Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Jimmy Smits Portrays Chief Justice in new NBC Series Pilot

By Luis Reyes

Jimmy Smits will play Cyrus Garza, a by the book Supreme Court Justice who excuses himself from the bench to go into private practice and fight constitutional injustices in an untitled one hour NBC legal drama. Veteran Mexican actor Pedro Armendariz has also been cast as his political activist father who inspires him. Smits will also serve as a producer on the series.

The pilot is currently shooting on location in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Atlantic City.

Smits most recently headlined the short lived CBS Latino family drama Cane. He also co-starred on NBC’s The West Wing and did a season long arc on Showtime’s Dexter. which earned him his 12th Emmy Nomination (He won in 1990 for L.A. Law). The former NYPD Blue star is coming off a Broadway run in Gods of Carnage and next appears in Rodrigo Garcia’s upcoming theatrical feature to be released in May, Mother and Child.

The NBC drama is being developed by John Eisendrath, Universal Media Studios and Conan O’Brien’s production company.

Let’s hope this pilot makes it to series. It would be an important step forward to see a major Latino actor as a series lead in such a positive role as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and lawyer.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

MTV's NEW FACE; LATINO TALENT FOR WORLD CUP

TeleVISION by Julio Martinez

DESI SANCHEZ IS THE FACE OF MTV2…Distributed in nearly 80 million homes, super macho MTV2 is launching a slew of brand defining original programming while tagging on-air personality Desi Sanchez as the face and voice of the all-new channel. With the highest concentration of men 12-34 on TV today, MTV2’s new shows include a mix of hip-hop, guy lifestyle and action sports programming with new series, Rock N Jock, Funk Flex Full Throttle, Nacho Libre, Ball Out Comedy Fridays and Sucker Free Sundays.

Sanchez, a NYC-born and bred TV host, visual artist and musician, feels right in her element. “I'm super psyched and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of MTV2! I've always been a tomboy at heart, and love all things tech, gaming, sports and music. Plus, at MTV2 I can just be myself and I get to interact with so many talented people. I'm looking forward to bringing my high energy and flavor to the channel. It’s going to be an awesome ride!”

Named by MAXIM as one of the “15 Hottest Latinas in Music,” Sanchez is also a classically trained pianist and is working on her first album, a blend of hard rock, pop and Latin that balances Sanchez’s soothing keyboard work with some decidedly non classical guitar riffs. But MTV2 is counting on Sanchez’s more visible talents to keep the boys attention between episodes of Jock and Funk. For specific MTV2 programming, check local listings or visit www.mtv2.com.

MTV TR3S GOBBLING LATINO TALENT FOR WORLD CUP SPECIAL…When it comes to knowing who to concentrate high level attention on during the advent of World Cup soccer, MTV Tr3s has the ready answer…the Latino Male. The Network is bringing together renowned soccer stars and leading Latino entertainers
for a unique celebration of the world’s most popular sport. Set for filming on March 31st at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, the 2-hour ROCK N’ GOL special will center around four not-ready-for-primetime teams (No Se Puede United, AC Pitch Smackers, Locura United and Deportivo Cansados), featuring athletes and celebrities that will take to the field for a unique 4x4 tournament fusing traditional soccer with some very non-traditional twists. The big game, sponsored by T-Mobile, Subway and Toyota is set to air on June 3rd, and an additional MTV2 broadcast post premier.

Already confirmed celebrity participants for the taping include: crossover urban sensation Pitbull, actress Michelle Rodriguez, actor Jesse Garcia, comedian Carlos Mencia, Spanish artist David Bisbal, actor Walter Perez, singer/songwriter Debi Nova and legendary singer Jenni Rivera. They will be joined by famed soccer stars Marcelo Balboa, Brandi Chastain, Tony Meola and Tab Ramos. Additional participants are to be announced.
“The World Cup is one of the most anticipated games in the world especially among soccer fans in the Latino community, including myself,” proclaims Pitbull. Rock N’ Gol is guaranteed to add some flavor to the World Cup excitement. I’m looking forward to this event, because only MTV Tr3s can put a group of talented artists in cleats to compete with the pros.”

“MTV Tr3s is embracing the World Cup fever with our own irreverent twist on the world’s most popular sport,” says José Tillán, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the network. “Expect to see some top notch action, fun moments and great ‘performances’ with our version of fútbol…MTV Tr3s style. I was trying to be the referee, but did not make the cut.”

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