or


[02/13/07 - 12:28 PM]
Smits' El Sendero Productions Carves a Path with Three New Projects
Among them: Jimmy Smits will star and executive produce Cynthia Cidre's drama pilot for CBS.

[via press release from El Sendero Productions]

Smits' El Sendero Productions Carves A Path With Three New Projects

BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 13 -- Jimmy Smits' El Sendero Productions Inc. forges a new trail with the announcement of its first three projects. Smits previously inked a production pod deal with ABC/ABC Television Studio (formerly known as Touchstone), which enables him to work both sides of projects -- as a starring vehicle and producing, while also developing and producing shows without being attached to star.

First on the slate is "The Inside," a co-production with El Sendero Productions, ABC Television Studio and FX. The project originated with Todd Robinson, whom Smits immediately contacted after seeing his upcoming feature "Lonely Hearts," which he wrote and directed. Robinson is lined up to write and exec produce the project with Smits. The story is about a former Special Forces Operative who agrees to give up his identity and his family to go undercover and infiltrate a dangerous drug cartel, not knowing who he can trust, but determined to complete his mission and protect his family.

Next is an untitled epic mini-series to be written and directed by Gregory Nava about U.S. immigration told through interconnected stories. This project originated with Gregory Nava, who first worked with Smits on "My Family/Mi Familia" and had wanted to collaborate again ever since. Nava sold the project to ABC/ABC Television Studio with Smits and El Sendero attached. Quinn Taylor, ABC's Sr. VP of Movies and Mini-Series is the creative exec for the project, which is a co-production with Smits' El Sendero Productions, Nava's El Norte Productions, along with Nava's partner Barbara Jitner-Martinez, and ABC Television Studio.

The third project will put Smits back in front of the camera, a CBS Paramount/ABC Television Studio co-production for CBS currently known as the "Untitled Cynthia Cidre Project" in which Smits and El Sendero Productions has agreed to come on board to both star and produce. Written by Cynthia Cidre ("Mambo Kings," "A Killing In A Small Town") who will also produce the pilot along with Jonathan Prince, this multi-generational, Latin family saga explores the evolution of the American Dream ... past, present and future, and the intense rivalry between two families who have built an empire in the sugar and rum industries. Also serving as producers are Cidre, Prince, Polly Anthony and Jimmy Iovine.

"Developing and producing with people as talented and insightful as those I'm working with is a privilege and an exciting opportunity ... I feel very ready at this point in my career to be actively involved both in front of and behind the camera," says Smits.

Smits will also be seen in the upcoming feature film "The Jane Austen Book Club," directed by Robin Swicord and starring Maria Bello, Amy Brenneman and Emily Blunt, scheduled for a 2008 release.

Deals were negotiated by attorney Tom Hoberman. Smits is also repped by Joe Cohen at CAA, and Danny Sussman at Brillstein-Grey.

SOURCE El Sendero Productions Inc.





  [march 2024]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
     


· CANE (CBS)
· INSIDE, THE (FX)
· UNTITLED GREGORY NAVA PROJECT (ABC)





[03/27/24 - 01:43 PM]
FOX Entertainment Unveils New Structure with Three-Pillar Focus on Global Studio Operations, Linear & Streaming Platforms and Worldwide Sales & Licensing
The new FOX Entertainment will consist of three primary business segments, including FOX Entertainment Studios, the FOX Television Network and FOX Entertainment Global.

[03/27/24 - 01:03 PM]
Video: "Big Mood" - Official Trailer - A Tubi Original
Best friends Maggie and Eddie have lived in each other's pockets for ten years. But with the future looming, can their relationship survive?

[03/27/24 - 12:32 PM]
This April, Series "Mud Madness" Debuts on Discovery Channel, Alongside All-New Seasons of "Ghost Adventures: House Calls" and "Contraband: Seized at the Border"
"Mud Madness" is a brand-new series that follows the off-road subculture of extreme Big-Tire UTV mud racing and the passionate characters that drive the sport.

[03/27/24 - 12:25 PM]
Ten American Bakers Travel to Paris for Food Network's Ultimate Pastry Competition "Next Baking Master: Paris"
Premiering Monday, May 6, the series demands that competitors prove their mettle in the pillars of great baking and pastry: technique, artistry, flavor, innovation, and inspiration.

[03/27/24 - 12:00 PM]
Video: HBO Releases Official Teaser for "The Jinx - Part Two," Debuting April 21
In Part Two, the filmmakers continue their investigation for the next eight years, uncovering hidden material, Robert Durst's prison calls, and interviews with witnesses who had not come forward until now.

[03/27/24 - 12:00 PM]
Backstabbery Is Back as E! Announces Conniving New Cast of "House of Villains" Season Two, Premiering This Fall
Season one cast member Tiffany "New York" Pollard returns for a chance at redemption.

[03/27/24 - 10:02 AM]
Lifetime Greenlights "Gaslit By My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story" Starring Jana Kramer and Austin Nichols
Kramer, who has openly spoken about domestic abuse, will film a new a PSA for Lifetime's Stop Violence Against Women initiative to align with the subject matter of this movie.

[03/27/24 - 10:00 AM]
"The Steve Wilkos Show" Renewed for 18th Season in National Syndication
The show is hosted by Steve Wilkos, the straightforward, tough-talking former Chicago police officer and United States Marine.

[03/27/24 - 09:59 AM]
Starz's Hit Drama Series "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" Scores Early Season Five Renewal
The third installment in the "Power" franchise, "Raising Kanan" recently concluded its explosive third season and is currently filming season four in New York.

[03/27/24 - 09:30 AM]
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively Officially Reuniting for Paul Feig-Helmed Sequel, "A Simple Favor 2"
The highly anticipated sequel is a co-production with Lionsgate and follows the studio's 2018 release of "A Simple Favor," which was a critical and commercial success, earning more than $97 million at the worldwide box office and achieving Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes.

[03/27/24 - 09:17 AM]
FOX Nation Partners with Martin Scorsese for New Docudrama "Martin Scorsese Presents: THE SAINTS"
Slated for November, the series will encompass eight one-hour episodes exploring the remarkable stories of eight men and women who risked everything to embody humanity's most noble and complex trait - faith.

[03/27/24 - 09:00 AM]
Academy Award Winner and Tony Award Nominee Ariana DeBose Returns to Host "The 77th Annual Tony Awards," Airing Live Sunday, June 16, on CBS and Paramount+
DeBose will also serve as producer and choreograph the opening number for this year's show.

[03/27/24 - 08:58 AM]
"NKOTB" Bandmate Jonathan Knight Returns for Season Three of Hit HGTV Series "Farmhouse Fixer" on Tuesday, April 23, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The series, which attracted more than 15 million viewers to its previous season, will follow Jon, best known as a member of the Grammy-nominated band New Kids on the Block, and his go-to designer Kristina Crestin, as they take on a slew of risky renovations.

[03/27/24 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "Good Times" - Official Trailer - Netflix
In this edgy, irreverent reimagining of the TV classic, a new generation of the Evans family keeps their heads above water in a Chicago housing project.

[03/27/24 - 06:01 AM]
Hulu on Disney+ Launches Today in the U.S. for Disney Bundle Subscribers
Bundle plans are available starting at $9.99/month, while Disney+ and Hulu each remain available as standalone offerings.