NBC UNIVERSAL SCORES LANDMARK, MULTI-PLATFORM CREATIVE DEAL TO PRODUCE SEPARATE VERSIONS OF COLOMBIAN TELENOVELA 'SIN TETAS NO HAY PARAISO' FOR NBC AND TELEMUNDO
Newly Named Universal Media Studios Will Produce English-language Version for NBC While Telemundo Network Will Film Its Own Spanish-language Edition.
NEW YORK - June 14, 2007 - In a landmark multi-platform creative initiative for NBC Universal, the newly named Universal Media Studios will produce the U.S English-language version of the hit Colombian telenovela "Sin Tetas No Hay Paraiso/Without Breasts There Is No Paradise" (working title) for NBC while a Spanish edition will be produced and broadcast independently with a different cast, script and production team by NBC Universal's Telemundo Network.
The provocatively-titled telenovela is based on a best-selling, true-to-life novel by the same name that tells the story of Catalina, a young woman seduced by a world of easy-money, who agonizes that her figure is a barrier to deliverance from poverty and a pampered life as a drug-trafficker's lover.
The announcement was made by Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff, Co-chairmen, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, and Don Browne, President, Telemundo.
"These synergistic productions represent a giant leap forward for the networks of NBC Universal," said Silverman. "I scour the world for the best ideas and for the game-changing hit shows and 'Sin Tetas' is one of those shows. We have a tremendous opportunity to achieve cross-promotional efforts on behalf of both of these telenovelas as we reach out to diversify our audiences."
"We recognize that the telenovela phenomenon is here to stay and we want to take advantage of one that's a proven hit," said Graboff. "It will be fascinating to see how American viewers embrace this kind of unique storytelling."
"It is because of productions like this that the telenovela genre is a global phenomenon and continues to grow in popularity," said Browne. "English and Spanish-language television viewing audiences will now have the chance to enjoy one of the most popular and controversial telenovela plots in recent years."
The prime time telenovela reached ratings nearing 6.9 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched soap opera in Colombia and has received numerous awards including the highly coveted "TV y Novelas" award in March 2007.
NBC Universal and Telemundo acquired the rights to "Sin Tetas No Hay Paraiso" from Colombian production company, Canal Caracol.
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