Nickelodeon Renews Hurtado’s “School of Rock” for a Second Season

Ricardo Hurtado has another year of school left…

Four episodes into School of Rock‘s freshman run, the musical comedy series starring the 16-year-old Latino actor, has been renewed for a 13-episode second season by Nickelodeon.

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The show, based on the 2003 Paramount Pictures film starring Jack Black, hails from Paramount Television. It marked the first series order for the then-newly launched TV division of Paramount Pictures, and a corporate synergy play between the Viacom companies.

School of Rock, which airs Saturdays, averages almost 2 million viewers a week. The second season, which starts production this month, will continue to mix comedy with cast performances of popular and original songs.

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School of Rock follows a group of rule-abiding students — Zack (Lance Lim), Lawrence (Aidan Miner), Freddy (Hurtado), Summer (Jade Pettyjohn) and Tomika (Breanna Yde) — who learn to take risks and reach new heights thanks to substitute teacher Dewey Finn (Tony Cavalero), a down-on-his-luck musician who uses the language of rock ‘n’ roll to inspire his class to form a secret band. Throughout the school year, the middle-school classmates navigate relationships, discover their unknown talents and learn lessons on loyalty and friendships.

Season 1 featured guest appearances from musical artists like Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) and the cast covering hits such as “Heart Attack” (Demi Lovato) and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” (Twisted Sister).

School of Rock is developed by Jim and Steve Armogida, who serve as executive producers with Jay Kogen (The Simpsons). The original movie’s director Richard Linklater and producer Scott Rudin serve as executive producers, along with Eli Bush.

Ojeda to Make Feature Film Debut in Indiegogo Crowdfunded Film “The Bridge”

Eddie Ojeda is ready for his close up…

The 59-year-old Latino musician, one of the two guitarists for the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, will make his feature film debut in The Bridge through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, according to Variety.

Eddie Ojeda

Written and directed by Bobby Field, the film centers on the story of a small town musical prodigy who must free himself from the shadows of his past or continue down a path of self-destruction.

No word on Ojeda’s character in the film, which is being produced by Denise Bohdan and Jason Gurvitz.

The project also includes Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Joey Santiago of the Pixies, Al Jourgensen of Ministry, Tiny Biuso of TSOL, Ricky Warwick of Black Star Riders/Thin Lizzy and Sin Quirin of Ministry.

The $300,000 crowdfunding campaign will offer fans experiences like building their own guitar at the Fender Factory with Jourgensen, Quirin or Santiago; an Elliott Telecaster Guitar; and Santiago making a spaghetti dinner at a fan’s home.

The campaign will also benefit The Fender Music Foundation. The campaign is being launched at http://www.buildthebridgecampaign.com.

Boneta Featured in First “Rock of Ages” Clip

It’s no wonder Diego Boneta received CinemaCon’s Rising Star of 2012 Award, especially after the release of the first clip of his highly anticipated musical Rock of Ages

Aimed at building buzz for the U.S. release of the film, Warner Bros. Pictures released the snippet, which shows the 21-year-old Mexican singer/actor and his co-star Julianne Hough shopping for vinyl at a record store before breaking into a head-banging rendition of Foreigner‘s “Jukebox Hero.”

Diego Boneta

Rock of Ages, an adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, centers on small town girl Sherrie (Hough) and city boy Drew (Boneta) ,who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the classic hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and more.

Along with Hough and Boneta, Rock of Ages stars Tom Cruise as rock star Stacee Jaxx, Sherrie and Drew’s idol. Other members of the ensemble include  Malin Akerman, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige, Paul Giamatti and Bryan Cranston.

Directed by Adam Shankman, Rock of Ages will open in theaters nationwide on June 15.