Latin Heat - Spring 2013 Special Hispanicize Issue by Bel Hernandez

Lorem Ipsum

Generation

Latino Indie Filmmakers Adelante’s LATIN LEGENDS

Rita Moreno & Charo Music Trenders and

Their Social Media

Kill The Dictator: Movie Making Game Changer

1 2

Table of Contents Elia Esparza Editor In Chief Fernando Gomez VP of Strategic Partnerships & Development

Bel Hernandez Castillo Publisher Karina Castillo Graphic Designer Contributors: Chrisstine Davila, Jeff Valedez, Fernando Ruano, Luis Reyes, Mary Chuy, Enrique Castillo

Hispanicize 2013 – Stimulating

Page 6

The Spanglish Music Gen

Page 8

Generation NEXT of Cinema

Page 10

The Super Stars

Page 12

The Future in Now

Page 14

Hispanicize Shorts

Page 17

Artists Powered by Social Media Page 19 Latina Legends

Page 21

HOLA! Talk With a Latina POV

Page 23

Webseries Revealed

Page 26

Contributors Christine Davila I have the privilege of screening hundreds of Spanish language and US Latino films throughout the year as a freelance film programmer for festivals like Sundance, Morelia, San Antonio’s Cinefestival, Los Angeles Film Festival and now Hispanicize 2013. I aim to monitor, track and critique the scene of American Latino, and Latin American cinema. I’m extremely eager to make noise, build dialogue and connect our wildly artistic yet under represented community as well as provide tips on how to get access and reach the public at large. Follow me on @IndieFindsLA

Fernando Ruano Miami-bred writer and music enthusiast Fernie Ruano Jr., has covered pop culture and Latin music genres for a diverse list of publications over the last decade from Miami New Times and Billboard,. He contributed to VOXXI after covering select events at the Latin Billboard Music Conference in Miami. He has been published in Miami New Times, Hispanic Magazine, Vista Magazine, Aventura Magazine and Key Biscayne Magazine, among others. His contributions date back two decades and include the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post where he covered University of Miami sports.

Jeff Valdez Jeff Valdez is a serial entrepreneur, former stand up comic and creative executive. He is currently the President of Max360 Entertainment, a distribution and content company. Jeff is passionate about the demographic shift that is happening in America. Past endeavors include, co-founding the groundbreaking cable channel SiTV/(NuvoTV), Chairman of QuePasa.com and co-creator/show runner of Nickelodeon’s The Brothers Garcia. Jeff’s numrerous recognitions include “One of the Top 50 People Who Matter,” “Top 50 Minorities In Cable,” Multichannel News and was also named one of “The Top 50 Marketers in America” Advertising Age.

Luis Reyes Luis Reyes is a widely recognized film historian and archivist as well as a film and television publicist. He is the co-author of the published book Hispanics in Hollywood: A film and television Encyclopedia. The book is currently out of print and Reyes is seeking a publisher for a new and updated edition. Serious Inquiries contact Latin Heat.

Mary Chuy Mary Chuy is a mom, actress, PR woman, photographer, poet and writer. She worked with the prestigious Prometeo company at the MDCC in Miami, Florida. Mary Chuy has also worked as a publicist for talent as well as for non-profit organizations. She also worked as an assistant to Casting Director Cecilia Domeyko, and lastly she is a poet at heart!

Note From the Editor Welcome to the Future! This month, Latin Heat brings you an extraordinary digital issue packed with stories, information and highlights of the most current entertainment trends in America. Whether film, TV, music, or multi-media, since 1992, Latin Heat has never changed its message or focus: Latinos working in entertainment, in front or behind the camera. Industry trends we published as far back as 1993, are now appearing in mainstream (nonLatino) media as if they’ve just invented the wheel! Hey, there… reading you is very déjà vu to us. What in the world took so long for you to catch on? Even President Barack Obama had the foresight to tap into Eva Longoria’s celebrity and commitment to the Latino community. Eva was instrumental in turning out the

This year Hispanicize 2013 has added the Music track. Music journalist Fernando Ruano Jr. highlights all aspects of

latino vote to help him win a second term.

the music world; from the trending talent to the importance

Having a presence at this year’s Hispanicize is the

Our Latino Hollywood historian and archivist, Luis Reyes

perfect opportunity to bring you the latest in what is going on in Hollywood as told by Tinseltown’s favorite sons and daughters. Jeff Valdez, gives it to us straight about how far we’ve come in 20 years. Our Publisher, Bel Hernandez has the pulse on the new Hollywood

of social media gor music artists. compares the Golden Era of Hollywood to the Platinum era of today. th

Don’t miss the Hispanicize event (April 11 , 2PM) The Adelante Movement: The Wisdom of Latina Legends,

LATPak and their steady rise above the rest.

featuring Hollywood icons Rita Moreno and Charo. Our

The Chicana from Chicago film blogger, Christine

Latina economic empowerment, co-presents this incredible

Davila, sets the scene for the Hispanicize 2013 Film Festival.

Covering the films and filmmakers with a

focus on the soon to be released indie film Filly Brown, th

(April 19 ). She also takes a look at Mission Park a fine example of members of the LATPak doing what they do best —two films that are a must-see!

friend, Nely Galán, founder of The Adelante Movement for evening with The Coca-Cola Company. (Read about it on page. 34). Bravo, Nely! It’s a jam-packed issue and for close to 21 years, it has been our great pleasure to bring Latino Hollywood to your home.

Elia Esparza Editor-In-Chief

HISPANICIZE 2013 By Christine Davila

undreds of bloggers,

Engaging and Collaborating with

marketers, corporate brand

Latino Bloggers”. and “Getting on

reps, music and film artists

Corporate Boards”, in addition to the

have checked in at the Eden

film track added last year and this

Roc Hotel ready to experience Hispanicize, a

year’s music track. The heavily

social media platform for today’s Latino

sponsored event, (Procter & Gamble

innovators. Now in its 4 year, the marketing,

is the presenting sponsor) will

interactive, film and music conference was

include a Diversity Tech Leaders

founded by Manny Ruiz, a PR businessman

Summit presented by Sprint in which

who adopted the term Hispanicize to signify

the lesser-known business stories of

the transformation and growing impact of

diverse tech and social media

Latino culture into traditional American

entrepreneurs making their marks in

mainstream, and who created this

digital media will be highlighted.

convergence to amplify the success of diverse voices in social media.

Not knowing much about Hispanicize up until a couple months ago, I was curious,

In part modeled after SXSW and Ted Talks,

so I went on the website and I found the

Hispanicize’s mission is to be a digital multi-

lingo a tad superfluous and

media launchpad and idea stimulating event

hyperbolic. Words like “Iconic” and

tailored towards Latinos. The event’s

“mighty” are used to describe the

journalistic DNA is confirmed by guest co-chair,

relatively young event. Then again, this kind of grandiose speak is typical in the

Soledad O’Brien, who just signed off on her

field of Public Relations so it makes sense given it is a partnership with Hispanic

morning CNN show capping off a decade of

Public Relations Association (HPRA) and the Public Relations Society of

reporting for the news outlet.

America (PRSA).

For the second year the South Beach setting

I reached out to Manny Ruiz to learn more

will host yacht parties, beachside receptions,

about the mission of the event and found his

breakfast and lunch networking, and 100 plus

enthusiasm

talks. It will feature such entrepreneurs in

considers

and a

excitement pioneering

for

what

movement

social media like the Latina Mom Bloggers,

infectious. It’s hard to argue that this tech and entertainment crossroads gathering

panels such as “How Brands and Agencies are

makes for an incredible networking opportunity. Manny called it a “Uniting of these industries to create a symphony” and went on to note it is much more powerful for bloggers to converge at the same place with journalists, marketers, digital, music and film innovators than if you had them out there individually.

7 Before I knew it I was put in

Lionsgate labels Pantelion and

touch with Roman Morales, the

Grindstone. Meanwhile seeking

Film Showcase Organizer and I

distribution is Dreamer written and

came on board as Programmer

directed by the young Salvadoran-

for the film component. A big

born Jesse Salmeron, which is a

reason I stepped in was because

poignant and timely story starring

I was particularly attracted to

and produced by Jeremy Ray

presenting U.S. independent

Valdez about an upwardly mobile

Latino films to an audience

American who’s paralyzed by the

heavy with social media

fear of being deported. Los Wild

influence and bloggers. I am

Ones is also seeking distribution and

intersted to see how it could

should find considerable traction and

indeed create a higher level of

fans inside the hard core music fan

buzz, publicity and exposure

world.

from the community.

My personal pride and joy has to be the shorts film showcase. Portraying

There will be with a special

visionary quests for identity, love,

screening of Youssef

truth and legacy and created by

Delara and Michael D.

multicultural emergent voices from

Olmos’ Filly Brown, days before

San

its national theatrical release,

Oaxaca and Puerto Rico. This is the

this year Hispanicize will screen

medium in which to find the most

six features including the high

provocative, daring and versatile

profile grab of The Weinstein

young

Company sneak preview, Aftershock, the horror comedy

uncompromising voices.

Antonio,

Miami,

generation

LA,

fresh

NYC,

and

To name just a few, the short film

produced and starring Eli

filmmakers include Jillian Mayer and Lucas Leyva of the Borscht

Roth, directed by Chilean

Corporation;

filmmaker Nicolas Lopez.

Zoé Salicrup Junco, the filmmaker of Gabi

Also, straight from SXSW, the

who workshopped her

sweet character driven music

feature

documentary Los Wild Ones,

short at San Antonio’s

about the Wild Records label

CineFestival’s

Latino

Screenwriters

Project;

featuring the family of Mexican American rockabilly acts. With

the

exception

a taste of the diaspora of bi-cultural

U.S.

narratives, and notably are all first features. Three of the films, Blaze You Out, Filly Borwn and Mission Park are being distributed by

the

Victor Hugo Duran, the Columbia MFA student

Aftershock, all the films reflect unique,

script

whose short, Fireworks played at the LA Film Festival last year and is currently

shooting

his

first feature in Mexico called La Victoria; and Steve Acevedo, a participatant of NBCU Directing Fellowship, the director of El Cocodrilo which is a powerful and urgent film about a journalist played by Jacob Vargas on the run from a narco, See Pages 11 & 16 For full schedule

8 By Fernando Ruano Jr. Gaby Moreno: Close your eyes boys before calling the Drive-In and ironing your plaid shirt and turning up the radio: You’re going to hear the soulful charm and elegant harmony of the bluesinfluenced,

Guatemalan

singer/songwriter

Moreno, that’s if you can’t believe it’s not the lateAmy Winehouse coming through your speakers. A fresh and rangy voice sprinkled of blues and soul, Moreno, 31, scored loads of (Latin pop) mainstream play in 2012 - after years of laying in the weeds - with “Fuiste Tu”, her soothing-duet with

international

Latin

pop

star

Ricardo

Arjona. Despite hitting a few unexpected record label snags early on, Moreno is young enough to make a

dent

industry

lacking

distinct

talent. And nobody needs further proof than one listen to the edgy “Postales”, her third and first allSpanish album. Promise, you’ll be itching for sweet salt and honey water while wearing your Keds. Moreno, who is signed to Arjona’s Metamorfosis label, is coming off touring parts of South America and the United States opening for Arjona with a 30-minute opening act, including a performance in Miami in which she fashioned everything from

The Spanglish Music Generation: Beyond the Conga If

a polka dot dress to a classic and vibrant sound.

you’re an 18-35 year old bilingual, Latino you’re used to

standing in front of the mirror accommodating the right fit before a night out under fluorescent bulbs and thumping beats, you’re probably not grinding up a wall in the dark to Gloria Estefan’s “Oye Mi Canto”. But while the Spanglish generation is entranced in genres such as regaetton and hip hop and wouldn’t recognize Estefan if she were sitting at the head of the dinner table, there are plenty of fresh voices and distinct sounds emerging that might be music to their ears for the remainder of 2013 and beyond.

Continued on Page 9

9 Continued From Page 8

Raul y Mexia: The rapper/brother and California-based

Y La Bamba:

sons of Los Tigres del Norte bassist and

Odd that a pop band from indie-crazed

The

vocalist Hernan Hernandez, made quite a

Portland, Ore., would rise from the

New York-bred Grace, an ex-choir girl,

splash

ashes playing off their Latin roots. But it

effortlessly nails a wide-range of notes and

Lejos”, their first album as a duo. The

doesn’t sound strange

after you’ve

shows off the versatility in her soulful and

combo,

National

heard the powerful and melodious chops

sultry voice, while dropping hints of a

Records, has brought Latin pop a different

of Mexican lead vocalist Luz Elena

young Alicia Keys, in her latest single

sound and made a rapid rise by rapping

Mendoza, who grew up on accordion

“Day

and mariachi. After honing her skills at

recounting of falling in love for the first

with roots-influenced “Arriba y already

signed

Leslie Grace: 18-year-old

One”,

Dominican-American,

tender

and

emotive

local gigs, Mendoza added five folk musicians (all men) and the sextet made its debut in 2010. “Court The Storm”, the band’s follow up released in February, is a

11-track

cultural

cacophony

playing on harmonies and pop and over a fusion of Mexican regional music,

jazz

beats hip hop, and dance, that has earned

demonstration of their ability to

them plenty of radio play throughout

fuse styles, from traditional pop to

California.

Mexican music and slight dance

Antonio “Toy” Hernandez, one half of the

beats.

duo and hip-hop pioneer also known as

Mendoza’s cat, Y La Bamba is just

time.

Toy Selectah, cooked up the recipe of

beginning to scratch the surface.

In her debut last summer, Grace traces her

genres and produced much of the 10-song CD.

Antonio

Hernandez

influences,

Partly

and

named

clear

after

roots and musical influences and takes us back

produced

time

with

3BallMTY’s electro carnival, top-selling

Spanglish, bachata, R&B-

“Intentalo”. A trip to Miami to pitch their

fused cover of 60s classic

music turned up no takers, but the duo was

“Will

scooped up shortly after by National

Tomorrow”. Again, Grace’s

Records president Tomas Cookman.

resounding and lovely timbre

Selectah is intent on building on his

allows her to weave through

experience with ‘3Ball’ which opened his

singing genres in a rendition

eyes to following generations and their

that will move you from

lifestyle as opposed to rehashing the same-

Y La Bamba

Still

Love

holding hands on the pier to breaking out with a little

tired trends. Whether or not, anybody on South Beach gives a f@#$.

You

bachata by the shore.

Her first album

drops later this summer.

Los Colores:

This young Venezuelan band

made waves in Latin Alternative pop circles with a mix of indie rock and Latin bolero, yes bolero – in their self-titled album, released in February. Lead vocalist Alejandro Sojo possesses the smooth and melodic vibe of a throwback romantico that will make you fall hard, if not

make abuelita want to steal your iPad.

Generation

NEXT of Independent Latino Cinema

By Christine Davila

Finding and Championing Our Own voices

the movie Filly Brown, the titular

possibilities. Crashing up on the waves of

rapper doesn’t come into her own

Miami, the films in the Hispanicize Film

and become Filly Brown until she

Program showcase filmmakers boldly

writes her own words to narrate her reality.

turning to varied genres and carving out

In a pivotal and emotional scene, she

their own visual aesthetic.

confronts

Rivera)

Whether their stories address or defy

behind bars with some hard, bittersweet

traditional Latino cultural themes and

truth and heartfelt rhymes about what has

convey our bicultural experience, or if

transpired between them. The trials and

they feel unbound and free to tell classic,

tribulations

were

commercial cinema anchored in their

necessary to transform and fuel this

own reflection, it couldn’t be a more

culminating moment. In a way, a new crop

exciting time to support this newfound

of Latino filmmakers is going through a

boldness.

similar odyssey.

It seems like we are

Strong female characters is a fixture of

seeing them embrace their unique voices

the films Filly Brown, Blaze You Out,

and take creative risks without deference

Gabi and Clara Como El Agua, and in

the short film category five of the eight

what

her

mother

that

(Jenni

came

homogenized

before

commercial

mainstream dictates.

are directed by women.

The manner in which we identify with, and

Every festival usually has an “IT” actor, a

are inspired by, our mixed culture is

performer whose films demonstrate the

personal and varies greatly, making for

artistic and meaningful films they are

countless contemporary storytelling

selecting to make. In the case of

Hispanicize 2013 our “IT” man is Jeremy Ray Valdez who stars in the features Mission Park, Blaze You Out and Dreamer (Which he alto produced). In talking about the diversity of stories from diverse multicultural filmmakers it becomes apparent that the emerging Latino filmmaker is at a critical crossroads. This is just the beginning. Let’s not forget filmmaking is a collaborative art. It’s our obligation to fully realize these films by being and nurturing their audience. These films are but a small taste of what is being developed by new filmmaker voices. Contrary to what most Hollywood studio suits, with blockbuster money believe, there are a vast spectrum of American Latino filmmakers and big movie stars. What is missing however is the audience. In the era of digital platforms, the audience has more power than ever to validate and demand more of the work it like.

11 he 2012 Sundance Film Festival served as a successful launch pad for

Filly Brown, written and directed by Michael Olmos and Youssef De Lara. What’s fresh about this classic street rapper

drive the public to see the film opening

On another spectrum, with poetic realism,

making it and fighting for integrity is

weekend if we want to see the traditional

Dreamer, written and directed by young

that this hustle has typically been

distribution model budget.

filmmaker Jesse Salmeron, is perhaps the

represented and dominated by males on film (and in real life). In a novel take, the filmmakers conceived of a female lead character, which was then fully ignited by Gina Rodriguez’s

most urgent mirror of the times we are living in with thousands of undocumented youth’s hopes hinging on the proposed Dream Act. Eschewing obvious political commentary Salmeron compassionately

dynamic performance. Beloved and

Another electrifying female lead character

individualizes a character that embodies

established actors Lou Diamond

is Lupe in Blaze

young American-raised upwardly mobile

Philips, Edward James Olmos and

the vulnerable yet ferocious Veronica Diaz

members of society. The film’s stylistic

the late Jenni Rivera round out the

Carranza (Mamitas, Taco Shop). Unlike

aesthetic evokes the painful reality and

high profile cast. The film was one of

the thugs and wayward people that attempt

conveys the existentially horrible feeling of

70 films picked up for distribution

to keep Filly Brown down, Lupe must rival

being invisible and disregarded in this

following its Sundance premiere.

an elemental and ancient evil in this magic

country. Above all, the transcending story is

You Out, played by

realism tale. A modern and not-seen-

ultimately about the bonds and family we

After a precarious year in which the

before mythological darkness and

create, and the place we know in our heart as

film showed at a dozen film festivals

manifestation of evil is captured in this

home. Blood and roots do not always make

and the original distributor went

thriller in which Lupe confronts the secret

for family and home. Both the perspective

bankrupt, Pantelion stepped in to pick

underworld to save her sister. Elizabeth

and envisioning of Dreamer makes for a

it up. It opems on April 19 on 200

Peña, who is deliciously wicked, and

distinguished and salient film.

screens. That number is still less than

Raoul Trujillo duel in the inherently

other Pantelion releases. For

mystical and native rooted New Mexico,

comparison, the Eva Mendez starrer,

set alongside some ominous mestizo

Girl in Progress was on 322 screens,

iconography. Brushed with a striking and

the Will Ferrell comedy Casa de Mi

otherworldly cinematic canvass, the film

Padre on 475 screens. It’s worth

paints this modern dance with Santa

recognizing where these numbers

Muerte. An inventive take on the drug

stack up among other theater releases.

‘sickness’ that rampages these

Hollywood blockbusters are released

marginalized communities and the secrets

on anywhere from 3000-4000

that keep them chained, Blaze You Out is

screens. Recent indie specialty

the type of film that expands the metaphor.

releases like Beasts of the Southern

Fierce and unapologetic, the film also stars

Wild, at its peak amid its Oscar

Q'orianka Kilcher (Pocahantas in The

nomination buzz, was on 300 screens,

New World), Mark Adair Rios and

Spring Breakers went from 4 screens

Melissa Cordero, all who possess

opening weekend to 1,000 plus

magnetic talent. Shuttle to Theater: 7:30PM Red Carpet: 7:50PM Screening: Wed., April 10, Regal Cinemas, 8:30PM

screens because of the record breaking per theater average. One of the lessons here is to connect and

Shuttle to Theater: 6:45PM Red Carpet: 7:10PM Screening: Tues., April 9th, Colony Theater 7:50PM After Party: The Stage

Shuttle to Theater: 7:30PM Red Carpet: 7:50PM Screening: Wed., April 10, Regal Cinemas - 8:30PM

Aftershock, is the horror comedy produced and starring Eli Roth, directed by Chilean filmmaker Nicolas Lopez. The film also features a cameo by Selena Gomez. The film was written by López, Eli Roth and Guillermo Amoedo, from a story by Roth and López. The film, while fictional, was based on true events from the 2010 8.8 earthquake in Chile. Shuttle to Theater: 6:45PM Red Carpet: 7:30PM Screening: Fri., April 12th, Regal Cinemas - 8:00PM

wenty years ago, In 1993 the most visible Latino actors in Hollywood were Andy Garcia and Salma Hayek. However the term

“Latina/o Super Stars” of modern day would not materialize until the mid ‘90s when Cameron Diaz starred in Mask and became the highest visible Latina actress (however she did not consider herself a Latina). So the title of the first modern day

Latina Super Star goes to Jennifer Lopez, the first Latina to earn a million dollars for a role. It was the title role of Gregory Nava’s biopic Selena, based on the life and death of Tejano music legend Selena. The Latina/o Super Star was re-born. Number one on the st

star Internnet Movie Database (IMDB) list on April 1 was Rosario Dawson, who heads off our list. And yes, the women where the highest trenders

We present the 2013 Latin Heat Super Star List.

Rosario Dawson

Zoe Saldaña Actor/Producer/Director/Fashionista

IMDB STARmeter: 315

Actor/Activist/Writer/Producer

IMDB STARmeter: 233 Bio: Rosario Dawson was born in New York to a Puerto Rican/Afro-Cuban mother and a father.

Native

American/Irish

Dawson was discovered sitting on a stoop in her

neighborhood by screenwriter Harmony Korine and director Larry Clark who immediately cast her in the gritty, controversial teen drama, Kids kick starting her career. Dawson went on to star in such projects as 25th Hour, Men in Black II, Grind House and Alexander. She has a successful voice-over career and recently published her own comic book miniseries. On stage, she costarred as "Julia" in a revival of Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park and appeared in The Vagina Monologues. Appearing in both indie and major studio films and on the stage, Dawson mesmerizes. Credit Highlights: Sin City, Men in Black II, Alexander, and Eagle Eye; Seven Pounds Current Projects: Chavez; They Die By Dawn; Gimmie Shelter (Post Prod.); Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (Post Prod.); Queen of Night

(Post

Prod.);

Parts

Per

Billion

O.C.T.: Occult Crimes Taskforce (In Devel.)

raised in Queens, New York. At 10 years old, her family moved to the Dominican Republic where Zoe trained as a ballerina at the prestigious ECOS Espacio de Danza Dance Academy. At 17, Zoe moved back to the States where her dance training came in handy. Her first big screen role was as “Eva Rodriguez,” the talented and headstrong ballet dancer in the film Center Stage (2000). Through her talent she has gained the respect and praise from industry insiders, among them Jerry Bruckheimer, Steven Spielberg, and Tom Hanks. Known for her acting talent, classic looks and fashionista style, Zoe is now also producing. Net Worth: $8 Million Credit Highlights: Colomibana, Star Trek, Pirates of the Caribbean and Avatar, Vantage Point.

Net Worth: $16 million

the

Bio: Born in New Jersey and

(Post

Prod.);

Current Projects: Star Trek Into Darkness (Post Prod.); Blood Ties (Completed); Nina (Post Prod.); Out of the Furnace (Post Prod.); Infinitely Polar Bear (Filming); Guardians of the Galaxy (Announced); Avatar 2 (Rumored)

Jessica Alba Actor/Entrepreneur/Spokeswoman/Model

IMDB STARmeter: 324 Bio: Born in Pomona, CA Jessica Alba’s family moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, when she was an infant. At age 12 after only one acting class she was signed by an agent. She has played a variety of roles ranging from light comedy to gritty drama since beginning her career. She made her feature film debut in 1993 in Hollywood Pictures' comedy Camp Nowhere (1994). After guest starring in most of the popular TV shows, in 2000 she landed the title role in the sci-fi TV series Dark Angel that would secure her place in Hollywood royalty. A Golden Globe-nominated actress, Alba has easily navigated between blockbuster films and hit TV shows. A mother of two, Alba divides her time between acting, being a mom and entrepreneurship. She created The Honest Company an organization that helps moms identify what is best for their babies. Net Worth: $20 million. Credit Highlights: The Fantastic Four, Valentine’s Day, Sin City, Little Frockers. Dark Angel (TV). Current Projects: Machete Kills; Sin City: A Dame to Kill For; How to Make Love Like an Englishman (Rumored)

Sofia Vergara

Cameron Diaz

Actor/Entrepreneur/Spokesperson/Producer

Actor/Producer/Soundtrack

IMDB STARmeter: 385

IMDB STARmeter: 399

Bio: Sofía was born and raised in

Bio: A tall, strikingly attractive

Barranquilla, Colombia to a well to

blue-eyed blonde, Cameron

do family. While studying pre-

Diaz hails from San Diego,

Dentistry at Colombia University, a

CA. She is the daughter of

photographer discovered her on

Billie (Anglo-German) and

the beach, which led to modeling and television work. She co-

Emilio Diaz (Cuban-

hosted a travel show, Fuera de serie (1995), for Univision – all

American). She began modeling at 16 traveling the world. Her

with an eye on making the “crossover” into English-language TV.

first film was as the female lead in her The Mask (1994) that

ABC put her under a holding deal. Her first film role was as one

grossed $343.9M worldwide. The Hollywood limelight has not

of three leads in the film Chasing Papi. Her breakthrough role

stopped shining on her since. With her acting chops and

was as "Gloria Delgado-Pritchett" in the American TV series,

comedic timing she is one of filmdom's hottest properties and

Modern Family. In 2011, she received an Emmy nomination for

most sought after actresses. Diaz received her star on the

"Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series" for this

Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.

role. In 2012 Vergara was named the highest paid actress in

Net Worth: $90 million.

Hollywood by Forbes magazine, Vergara is the biggest

Credit Highlights: Bad Teacher, What to Expect When you’re

crossover talent from Latin America in U.S. television history.

Expecting, There's Something About Mary, Gangs of New

Net Worth: $27 million

York, Vanilla Sky, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Charlie’s

Credit Highlights: New Year’s Eve; Medea Goes to Jail; Meet

Angels, and the voice for Shrek

the Browns; Soul Plane; Big Trouble (TV) Regular on: Hot

Current Projects: The Counselor (Post Prod); Agent:

Properties, The Knights of Prosperity

Century 21 (Pre-Prod); One Hit Wonders (Script); The Other

Current Projects: Machete Kills, Fading Gigolo (Post Prod.),

Woman

The Smurfs (Post Prod.); Heat Killer Woman (Exec. Prod - TV);

Heat

For the Full List log on to Super Stars at Latin Heat

By Jeff Valdez

When I was asked to give a twenty-year retrospective on Latinos In Hollywood I wondered what would be the best way to look back at our progress, so I decided to start by examining the strides in other industries, to help create a historical perspective. In 1993, AOL was how we got on the internet, using “Dial-Up.” Twenty years ago gas was $1.34 a gallon, I could have filled up my Prius for $13.40; cell phones were so large you could get a hernia carrying one. You had to have a second job just to pay for the per-minute plan, no data packages back then; and technology has grown by leaps and bounds in twenty years, all market driven. And what group consistently overindexes on all technology usage? You guessed it, Latinos! But how have Latinos fared in a twenty year span? Surely we weren’t frozen in time (I say that, but then exclude some of my cousins back home, who still wear fashions from the 70’s.) Our population’s numbers have ballooned. Latinos went from

20 million in 1990 to over 51 million in 2012. This jump accounted

for

50%

the

entire

U.S.

population

growth. Hispanic buying power was $211 billion in 1993. Today we are at $1.3 trillion, a staggering six and one half times multiple. Most recently, Latinos became a voting bloc so important, that even radical right-wingers admit that no political party can win an election without the Latino vote. They are now sending out silver-tongued devils like Congressman Don Young of Alaska to woo all of us “Wetbacks.” Holy molé, who’s in charge of that playbook?

Latino influence and spending power is undeniable, which leads me to ask, just how does Hollywood, the liberal and creative capital of the world, view this exploding market? I found an 1995 LA Times article which stated, “According to MPAA studies, Latinos are the fastest-growing movie going segment.” Wow, all the way back in 1995 the MPAA knew Latinos were a boon to their industry. The LA Times article goes on to say, “The “ethnic group,” which represents 9% of the U.S. population, accounted for 12% of attendance last year.”

The Marketing to Latinos

of these organizations. They chose to take on the behemoths of media and politics, which is not an easy task. But at the end of

For years there was what ad agencies called an “Ethnic Budget” created to cater to all “non-white” people in America. Apparently Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans all had one thing in common: we were not white. This was incredibly ironic for the Native Americans, considering they are indigenous to this country. Then marketing budgets split in two. There was a “Hispanic Budget” which meant for Spanish language outlets and an “Urban Budget,” which in the minds of many marketers meant “angry Black people.” The new trend in 2013 seems to be the “Multicultural Budget,” designed to encompass all “non-white” people. Sounds like we are back to square one and the “Ethnic Budget” . Some marketers are now going as far as to say that Hispanics don’t need a special budget as they are now part of the “Mainstream.” I’d actually agree with this logic, if those same people made sure that the “Mainstream” was a level playing field that had Latino executives, writers, producers, actresses, actors and directors who were able to tell a variety of stories from their perspectives.

the day, there needs to be tangible results. Perhaps it’s time for a new generation of young tech savvy, entrepreneurial and politically minded Latinos and Latinas to step in and take the reins. If we use a critical eye to look at the shortcomings of those outside our community, we also need to set the bar higher for those inside our community. If we don’t create a new paradigm, twenty years from now we will look back and realize it continues to be a world of the “singular story” where the multitude of cultural cadences rather than being encouraged,

are

diminished.

Because

cultures

have

“cadences”. You hear it in music. Brad Paisley has a different cadence than Shakira, who has a different one than Lil Wayne. Sofia Vergara, Gwyneth Paltrow and Nia Long all bring a different flavor to the party. Comics have cadences as well. Larry David’s cadence is very different from Chris Rock’s, which varies from that of George Lopez. None are necessarily better than the other, only different. The problem begins when Hollywood executives believe their cultural cadence is better; and that the “beats” of other storytellers and performers will not do for the masses. Perhaps the best way to understand this is to use this analogy:

There Are Bright Spots

Imagine hiring a non-Latino to DJ a party full of Latinos. The DJ might open with the Macarena, followed perhaps by an old Santana song and then by Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca.

The years from 2000-2004 were banner years for Latino TV

They would do that because what else could they do? That’s all

writers, producers and talent. Latino themed series Taina, An

they know, that’s the depth of their Latino experience for the most

American Family, The Brothers Garcia, Dora The Explorer, and

part. This is what happens in Hollywood when people try and

Resurrection Boulevard were all on the air. Presently there are

program to a group they haven’t the slightest clue into but believe

more Latinos on TV but no Latino themed television show.

they do. Perhaps the best way to understand this is to use this

And on the big screen? This year, Argo the story of a CIA

analogy: Imagine hiring a non-Latino to DJ a party full of Latinos.

operative, who happened to be Latino, won accolades and every

The DJ might open with the Macarena, followed perhaps by an

entertainment award imaginable. I forgive Ben Affleck for playing

old Santana song and then by Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca.

Tony Mendez, but will draw the line should he try and play Benito

They would do that because what else could they do? That’s all

Juarez.

they know, that’s the depth of their Latino experience for the most

We have a few new young actresses and actors that are starting

part. This is what happens in Hollywood when people try and

to break out. And we have made some progress. Nowadays we

program to a group they haven’t the slightest clue into but believe

don’t get killed in the first act of the movies, we often get to live

they do.

until the third act; see End Of Watch and Battle LA.

I have hope all this will change, just by looking at the failures in

Yes, there has been progress, we just need more, and in a time

other sectors of this business. The record business ignored the

frame more in line with “internet time.”

warnings of the digital era and downloading.

There are several Latino organizations whose mission it is to make sure that Hollywood gets it right. I applaud the valiant effort

Continued on pg. 24

continued from pg.13

Sometimes the consequences of forging your own path threatens the formative relationships of your past like in

Mission Park written and directed by San Antonio native, Bryan Ramirez. Echoing the gritty and seminal Chicano movie Bound by Honor (better known as Blood in Blood Out), and with explosive thriller genre swagger and craft, the street crime drama is about four childhood friends who grow apart and enter a web of deception morals.

opposite

sides

the

law

and

The brave decision to go legit is a valuable

lesson of breaking out of the cycle. The plot shows there are more possibilities than the only path we have been represented in and perpetuated of how to survive and succeed coming up from the hood.

Torn apart over time, the ambitions of four childhood friends place them on opposite sides of the law.

Thanks to the magnitude of social media we can directly and tangibly help artists’ success. Together we are taking control of

Young FBI Agents Bobby (Jeremy Ray Valdez) and

enriching our narratives and changing the conversation of what

Julian (Will Rothhaar) are forced to infiltrate and take

Latino cinema means. Hispanicize celebrates the social media

down a drug organization run by the untouchable

platform influence to blaze and pierce through the dizzying cultural

kingpin Jason (Walter Perez) and his right-hand man

American popular culture, and to finally claim our voices.

Derek (Joseph Julian Soria).

Hispanicize Short Films

here’s no better place to witness the unbridled creative expression, and to track emerging talent than in the short film showcase. The short film medium is the most inventive and freeing of compact cinema. Unchained by the traditional three act narrative structure, the short film is like a shape shifter in its ability to be anything from an evocative moment, expressionistic portrait, social comedic skit or potent fable. Among the most groundbreaking artists working today are Jillian Mayer and Lucas Leyva of the Borscht Corporation.

#Postmodem

Their video works have been shown at MOMA and Guggenheim museums all over the world as well as several major international art galleries and collections. Their short films have screened at the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, and more than two dozen other festivals and have become viral video sensations. Recently named two of the "25 New Faces of Independent Film" by Filmmaker magazine they run their own film audiovisual festival in Miami. Their short film #Postmodem is the most wild and prescient genre mash about our digital legacy- and just outrageously fun and catchy.

Gabi It’s rare to see representative female characters on screen, than it is even rarer to see female characters written and directed by a woman. Zoé Salicrup Junco’s short film Gabi is about a woman who finds herself tortured by the vestiges of Puerto Rican patriarchal morality and culture. Gabi defies the cultural norms and perception of what she should be doing as a modern Latina woman. The story refers to a Puerto Rican saying that haunts single women in their 30’s: “If such a woman is not married by this time, she must be a slut, a lesbian, or a prude.” It’s so refreshing, empowering and revolutionary to see reflected a strong and confident woman who trusts her individuality against such embedded oppressed tradition.

Echo Bear Yolanda Cruz, a filmmaker from Oaxaca with a number of documentary features which have been celebrated internationally, makes her first foray into fiction with the comedy short, Echo Bear. Set in LA’s Echo Park it follows a single gay Latino man traipsing the wild cyberspace of dating in his tight knit neighborhood. Sweet and tender, authentically raw and gleeful, today’s tricky variant sexual relationship is amusingly portrayed in this underrepresented slice of life.

El Cocodrilo Inspired by the tragic reality of journalists being targeted and killed in Mexico by the violent drug wars, El Cocodrilo written and directed by Steve Acevedo keeps us at our edge of our seats. Dramatizing our triumphant spirit and primal instinct is what lies at the heart-tugged soul of this gritty story. Jacob Vargas stars as a journalist on the lam in some undisclosed diner with his young son, waiting to be rescued from the hazard of his profession. The remarkable tone and portrayal of the docu-fiction is flipped upside down and makes for a suspenseful roller coaster. A terrifyingly gravity grips, in the sense of knowing it is an inspiration of real life journalists’ plight, and the risks they take to disseminate truth.

Los Wild Ones Straight from SXSW the sweet character driven music documentary Los Wild Ones about Wild Records an L.A. indie music label comprised of young Mexican American musicians and run by Irishman Reb Kennedy. Directed by Elise Salomon who also produces. Salomon produced the Sundance award winning films Paper Heart and coproduced Smashed.

Documentary & Short Film Showcase

Shuttle toTheater: 7:00PM Screening: Thur., April 11th New World Center 8:00PM

Music Artists: Powered by Social Media By Fernie Ruano Jr.

mid-March

image

posting

@alexoficial of an unshaven and shaggy-haired Alejandro

Fernandez walking up in a railroad (wearing washed out jeans and bomber jacket) in Mexico City not only sets off a cyber-riot amongst his 2 million Twitter followers, but sparks a lively stream of discussion and instant interaction that

drop

the

bucket

for

management team crunching numbers as they ratchet up a mix of marketing and tech savvy strategies aimed at the favorite devices and wallets of Hispanic consumers satisfying their music listening and viewing habits with everything from an internet lifestyle channel to a digitally-streamed live

Communication about strategy in selling Latin

music

artists

freewheeling

bilingual, Latinos growing up on iTunes and iPads and mesmerized by YouTube and iTunes. “Whether it’s Alejandro, Puerto

Rican

reggaeton

singer

Alvarez or Puerto Rican salsa singer Tito Nieves, our jobs depend on driving numbers and creating a buzz. So, when

unites his diverse fan base during a 24-

we pull somebody through the door, yes

hour, photo-ogling period stretching from

it’s we know, Ok, how many Facebook

Cali, Colombia to San Diego, California.

friends and Twitter followers do you

There’s the grooming suggestion (“Estas

have?

mas guapo sin barba y con el pelo corto,”

“But in today’s world, that’s just a small

gushes Mele Fernandez on Facebook) to

step in making sure an artist is creating a

the PG-rated dissection of his physique

buzz.

(“You look hot!” writes TOTIGIRL on

established

Twitter) somewhere in the United States

everybody needs to know you’re out

with loads of adoration in between,

there and in today’s world that means

resulting in 512 comments and 3,500

going where people get their music and

‘Likes’

that extends promoting a tour or new

Instagram

Facebook, combined

Twitter and

and

doesn’t or

matter just

you’re

starting

out,

album.”

definitely

increasing the popularity of his Facebook

According

page (3,207,747 ‘Likes’ and counting at

Economic Growth study conducted by

Selig

Center

for

last check).

concert performance, and expected to drive

Bovitz

Fifteen years ago, that might have

the totality of their spending power in the

Adage.com in February, the spending

sufficed to send a brainy publicist, looking

U.S. economy over a trillion dollars in less

power

to plug a new tour or album, into hysteria,

than three years.

upwards of $1.5 trillion of the economy

if not onto South Beach to splurge on

“Wow, this generation practically lives on a

by 2015. Hispanics presently make up

margaritas,

computer and doesn’t lose sight of their

16.3% of the total U.S. population, or just

But

iPhone, so if it’s not 100% about social and

over 52 million people. By 2050 that

while the response and statistics are

digital media it’s pretty close when we sit

number is projected to reach 133 million,

undeniably respectable, especially given

down to open a (marketing) campaign,” said

according to this report.

his studio inactivity in recent years,

Press

Nayira

Combine that with an in-depth Nielsen

they’re a drop in the bucket for a

Castellanos,

Beach-based

study of consumer interaction with music

management team crunching numbers

Acoustyle Digital and Marketing

after

securing

several

interviews for the hunky crooner.

they’re

Publicity of

Director

Miami

Research of

Latinos

published will

account

Continued to Page

by for

20 in the United States conducted last fall concluding that even though 48% of people still discover music through radio, it pales in comparison to the 64% of teenagers using YouTube, followed by radio (56%) and iTunes (53%), as their main gateway to music – numbers not lost on industry executives trying to keep up with digitally savvy and mobilized, multi-lingual Latinos in search of fresh faces and innovative platforms. Castellanos, who with Sujeylee Sola operates the marketing and promotion of a Top Stop Music roster featuring upstart Dominican American singer Leslie Grace, is locked in with what’s happening on You Tube even more so than making sure to blast away that snappy release with bold colors and catchy slogans. But that’s just part of the process for music executives trying in connecting the past with the present in hopes of getting younger bilingual Latinos to invest in music while also busy attempting to jump-start the career of the next star in part by hooking new audiences, and the marketing of Grace is no exception. An ex-choir girl born in New York, the 18-year-old Grace made her debut last summer with a Spanglish, R&B/Bachata-fused rendition of The Shirelles 1960’s classic “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” that starts off as a hearty ballad before taking a turn into full-fledge bachata. The song’s YouTube video (4,392,608 views), a throwback shoot entirely in black and white traveling everywhere from a Drive-In to the beach, depicts Grace at times in a classic convertible and singing into a standstill vintage microphone. “It’s definitely a smart marketing ploy in trying to gain new followers and a create some noise among young Hispanics, especially when you’re trying to get a relatively new artist of the ground, but it’s a bit difficult when you’re also competing with established artists and their advanced presence in new media,” said a Miami-based DJ, who expressed concern for the longevity of mainstream radio with the emergence of internet radio and the likes surfacing as prime destinations for young Latinos. While outlining the permeating presence of such internet radio services as Pandora, available across a multitude of media platforms including home and office, The Selig Center for Economic Growth study found 88% of Hispanics listeners prefer mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Citing that marketers and brands should consider enhanced options to take advantage of location, with immediate calls to action, social sharing and interaction with the ever-growing demographic segment. Just last December Spanish singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz, in the midst of pushing material off his new album, “La Musica No Se Toca”, gave online viewers an opportunity to connect with each other internationally and interact while watching a digital stream of his live concert from a lounge in Miami Beach broadcast on

Terra.com in conjunction with Terra Live Music and Pepsi’s ‘Viva Hoy’ platform, the bottling company’s renewed Hispanic marketing effort. The HD concert, marking the first time Pepsi’s U.S. Hispanic and Latin American marketing teams had worked together on a crossbordering initiative, was broadcast in 19 countries reached by the

We’re definitely heading into the age of more digital concerts, more opportunities where people, no matter where you’re sitting or where you live, can take part”

Terra digital media company’s entertainment, lifestyle, sports and news content, including Spain and other European countries, according to Terra U.S. CEO Fernando Rodriguez.

Continued on pg. 28

The Wisdom of Latina Legends: Rita Moreno, Charo and Nely Galan Thursday, April 11 – 2 PM – Eden Roc Hotel, South Beach

ut of all of the Hispanicize events this year, one of the most anticipated is The Adelante Movement: The Wisdom of Latina Legends, featuring Hollywood icons Rita

Icons at Hispanicize

Moreno and Charo. Nely Galán, founder of The Adelante Movement for Latina economic empowerment, is copresenting this incredible evening with The Coca-Cola Company. “We have created a program that focuses on bringing Latinas the remarkable stories and careers of women who came before us,” says Galán. “We want to bring Latinas at Hispanicize the secrets of how these women have managed to move beyond stereotypes to break new ground, challenge and reinvent themselves, stay healthy, build financial stability and long-lasting careers which continue to flourish.” The Hollywood Icon presentation is a special edition of The Adelante Movement: Tour, in which these legends impart their insights regarding economic and personal empowerment, career and financial success, as well as health, wellness and longevity. The program takes place on Thursday, April 11 at 2 PM at The Eden Roc Hotel in South Beach, as part of the annual Latino trends event, Hispanicize. “We believe that the Adelante Movement: Tour is a powerful way to bring women together to create positive change.” said Lauventria Robinson, VP Multicultural Marketing, Coca-Cola North America Group, “Coca-Cola is proud to be a part of this movement to empower the Latino community.” “We’re delighted to welcome Coca-Cola and The Adelante Movement to the Hispanicize 2013 Event for Latino trendsetters,” said Manny Ruiz, Founder/Creative Director. “The Wisdom of Latina Legends program is comprised of Hollywood icons who can teach us much about creating and maintaining a healthy mind and body and a successful career in one of the toughest businesses: Entertainment.” Limited free tickets are available on a first come first served basis.

Charo

Nely Galán Nely Galán is a first generation Latina and self-made media mogul, who was the first Latina president of a U.S. TV network (Telemundo), She was recently featured in HBO’s “The Latino List: Volume Two” and was also named one of PEOPLE En Español’s 25 Most Powerful Women. She is an Emmy Award-winning producer of over 600 episodes of television in Spanish and English, including the hit reality series “The Swan” and the first Latina to appear on Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump. Galán recently went back to school and completed her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Currently, Galán is executive producer and creator of “Celebrity Swan,” a new edition of her hit reality series, which will air this fall on FOX. For more information: www.nelygalan.com.

Rita Moreno

Charo is instantly recognizable as the

Rita Moreno has won all four of the most

“cuchi cuchi” girl, She has appeared in

prestigious awards in show business:

countless hit television shows, with over

the Oscar , the Tony, two Emmys, and a

forty-five appearances on The Tonight

Grammy. Her countless credits span

Show with Johnny Carson. She also

more than six decades, from her

appeared on the long-running comedy

Broadway debut at age 13 to her current

“The Love Boat” than any other star.

role on the TVLand series, Happily

Charo also appeared in such films as

Divorced. Moreno has performed on

Moon Over Parador Airport ‘79: The

Broadway; London's West

Concord.

End; appeared in more than 40 feature

Currently, Charo is busy touring around

films, and has performed in numerous

the country promoting her dance album

regional theaters, most recently starring

“Sexy Sexy” which is a big hit at dance

in her one woman show, Life Without

clubs in Europe and the U.S. Charo is

Makeup at the Berkeley Rep. Rita was

also a humanitarian and an activist for

awarded the Presidential Medal of

animal rights and is a member of

Freedom in 2004 and the National

PETA Charo was recently back on the

Medal of Arts by President Obama in

Billboard charts with her latest single

2010. Her book, Rita Moreno A

dance club hit – España Cañí, the

Memoir was published in March by

traditional bullfighting song, which she

Celebra.

recorded in protest against bull fighting. www.charo.com.

The Adelante Movement: Tour is a national series of live forums that bring together Latina leaders from around the country to inspire them to take action and to connect them with financial opportunities such as government contracts, franchises, jobs, start-up capital and corporate diversity contracts in order to create wealth and prosperity for their families and their communities. Join the Adelante Movement www.theadelantemovement.com. The Coca-Cola Company is a co-presenter of the Adelante Movement, For m ore information, visit Coca-‐ Cola Journey at www.coca-‐colacompany.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo or check our blog, Coca-‐Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-‐colablog.com.

HOLA! LA

is an English-language locally produced TV talk show hosted by four dynamic

Latina professionals -- a television show long overdue! After a pilot screening during Hispanic Heritage Month in the Los Angeles on CBS 2 and KCAL 9, the talk fest made it first th

season bow on March 30 and will air monthly on the Los Angeles duopoly. Kevin Alejandro star of CBS’ Golden Boy was the first guest of the season. He joined hosts Bel Hernandez, CEO of Latin Heat Media, which publishes a print and online magazine; actress/comedienne Dyana Ortelli (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”); actress Kikey Castillo; and Emmy-winning journalist Naibe Reynoso. the talk show format. This is a show that will appeal to all Southern A talk show like no other, ¡HOLA! LA delivers what network

Californians, including the underserved English-speaking Latino

television has ignored/overlooked for far too long and what

audience.”

audiences have been demanding…a talk hosted by Englishspeaking Latinas dedicted to women of various ages and

Past guests and scheduled guests on HOLA! LA include: Actors

from different cultural backgrounds but that unlike any other

John Leguizamo, Esai Morales, CBS’ Kevin Alejandro,

talk show on television, brings the American-Latina

Showtime’s Dexter star Aimee Garcia, Richard Montanez, the

perspective….finally, a new voice, point of view, and

inventor of Cheetos, swimsuit designer, Nicole di Rocco, Sons of

perspective American Latinos can relate to!

Anarchy’s Emilio Rivera, among other exciting guest.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing ¡HOLA! LA back to CBS 2 and KCAL 9,” said Hernandez, who in addition to co-hosting also serves as one of the show’s executive producers. “We are four American Latinas with a unique point of view and we’re not afraid to speak out and make our audiences laugh, think and even disagree with us.” “We are extremely pleased to welcome ¡HOLA! LA back to CBS 2 and KCAL 9,” said Steve Mauldin, President and General Manager of the stations. “We were proud to air the first episode of HOLA LA! last year during Hispanic Heritage Month. The four hosts of the show are terrific and do a great

job of putting a fresh and local spin on

“CBS 2 and KCAL 9 are terrific partners,” said ¡HOLA! LA Executive Producer Enrique Castillo. “They welcome the background of our Latino perspective because the end result is a genuinely organic show with a different twist.” Castillo added the show would introduce new ideas and universal topics that embrace all Angelinos. Created by Bel Hernandez, ¡HOLA! LA is executive produced by Hernandez, Castillo and Otto Petersen. The “Young Hollywood” episode is directed by Lionel Pasamonte, and written by Elia Esparza. For more information on HOLA LA!, visit CBSLA.com/HolaLA On Facebook: facebook.com/HolaLAonTV

he Dominican Republic is fast becoming filmmaker heaven! The new Law for the Promotion of Film Activity, which came into effect in 2011. The “Cinema Law”, as it is referred to

national and international market in film and television

provides a tax credit of up to 25% for feature films and TV

using the latest digital technology and world class

series shot in the DR. Last year director Felix Limardo (Sol Caribe)

creativity.

utilized this tax incentive to shoot Kill the Dictator, the first of a slate of

We recently produced Kill The Dictator aka El Teniente

films, under the DR “Cinema Law”. Kill the Dictator, is also setting a new filmmaking precedent, it was shot concurrently in English and Spanish. The talented bilingual cast is headed by Amaury Nolasco (Prison Break), Efrain Figueroa (Desperate Measures), Mercedes Renard (Hitch, Four Assassins) and Enrique

“I believe that the future of the Hispanic market is a crossover to both languages...”

Castillo (Weeds,

Amado based on the true story of Lieutenant Amado

Blood In Blood

Garcia Guerrero who was one of the key figures in the

Out).

assassination of the dominican dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in 1961. We also produced the documentary Sol

Kill The

Caribe, a journey through the roots of Merengue and

Dictator was made

Bachata with the iconic artists who created the sound.

possible with the

Also, One Wish, a dramatic comedy starring Kevin Kilner,

introduction of the

Bella Thorn and Christa B. Allen. We also produce many of

new film law (108-

the top national and international TV campaigns, which I

10) in the

also direct.

Dominican Republic. The

LH: Do you make your home in the DR? And do you

general purpose of

need to be a local to take advantage of the Tax

the law is to create

Incentives?

a desirable option for the country to engage the film and audio visual

FL: I'm bi-coastal based out of Los Angeles and the

industry as a vehicle to promote the cultural roots, habits, customs and

DR. And no, you don't have to be a local to produce a film

lifestyles of Dominicans.

with the tax incentives in the DR. These are the rules under Article 7 Chapter 16 of the

Latin Heat: Tell me a little about your production company Maireni

“Cinema Law”

Films?

A) The production company has to be a Dominican

Felix Limardo: Maireni Films, SRL was established in 2007

production company registered with the DGCINE and the

and registered with the DGCINE (Direccion General De Cine). The

investors have to be Dominican companies or a private

company is dedicated to the creation of studio quality content for the

investor. There has to be at least one Dominican producer

25 The Future Starts Today Continued From Page 15

The 60-minute performance, offered in English, Spanish

The movie business didn’t believe DVD sales would fall off a cliff

and Portuguese, and accessible on PCs, tablets,

so quickly; broadcasters thought cable TV was a joke; and cable

smartphones and smart TVs, not only allowed Sanz the

TV laughed at the thought of broadband becoming the norm. They

chance to promote new music across a wide spectrum, it

are all now feeling the impact of being re-active rather than pro-

generated over 11,ooo Facebook ‘Likes’ within minutes of

active.

the show starting, according to Terra.com, which reaches an audience of 100 million per month.

I remain optimistic. I believe technology and market economics will drive a new paradigm. Let’s face it, entertainment executives have

Additionally, Pepsi ran a sweepstakes in 12 Latin American

gotten dumber, yet TVs and cell phones have gotten “smarter.”

countries offering a grand prize, including tickets for two to

The playing field will level out and create a multitude of “cross-

attend a show next month in Miami.

cultural” stories and fresh voices that resonate with the “New “It’s going to continue to explode and sooner than later, it’s

General Market,” the “New Mainstream,” because we are definitely

going to be crazy in an innovative sense,” said

not in Kansas anymore. As, Pope John Paul II, so eloquently

Metamorfosis Publicity & Marketing Director Ananay

stated, “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” Adelante!

Castillo, who hinted at the possibility of Guatemalan singer/songwriter Ricardo Arjona (@Ricardo_Arjona)

Kill The Dictator Continued from Page 27

concluding his agenda late this year with a live-streamed concert

At least two of the following: DP, PD, writer, and a principal actor. Not to be outdone, Juanes (@Juanes), one of this generation’s most

At least two of the music and four of the following technicians: Sound Mixer, Camera Operator, Gaffer, Grip, Make-up, Hair, Stylist, Script person, Wardrobe and Casting.

influential Latin music artists in the world, premiered 123: POV Juanes last summer, a docu-series chronicling the creative and humanitarian exploits of the Colombian rocker on a YouTube’s Latin lifestyle channel targeted at

LH: Tell us about the highlights of shooting Kill the Dictator? Also about locations, and persons that made this film possible. FL: First, it was written and through the efforts of Huchi Lora, the Dominican Republic’s most respected journalist who has spent several years researching the specifics of this true story. For a Director/Producer, the real highlight is that you can make YOUR film...the way you want without anyone on your back telling you who to cast or what to do.

young, bilingual Latinos in the U.S. The Dominican Republic has it all...and I mean it...you can shoot in Yo Soy Juanes, a monthly-radio broadcast on SiriusXM

the middle of the desert, jungle, beaches, mountains and the oldest

featuring everything from his favorite music to career

city in the new world. One of the scenes in Kill The Dictator was shot

tidbits, hit the airwaves last September.

in the first fort that was built by Christopher Columbus. Anyone who

“The personal experience of buying a ticket and attending a show is something that will never get old with perhaps you and I, but the young generation is pretty much is about here and now. We’re definitely heading into the age of

DGCINE). He's a real go-getter, a no no-nonsense type of guy who will go out of his way to make sure you get a permit to shoot anywhere in the DR.

more digital concerts, more opportunities where people, no

For the rest of the article check latinheat.com

matter where you’re sitting or where you live, can take

part,” said Castillo.

shoots a film in the DR must give a credit to Ellis Perez (Minister of the

By Elia Esparza Reviews by Mary Chuy

One

of the most redeeming things about web video is that

it gives the average person the same reach, influence, and opportunities previously enjoyed only by the big studios and media companies. And, for Latinos, now that web series are becoming a more mainstream form of entertainment, and is where they are cutting their teeth, it begs the question of how “successful” web series is defined and what made it a “success.”

“I think that is what has made the series so popular—filling the void by

Are web series crowned a success if they are profitable?

creating quality entertainment for the New Generation Latino. We’ve

Well, that is something that can be measured… you’re either

received a lot of love from the press, which has definitely helped

making money or you’re not. However, to say you have a

extend our reach. Last year, Jazmin Chavez joined our team, and

“successful web series” is just too subjective. Is success

she is a social media visionary. She helped get the word out around

getting 5,000 viewers?

Is it

the Kickstarter and constantly has creative ideas on how to engage

achieving a sponsor… or winning an award at a festival?

and grow our audience.”

There are no clear answers (yet) as to what justifies a

The challenge, Ahumada Grob says, “is we have no marketing

successful web series, and the answers to how to effectively

budget. Online media is often driven by ‘bought media’ like Facebook

promote your web series are still out on hold. What we do

or Google ad buys which drive people to your site. We have never

know as fact is that according to Nielsen, 16% of total TV

bought any media so our social media engagement is completely

audience is Latino. That’s 47 million viewers! Univision and

organic. I think the secret to creating a successful web series is

Telemundo provide content that is entirely in Spanish

having a strong creative vision and a strategy for release. Also,

ignoring the nearly 50 million Latinos who speak English.

creating content for a niche audience should be a driving force for any

These networks are failing to reach the new generation

web series. You don’t have to reach everyone like TV does, you can

Or 1,000,000 viewers?

American Latinos.

find a strong audience that is underserved.”

Here are the most popular web series by Latino indie

EastWillyB is made by Latinos that tell American Latino Stories with

producers who through their creative vision are addressing

an overall universal appeal. Willy BTrailer

this void by bringing us a new twist in entertainment with universal appeal:

The Mary Chuy Review*: No wonder this is one of the most successful web series! I have only

EastWillyB

is an innovative web series ala a Latino

watched 10 seconds of this colorful and spicy series, and I already

Cheers set in gentrifying Brooklyn. It is hugely popular and

paused to write this review! So far, I love the music intro, the good

successful on both coasts, so say the thousands of viewers

quality and the series vibrant colors! Upon seeing more… Ok, very

and so says their successful fund raising campaign with It is

realistic or better said, amazing actors! Me encanta el personage de la

hugely popular and successful on both coasts, so say the

borrachita! and

thousands of viewers and so says their successful fund

reviewing anything, I get too personal… now I’m so mad at Willy's ex

raising campaign with Kickstarter, which has come up with

girlfriend! Great job to everyone who is involved in the creation of East

$50,000 in financing for new episodes. “At the heart of it, we

WillyB I think this series should be on HBO, and I would like to

created a series that had a unique voice and is unlike

I want to married Willy! The problem with me

audition for this one as well, as Willy's future wife, of course....

anything out there,” said Julie Ahumada Grob, one of the