Isabella Ferreira Signs With Innovative Artists

Isabella Ferreira is officially innovating

The 20-year-old Latina actress, one of the young stars of Hulu’s teen dramedy Love, Victor, has signed with Innovative Artists for representation.

Isabella FerreiraSet in the same universe as the hit 20th Century Fox film Love, Simon, based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky AlbertalliLove, Victor wrapped up a three-season run on the streamer last summer. Created by Love, Simon scribes Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, who also served as showrunners, the show follows the journey of Victor, a high school student coming to terms with his sexuality while navigating the ups and downs of love, family, and friendships.

Starring alongside Michael Cimino as Victor, as well as Ana Ortiz, James Martinez, Rachel Naomi Hilson and others, Ferreira played the role of Pilar, Victor’s sullen younger sister in the throws of teenage angst.

The Philadelphia native also recently starred alongside Rowan Blanchard and Auli’i Cravalho in Crush, the coming-of-age rom-com marking the directorial debut of Sammi Cohen, which was produced for Hulu by companies including American High. In the film released in April of last year, a young aspiring artist is forced to join her high school track team, using it as an opportunity to pursue the girl she’s been harboring a long-time crush on. But she soon finds herself falling for an unexpected teammate and discovers what real love feels like.

Ferreira previously appeared in Jenji Kohan’s Emmy-winning series Orange Is the New Black, as well as the pandemic-inspired anthology series Social Distance, on which Kohan was an EP, both of which were for Netflix.

She’ll next be seen starring alongside Kaitlin Olson, Bobby Cannavale, Scott MacArthur, Mason Thames and more in the upcoming Spyglass film Incoming, a comedy from filmmakers John and Dave Chernin that watches as four freshmen navigate the terrors of adolescence at their first-ever high school party.

Danell Leyva to Receive The Vanguard Award at the OUTshine Film Festival

Danell Leyva is officially a vanguard

The 31-year-old Cuban–American former-gymnast-turned-actor and Clocked star will receive The Vanguard Award at the OUTshine Film Festival, where the drama marking the feature debut of writer-director Noah Salzman will make its East Coast premiere on April 26th.

The prize recognizes notable individuals in entertainment for their contributions in helping to tell LGBTQ+ stories, as well as exemplifying outstanding leadership and support of community equality, representation and education.

Also starring Germain Arroyo, Marisa Davila, Armand Fields and Brandon HudsonClocked tells the story of Adolfo Rivera (Arroyo), an 18-year-old Puerto Rican boxer from a conservative Catholic family in Miami, Florida. Adolfo may be remarkably talented in the ring, but his family’s dreams for his profession are far different from what Adolfo has in mind. And Adolfo is secretly saving his winnings for the biggest fight of his life: self-acceptance in his desire to transition into a woman.

Leyva stars as Ramon Rivera.

His other credits include Love, Victor series and Lexi.

Sierra Teller Ornelas Developing Comedy Series “Amigos” for NBC with Marcos Luevanos

Sierra Teller Ornelas is in the friend(s) zone…

The part-Mexican American showrunner, screenwriter and filmmaker and Marcos Luevanos are developing the half-hour comedy Amigos for NBC.

Sierra Teller OrnelasTeller Ornelas and Luevanos will draw inspiration from their own lifelong friendship for the Universal Television-produced project.

Amigos is about a group of six Latine friends living in Los Angeles who lean and rag on each other as they find love, grow up and figure out what success means in 2022.

Ornelas and Luevanos will write and executive produce alongside Morgan Sackett.

Most recently, Ornelas was showrunner of the Peacock comedy series Rutherford Falls, which she co-created with Mike Schur and Ed Helms.

Previously, she was a co-executive producer on Loot for Apple TV+ and NBC’s Superstore where she worked for three seasons. She has previously written for Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Splitting Up Together, and Happy Endings.

Luevanos is currently a co-executive producer on the new NBC multicam Lopez vs. Lopez starring George Lopez and his daughter Mayan Lopez.

Previously, Luevanos spent three seasons on the Hulu/Disney+ series Love, Victor produced by Aptaker & Berger and worked on Gloria Calderon Kellett’s With LoveRutherford FallsCharmed, and Life In Pieces.

He also currently has a project in the works at 20th Television with Steven Canals executive producing.

James Martinez to Appear on Paramount+’s Original Series “Wolf Pack”

James Martinez is joining the pack

The Latino actor has landed a recurring role on Paramount+’s upcoming original series Wolf Pack, which will premiere in January 2023.

James MartinezIn addition to Martinez, new recurring cast members include Bailey Stender, Chase Liefeld, Hollie Bahar, Lanny Joon, Rio Mangini, Stella Smith and Zack Nelson.

Additional casting includes Amy Pietz, Bria Brimmer, John L. Adams and Sean Philip Glasgow.

They join previously announced cast members Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rodrigo Santoro, Armani Jackson, Bella Shepard, Chloe Rose Robertson and Tyler Lawrence Gray.

Based on the book series by Edo Van BelkomWolf Pack follows a teenage boy, Everett (Jackson), and girl, Blake (Shepard), whose lives are forever changed when a California wildfire awakens a terrifying supernatural creature. Wounded in the chaos of its attack, the teens are inexplicably drawn to each other and to two others, fraternal twins Harlan (Gray) and Luna (Robertson), who were adopted sixteen years earlier by a park ranger after another mysterious wildfire. As the full moon rises, all four teens come together to unravel the secret that connects them – the bite and blood of a werewolf.

Wolf Pack will debut Thursday, January 26, the same day as Paramount+’s Teen Wolf: The Movie, exclusively on the service in the U.S. and Canada and next day on Paramount+ in the UK, Australia, and Latin America.

Premiere dates for other Paramount+ international markets will be announced at a later date.

Martinez’s previous credits include Love, Victor, House of Cards and One Day at a Time.

Michael Cimino to Star in Thriller Podcast Series “Jane Anonymous” for Apple Podcasts & the Fictionz App

Michael Cimino is ready to thrill

The 22-year-old half-Puerto Rican will star opposite Mina Sundwall in the thriller podcast series Jane Anonymous, which will premiere exclusively on Apple Podcasts and the Fictionz App.

Michael CiminoThe series based on the novel of the same name by Laurie Faria Stolarz was adapted by Stephanie Wu.

It will follow Jane (Sundwall), a 18-year-old girl who fights to escape a kidnapper—examining her relationship with a fellow captive (Cimino), and their struggle to understand that everything they thought they knew might all be a lie.

Andres Rosende, who produces and edits the popular Bad Friends podcast from comedians Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino, is directing the series, which will consist of five, 20-minute episodes.

The first is slated for release on June 2nd. Sundwall and Cimino are exec producing alongside Fictionz, which is serving as the project’s financier and distributor.

“Laurie’s confessional style of writing lends itself well to the podcast medium,” said Rosende. “This has been a passion project for me since Fictionz brought me the book.”

“It has been such a great experience working with everyone and playing off of Michael in adapting this book to audio!,” said Sundwall.

“Through Andres’ direction and Laurie and Stephanie’s writing, Mina and I have become completely absorbed in this narrative as actors and producers and hope that audiences will love it as much as we do,” added Cimino.

Cimino plays the titular character on Hulu’s Love, Victor series and can also currently be seen in Netflix’s Rebel Wilson comedy Senior Year. Additional credits include Annabelle Comes Home and the podcast series Black Box, with Joel McHale, Kelsey Grammer and more.

Rosende also recently served as the director of Fictionz’s Two Year Man. Wu penned Two Year Man, helmed the short Green Plastic Sandals with Rosende and co-wrote Sara Zandieh’s feature rom-com, A Simple Wedding.

Michael Cimino Wins First-Ever Imagen Awards Prize for “Love, Victor”

Michael Cimino is celebrating a special first…

The 2021 Imagen Awards have been announced, with the 21-year-old half-Puerto Rican actor earning the first of his career.

Michael Cimino

The Imagen Awards recognize Latinas and Latinos in the entertainment industry who work both in front of and behind the camera.

Cimino was named Best Actor – Television (Comedy) for his performance on Hulu’s Love, Victor, which was named Best Primetime Program – Comedy.

Mj Rodriguez took home the Best Actress – Television (Drama) award.

The 30-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/singer won for her performance on FX’s Pose, which was named Best Primetime Program – Drama.

The Best Young Actor – Television award went to Madison Reyes for her work on Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms, which was named Best Young Adult Programming.

Justina Machado was named Best Voice-Over Actor – Television for PopTV’s One Day at a Time – Animated Special, which was named Best Primetime Program – Special or Movie.

Tanya Saracho took home the Best Director – Television prize for her work on Vida; she also was presented with the The Norman Lear Writer’s Award.

Other winners in the television categories include JD Pardo (Best Actor – Television (Drama)) for his work on Mayans M.C.; Barbie Ferreira (Best Actress – Television (Comedy) for her work on Unpregnant; Colman Domingo (Best Supporting Actor – Television (Drama)) for his work on Euphoria Special: Part 1 Rue; Morena Baccarin (Best Supporting Actress – Television (Drama)) for her work on The Twilight Zone; Harvey Guillén (Best Supporting Actor – Television (Comedy)) for his work on What We Do In The Shadows; and Diana Maria Riva Best Supporting Actress – Television (Comedy)) for her performance on Dead to Me.

Netflix’s Ya No Estoy Aquí was named Best Feature Film, with the film’s helmer Fernando Frías De La Parra taking home the Best Director – Feature Film prize.

Hosted by Aida Rodriguez, Chuey Martinez, Isabella Gomez and Karrie Martin Lachney, the Imagen Awards were announced last night during a live-streamed ceremony.

The 36th annual awards winners were determined by an independent panel of entertainment industry executives and Latina and Latino community leaders.

The theme of this year’s Imagen Awards was “A Celebration of Our Community: Diverse, Talented, and United.” Each year the Awards recognize an array of Latino talent by honoring and celebrating ground-breaking performances, storytelling, and powerful diverse programs.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

FEATURE FILM

Best Feature Film: Ya No Estoy Aquí / I’m No Longer Here (Netflix; Panorama Global for Netflix)

Best Director – Feature Film: Fernando Frías De La Parra, Ya No Estoy Aquí / I’m No Longer Here (Netflix; Panorama Global for Netflix)

Best Actor – Feature Film: Demián Bichir, Land (Focus Features / a Big Beach Production / Flashlight Films)

Best Actress – Feature Film: Aubrey Plaza, Black Bear (Momentum Pictures, an Entertainment One Company; Tandem Pictures, Oakhurst Entertainment & Blue Creek Pictures, in association with Productivity Media and Radiant Films International)

TELEVISION

Best Primetime Program – Drama: Pose (FX; 20th Television)

Best Primetime Program – Comedy: Love, Victor (Hulu; Hulu, 20th Television, Temple Hill)

Best Primetime Program – Special or Movie: One Day at a Time – Animated Special (PopTV; Sony Pictures Television, Act III, Snowpants Productions, GloNation)

Best Director – Television: Tanya Saracho, Vida (STARZ; Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with Starz Originals)

Best Actor – Television (Drama): JD Pardo, Mayans M.C. (FX Networks; 20th Television and FX Productions)

Best Actress – Television (Drama): Mj Rodriguez, Pose (FX; 20th Television)

Best Actor – Television (Comedy): Michael Cimino, Love, Victor (Hulu; Hulu, 20th Television, Temple Hill)

Best Actress – Television (Comedy): Barbie Ferreira, Unpregnant (HBO Max; HBO Max presents a WarnerMax / PictureStart / Berlanti / Schechter Films production)

Best Supporting Actor – Television (Drama): Colman Domingo, Euphoria Special: Part 1 Rue: “Trouble Don’t Last Always” (HBO; HBO in association with Reasonable Bunch, A24, Little Lamb, Dreamcrew, ADD Content Agency | HOT | Tedy Productions)

Best Supporting Actress – Television (Drama): Morena Baccarin, The Twilight Zone (Paramount+; CBS Studios in association with Monkeypaw Productions and Genre Films)

Best Supporting Actor – Television (Comedy): Harvey Guillén, What We Do In The Shadows (FX; FX Productions)

Best Supporting Actress – Television (Comedy): Diana Maria Riva, Dead to Me (Netflix; CBS Television Studios for Netflix)

Best Young Actor – Television: Madison Reyes, Julie and the Phantoms (Netflix)

Best Voice-Over Actor – Television: Justina Machado, One Day at a Time – Animated Special (PopTV; Sony Pictures Television, Act III, Snowpants Productions, GloNation)

Best Variety or Reality Show: TIE

A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt at The Soraya (PBS; KCET and The Soraya)

Shine True (Fuse; Vice Studios, OUTtv Canada, Fuse Media)

Best Young Adult Programming: Julie and the Phantoms (Netflix)

Best Youth Programming: The Casagrandes (Nickelodeon)

Best Music Composition for Film or Television: Cristobal Tapia de Veer, The Third Day (HBO; HBO in association with Sky Studios, Plan B, and Punchdrunk)

Best Music Supervision for Film or Television: Joe Rodríguez & Javier Nuño, Ya No Estoy Aquí / I’m No Longer Here (Netflix; Panorama Global for Netflix)

Best Documentary: TIE

Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (Netflix; A Netflix Original Documentary / A Muck Media Production in Association with Key Rat, Inc. & Topic Studios)

POV: The Infiltrators (PBS; American Documentary | POV, Pueblo Sight & Sound, Chicago Media Project, Naked Edge Film, 3DMC, Baked Studios, The National Day Laborer Organizing Network)

Best Informational Program: Street Food: Latin America (Netflix; Boardwalk Pictures for Netflix)

Best Short Film: UNLADYLIKE2020: Jovita Idar (PBS American Masters; Unladylike Productions LLC in association with The WNET Group’s American Masters.)

Best Commercial Advertisement or Social Awareness Campaign: Latinos Are Essential (Latino Public Broadcasting; PBS)

The Norman Lear Writer’s Award was presented to playwright and television writer Tanya Saracho. Saracho is the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of the critically acclaimed series on Starz, Vida.

Hulu Gives Series Order to Chris Estrada’s Comedy “The Fool”

Chris Estrada is foolin’ around…

Hulu has given the Latino actor/comedian’s comedy This Fool, formerly known as Punk Ass Bitch, a series order.

Chris Estrada

Earlier this year, Hulu piloted the project, which is written and exec produced by Estrada and Jake Weisman, Matt Ingebretson and Pat Bishop with Fred Arminsen and Black-ish EP Jonathan Groff also executive producing.

The series stars rising Latino comedian Estrada as Julio Lopez, a self-described “punk ass bitch” who still lives at home and goes out of his way to help everyone but himself.

The half-hour series sees Lopez work at a gang-rehabilitation non-profit and his quest to overcome his codependency issues with his family as he navigates working class life in South Central Los Angeles. It is produced by ABC Signature. Frankie Quinones and Michelle Ortiz are set as series regulars.

Jordan Helman, who was recently appointed as head of scripted content at Hulu, told Deadline that This Fool, along with Love, Victor and drama pilot Olga Dies Dreaming, was part of its strategy to beef up its Latinx programming. “[We want] to ensure that we are reflecting our programming to the nature of the country,” he said.

“Breaking out new and distinct voices continues to be a hallmark of Hulu Original programming, and we are incredibly excited to add Chris Estrada to our roster of multi-hyphenate creators and to bring This Fool to our viewers,” added Craig Erwich, President Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment.

Michael Cimino to Star in Paramount Players’ “Senior Year”

Michael Cimino is having a senior moment…

The 21-year-old half-Puerto Rican actor will star in Paramount Players’ “Senior Year,” starring and produced by Rebel Wilson.

Michael Cimino

Cimino, the start of Hulu’s Love, Victor series, joins a roster of new cast additions that includes Jade BenderJeremy Ray Taylor and Avantika.

Wilson as a woman who wakes up from a 20-year coma and returns to high school to try to regain her status as a popular cheerleader and claim the prom queen crown that eluded her.

Cimino stars as Victor Salazar in Hulu’s Love, Victor, which debuted its second season last month to critical acclaim. The actor also starred in Annabelle Comes Home and will next be featured in Black Box and Heartlight.

Also added to the cast are Joshua Colley, newcomer Ana Yi Puig, Molly Brown, Zaire Adams and Tyler Barnhardt.

The comedy’s starry ensemble also features Sam Richardson, Angourie Rice, Justin Hartley, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Chris Parnell and Alicia Silverstone.

Hulu Releases First Trailer for Season 2 of Michael Cimino’s “Love, Victor”

Michael Cimino is returning to Love in June…

Hulu has released the first trailer for its popular teen dramedy Love, Victor, starring the 21-year-old part-Puerto Rican actor.

Love Victor, Michael Cimino,

The new season finds a newly out of the closet Victor (Cimino) entering his junior year at Creekwood High — a new chapter that brings with it new challenges. As he navigates his romance with Benji, Victor juggles a family struggling with his coming-out, his heartbroken ex-girlfriend Mia, and the difficulties of being an openly gay star athlete.

Rachel Hilson, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, Mason Gooding, George Sear, Isabella Ferreira, Mateo Fernandez, James Martinez and Ana Ortiz also star.

Love, Simon original writers Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger serve as executive producers alongside Brian Tanen, Jason Ensler, Isaac Klausner, Marty Bowen, Adam Fishbach, Wyck Godfrey, Pouya Shahbazian and Adam Londy.

Season 2 premieres on June 11 with all episodes on Hulu.

Hulu to Premiere Second Season of Michael Cimino’s “Love, Victor” in June

Michael Cimino’s ready for some summer Love-in…

Hulu will release the second season of its teen dramedy, Love, Victor, starring the 21-year-old half-Puerto Rican actor in June.

Michael Cimino

Love, Victor will release all 10 episodes of its second season on Friday, June 11.

The series picks up with a newly out-of-the-closet Victor (Cimino) entering his junior year at Creekwood High. Ana Ortiz, James Martinez, Isabella Ferreira, Mateo Fernandez, Rachel Naomi Hilson, George Sear, Bebe Wood, Anthony Turpel and Mason Gooding also star.