By Anna Marie de la Fuente
Univision Communications has launched a joint venture with former Telemundo Studios president Patricio Wills to produce exclusive content for Univision sibling channel UniMas and its digital platforms. The focus will be on developing edgy, high-octane series for U.S. Hispanic auds.
Wills’ TV credits include such telenovela hits as “La Reina del Sur” (“Queen of the South”) starring Kate del Castillo, “La Viuda Negra” (“Black Widow”) and “Zorro” among others. Wills is “without a doubt an innovator and one of the best content creators in media,” said Univision president-CEO Randy Falco.
Wills serves as the executive producer of “La Viuda Negra II” (“Black Widow II”), which will have its world premiere simulcast on Univision, UniMas and Galavision networks, as well as on Univision Digital platforms on Sunday.
“We are in the right place, at the right time and with the right partner,” said Wills. The company will be based in Miami. Its first project, still under wraps, is expected to air in October.
The move towards more original productions dovetails with Univision’s new programming thrust, which has traditionally depended on primetime content from Mexico’s Televisa.
Prior to launching the new joint venture, Wills was CEO and partner of RTI Prods. in Colombia.
Univision is still searching for a replacement to Alberto Ciurana, its former president of programming and content, who ankled last month.
Source: Variety