NATPE 2018: Univision, Televisa Announce TV Pilot Initiative For Hispanic Audiences

In the quest to engage their audiences, Univision and Televisa are fortifying their relationship to find the next generation of producers and writers in a new global tv pilot initiative. During NATPE 2018 it was announced the launch of the first-ever TV pilot initiative to nurture the development of new original scripted and unscripted series by global independent producers. This TV pilot program broadens the content pipeline by integrating the creative community and will result in the production of Spanish-language programming for both media powerhouses.

Lourdes Diaz, President of Entertainment for UCI and Rosy Ocampo, VP of Content for Grupo Televisa said in a joint statement: “This is an unprecedented step in the transformation of our joint content strategy – and for Hispanic media globally. We are unequivocally invested in bringing the best scripted and non-scripted programming to represent today’s viewers’ lifestyle, reality and passions points. We envision the pilot program unearthing new talents and creating new partnerships that will positively impact our industry for the long-haul.”

This first phase of the pilot program garnered more than 100 TV projects being submitted, followed by nearly 55 third-party independent production companies, writers and film producers interviewed as part of the process. UCI and Grupo Televisa intend to complete the selection phases and greenlight projects by summer 2018. The projects that are green lit will enter the writers’ room phase for the development and subsequent production.

Since his appointment as Chief Content Officer for UCI and Grupo Televisa, Isaac Lee has been charged with ensuring both media companies have a single, integrated content focus to engage U.S Hispanics and the domestic Mexican audience. Under Lee’s leadership, a creative development team has been evaluating the incoming submissions with the goal to produce programming that is franchise-able, enables co-viewing and represents today’s consumers. These shows must offer creative original stories or be based on real events, reflect themes that connect the audience such as diversity and strong women roles as well as span various genres including magical realism.