Kalinda Vazquez Signs Multi-Year Overall Deal with Netflix

Life is but a stream for Kalinda Vazquez

Netflix signed a multi-year overall deal with the Latina creator, writer, and producer.

Kalinda VazquezUnder the terms of the deal, Vazquez will create, write and produce new series and other projects at the streamer.

Vazquez, known for her work on Star Trek: Discovery and Fear The Walking Dead, is already writing and developing her first project Arbor Hall, an original YA concept that blends mystery, thriller, and genre story elements.

It tells the story of a Latinx teen girl who investigates the mysterious disappearance of her best friend on the campus of their exclusive boarding school. Along the way, she discovers an underbelly of her school that is far darker than just money and privilege.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the Netflix family – it is a huge honor and joy to have a creative home at a place where originality is trumpeted and creators’ unique visions are fostered. I am so excited for what is to come,” Vazquez said in a statement.

“Kalinda is a rare talent with a passion for genre storytelling and a trove of ideas and original concepts,” says Alex Sapot, Netflix Director, Overall Deals. “We’re thrilled and privileged to support her vision and bring her distinctive voice, characters, and stories to the forefront.”

Vazquez is an upper-level film and television writer who has worked on  Star Trek: Short TreksFear the Walking DeadRunaways, and Once Upon A Time.

She’s currently writing an untitled Star Trek movie for Paramount and Bad Robot, as well as adapting the sci-fi novel Roadmarks as a series for HBO with George R.R. Martin producing.

Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez has new representation…

The 30-year-old half-Afro-Puerto Rican actress has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA).

MJ Rodriguez

Rodriguez, who was with Gersh, recently made history as the first transgender actress to be nominated for an Emmy in any lead acting category for her role as house mother Blanca in the FX drama from Steven Canals and Ryan Murphy.

UTA will represent Rodriguez in all areas as she continues to grow her career in film, television, theater and music, among other mediums.

With Pose having wrapped its run earlier this year after three seasons, Rodriguez will next star opposite Maya Rudolph in Apple‘s comedy series Loot.

Her previous television credits include roles in Showtime‘s Nurse Jackie and Marvel‘s Netflix drama Luke Cage.

On the big screen, Rodriguez will next star in Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s feature adaptation of Jonathan Larson‘s Tick, Tick … Boom! She previously earned praise for her role in Saturday Church, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival.

UTA will also help support Rodriguez as she expands her burgeoning music career. Rodriguez recently released a music video to accompany her debut single, “Something to Say,” the equality anthem she wrote with Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire, Neal Pogue and John Paris.

On stage, Rodriguez made her off-Broadway debut in the New World Stages production of Larson’s beloved Rent, playing the role of Angel. Her stage credits include the Encores! production of Runaways and portraying the lead role of Audrey in the Pasadena Playhouse’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Gigi Zumbado to Star in Edward Burns’ Epix 1980s-Themed Dramedy “Bridge and Tunnel”

Gigi Zumbado has (bridge and) tunnel vision…

The Latin actress will star in Epix’s half-hour dramedy Bridge and Tunnel.

Gigi Zumbado

The network has given a six-episode series order to the series, which is written, directed and produced by Edward Burns. It’s slated for a January 24, 2021 premiere.

The project, previously titled Gibson Station, was part of Epix’s 2020 development slate unveiled in January.

Set in 1980, Bridge and Tunnel revolves around a group of recent college grads setting out to pursue their dreams in Manhattan while still clinging to the familiarity of their working-class Long Island home town. Production is currently underway in New York.

In addition to Zumbado, the series’ ensemble cast includes Sam Vartholomeos, Caitlin Stasey, JanLuis Castellanos, Brian Muller and Isabella Farrell.

In addition to Burns, the series is also executive produced by his producing partner Aaron Lubin and Lori Keith Douglas. This is the second series from Epix Productions. Bridge and Tunnel will be internationally distributed by MGM.

Zumbado will portray Tammy. A sweet, studious, shy former high school Valedictorian, and recently admitted to Columbia Business School, Tammy is biding her time in the summer working as a waitress in the town diner, but finally telling the man she’s always loved her true feelings.

Castellanos is Mikey. Charming and frequently the object of desire, Mikey received his college degree in accounting to appease his family and fit in. With the help of Tammy, he begins to rediscover his passion as an artist, and confronts the idea of abandoning a safer path to consider a future in the arts.

Zumbado’s previous credits include Graceland, Scream: The TV Series, Criminal Minds and 9-1-1.

Castellanos’ previous credits include 13 Reasons Why, Runaways and Don’t Look Deeper.

Ariela Barer to Star in ABC’s Erin Brockovich-Inspired Drama Pilot “Rebel”

Ariela Barer is ready to rebel

The Mexican American actress will star in ABC’s drama pilot Rebel, inspired by the life of activist Erin Brockovich.

Ariela Barer

Barer will star as a series regular opposite Katey Sagaland Tamala Jonesin the project.

Executive produced by Brockovich, Rebel hails from Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19 showrunner Krista VernoffDavis EntertainmentSony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.

Written by Vernoff, Rebel centers on Annie “Rebel” Bello (Sagal), a blue-collar legal advocate without a law degree. A funny, messy, brilliant and fearless woman who cares desperately about the causes she fights for and the people she loves.

Barer will play Ziggie. The rebellious adopted daughter of Aiden and Rebel, Ziggie is going through a bad patch. She got hooked on pain medication after an injury, but has been drug-free for the last 72 days. A teenager who needs to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings on a very regular basis, Ziggie is vulnerable as hell and needs her mother — only her mother is busy-busy-busy with her latest cluster of tormented clients.

Barer most recently played the role of Gert Yorkes in Marvel’s Runaways,and she recurred on Atypical and One Day At A Time

In film, she portrayed Olivia in feature Lady Worldand will next be seen as a lead in upcoming Disfluencyand in a supporting role in The Ultimate Playlist of Noise.

Jan Luis Castellanos to Star in Season 2 of Marvel/Hulu’s Series “Marvel’s Runaways”

Jan Luis Castellanos is ready to runaway

The Dominican actor will star in the second season of Marvel’s Runaways.

Jan Luis Castellanos

He’ll portray Topher, a fan-favorite character known for his crafty, streetwise persona.

“I’m super grateful to be joining the Marvel/Hulu Runaways family,” says Castellanos. “It has been a dream come true. Topher is a tough and complicated kid, and it was very exciting to bring him to life.”

Topher is a survivor with a dark secret in the comics — he’s a vampire not to be trusted — but the character may be taken in a different direction on the acclaimed Hulu series, which many fans regard as one of the most satisfying of the many Marvel-based shows currently underway.

Castellanos is a newcomer to acting. His previous work has been in commercials and campaigns with credits including Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch and Coppertone.

The 13-episode second season of Marvel’s Runaways will be released on December 21.

The returning cast includes Rhenzy Feliz, Lyrica Okano,Virginia Gardner, Ariela Barer, Gregg Sulkin, Allegra AcostaAngel Parker, Ryan Sans, Annie WerschingKip Pardue, Ever Carradine, James Marsters, Brigid Brannagh, Kevin Weisman, Brittany Ishibashi and James Yaegashi.

Acosta to Star in Marvel Television’s Drama Pilot “Runaways”

Allegra Acosta is ready to runaway

The 14-year-old Latina actress has been cast in Marvel Television’s Runaways, a drama pilot based on the fan-favorite Marvel Comics books.

Allegra Acosta

The pilot, from Gossip Girl creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Marvel Television and ABC Signature, would premiere on Hulu.

Created by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, Marvel’s Runaways centers on six diverse teenagers who can barely stand one another but who must unite against a common foe – their parents.

Acosta will portray Molly Hernandez, the youngest and most innocent member of her friend group, who is known for her peppy positivity and a deep yearning to belong.

In addition to Acosta, the cast will include Rhenzy Feliz, Lyrica Okano, Virginia Gardner, Ariela Barer and Gregg Sulkin.

Additional cast will be announced later.

Acosta’s credits include 100 Things to Do Before High School and Just Add Magic.