President of the New York Cosmos in 2010.

“Bunim/Murray has an amazing track record for creating revolutionary TV shows, and it was clear to me that we share a passion for Pelé and soccer,” Kemsley said. “I have no doubt they will capture the magic that was New York City in the late ’70s and also honor the legacy of one of the greatest athletes this planet has ever known.”

E! to Premiere The Bella Twins’ “Total Bellas” Series in October

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Nikki and Brie Bella’s spinoff is set to launch this October.

E! has announced plans to premiere its Total Divas spinoff Total Bellas on Wednesday, October 5.

The six hourlong episodes will give viewers an exclusive, intimate look into the VIP lives of the WWE superstars, both former WWE Divas Champions, and the men in their lives, John Cena and Daniel Bryan, as the four coexist under one roof for the first time.

The series kicks off with Nikki and John being sidelined by injuries and Daniel’s recent retirement from the ring.

Total Bellas is produced by WWE and Bunim/Murray Productions.

Rodriguez Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Adam Rodriguez is switching teams…

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican/Cuban-American actor has signed with global talent and literary agency United Talent Agency (UTA).

After starring as Det. Eric Delko for all 10 seasons of CBS’ police procedural CSI: Miami, Rodriguez can currently be seen in the network’s summer legal drama Reckless.

His feature credits include Tyler Perry‘s I Can Do Bad All by Myself, Magic Mike and the About Last Nightremake earlier this year.

In September, Rodriguez will join fellow UTA client Channing Tatum in shooting the sequel to Magic Mike, where he’ll reprise his role as the exotic dancer Tito.

Rodriguez, who signed a development deal for unscripted projects with Bunim/Murray Productions’ BMP Latin earlier this year, continues to be repped by A Management Company.

Sánchez to Produce Latina-Themed Talk Show for BMP Latin

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Lauren Sánchez could soon be bringing generations of Latina women to television…

The 44-year-old Latina news anchor and entertainment reporter has signed deal with Bunim/Murray Productions’ BMP Latin to executive-produce and host a syndicated talk show Generations (working title).

The former Extra correspondent star’s project will feature a multi-generational panel of Latin women discussing everything from personal issues to social and pop culture topics.

Sanchez has appeared as a contributor on Larry King Live, The Joy Behar Show, Showbiz Tonight and The View.

It’s one of the latest Latin-themed deals for the production company behind The Real World, Project Runway and Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Along with signing a development deal with Adam Rodriguez, BMP Latin is currently producing Combate Americas, the first Spanish language Mixed Martial Arts competition reality series for mun2.

The company also has development deals with former The X Factor judge Paulina Rubio, multi-platinum reggaeton singer Daddy Yankee and the Leonardo Lopez family, a successful Mexican-American family living the dream in Encino, California.

Calle to Host Mun2’s “Combate Americas” Competition Series

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Andrea Calle will soon be hanging with some of tough Latinos…

The Colombian model and on-air personality has been tapped to host Mun2’s brand new Spanish-language competition series Combate Americas.

The 10-episode series will follow 10 Hispanic pro Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters as they compete for a spot in the titular MMA franchise.

The show is created by UFC co-founder and Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren and BMP Latin, the Hispanic division of Bunim/Murray Productions.

In addition to Calle’s appearance as the show’s host, radio personality Piolin will serve as a color commentator.

The competition series will bow early next year.

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