EL REY NETWORK ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2014 DEBUT OF 'MATADOR (WT),' NEW, ORIGINAL ACTION SERIES FROM K/O PAPER PRODUCTS' ROBERTO ORCI AND ALEX KURTZMAN
Network Founder/Chairman Robert Rodriguez Directs First Episode of
Modern Day James Bond Style Adventure
Pasadena, CA - January 12, 2014 - During a presentation at the bi-annual gathering of television critics, El Rey Network announced that "Matador" (WT), an original, scripted action series produced by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman's K/O Paper Products, will premiere in Summer 2014. The coveted writing/producing team (Sleepy Hollow, Fringe, Star Trek and Transformer franchises) will begin production on the 13-episode, hour-long drama, marking the second original series from Robert Rodriguez's genre-busting network. The first scripted project, Rodriguez's highly-anticipated "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series," will premiere on March 11, 2014. Production on "Matador" will begin in Los Angeles early this year.
Irreverent and action-packed, "Matador" chronicles the unlikely rise of Antonio "Matador" Bravo, a popular soccer star, who comes to be known as much for his playboy antics off the field as his dynamic moves on it. But what his fans and family don't realize is that it's all a cover--in truth, he is a skilled covert operative executing missions for a little known branch of the CIA. In this modern day take on a James Bond origins story, "Matador" has the kind of fame and notoriety that affords him access to powerful circles of corruption and villainy. But, in balancing the dueling roles in which he's been cast, he will be forced to confront the question of his true identity...and it is this mission which will prove to be his most dangerous.
Robert Rodriguez, El Rey Network's Founder and Chairman, said: "This is exactly the kind of programming we envisioned from the get-go - 'Matador' is action-packed, irreverent and kick-ass entertainment to its core." He added: "The K/O team really understands our brand and has the means to cut through the clutter with fresh and contemporary themes that will speak to our viewers."
"We're thrilled to be working with El Rey Network on this new series," said Roberto Orci, co-founder, K/O Paper Products. "The network has given us a platform to expand our reach to young millennials and we are excited to bring 'Matador' to El Rey's passionate audience."
In addition to recent deals with CBS TV Studios and the CW, Kurtzman and Orci are currently working on The Hub's animated series Transformers: Prime, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and 3 and the upcoming The Mummy and Van Helsing reboots. Past television projects include FOX's Fringe which they co-created with JJ Abrams and CBS' Hawaii Five-0 reboot. Film credits include the previously mentioned Transformers franchise, two Star Trek movies, Eagle Eye, Cowboys & Aliens and Mission: Impossible III, and The Proposal, which they executive produced.
"Matador" (WT) is co-created by Roberto Orci, Andrew Orci, Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie. Executive Producers are Jay Beattie and Dan Dworkin (who are also showrunners); Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Heather Kadin of K/O Paper Products; and Robert Rodriguez along with FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. Beattie and Dworkin are writing the first episode which will be directed by Rodriguez.
About El Rey Network:
El Rey Network, launching December 2013, is a new 24-hour English-language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network will unite the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless, badass and original content that awakens the renegade in everyone. The network's action-packed content is anchored by original signature dramas, feature films, grindhouse genre, cult classic action, horror/sci-fi and next-generation sports. El Rey Network LLC (www.elreynetwork.com) is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures with a minority stake held by Univision Communications Inc.
About FactoryMade Ventures:
FactoryMade is an incubator for entertainment businesses and was founded by John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. The company builds IP-based franchises and production and distribution platforms by leveraging its strong ties to the Hollywood creative community and partnering with global brands and investors. Its ventures include El Rey Network and Tres Pistoleros Studios with Robert Rodriguez and a joint venture with the leading Mexican wrestling league Lucha Libre AAA. In addition to working with corporate partners such as Telefonica and JCP, they previously spearheaded the creation of Hasbro's film business (Transformers, G.I. Joe, Battleship) and television business (Hasbro TV Studios, the Hub Network with Discovery Communications), and developed retail's first integrated digital gaming and commerce platform with HSN (HSN Arcade).
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