Tag Archives: Ben Odell

Apple TV+ Renews Eugenio Derbez’s Comedy Series “Acapulco” for Fourth Season

Posted on by
Reply

There’s more Mexican history in Eugenio Derbez’s future.

Apple TV+ has renewed the bilingual comedy series Acapulco, starring the 62-year-old Mexican actor and comedian, for a fourth season.

Eugenio DerbezThe series tells the story of twentysomething Máximo Gallardo (Enrique Arrizon), whose dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco.

In Season 3 of the series inspired by the 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ feature How to Be A Latin Lover, past mistakes were reconciled with exciting new beginnings.

In the present story, older Máximo (Derbez) returns to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Máximo (Arrizón) continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build.

In addition to Derbez and Arrizon, the ensemble cast of Acapulco includes Fernando Carsa, Damián Alcázar, Camila Perez, Vanessa Bauche, Regina Reynoso, Raphael Alejandro, Jessica Collins, Chord Overstreet, Rafael Cebrián, Regina Orozco, and Carlos Corona.

Season 3 also welcomed special guest stars Jaime Camil and Cristo Fernandez.

“Having Apple order a fourth season of Acapulco is beyond thrilling,” said star and executive producer Derbez. “I’m incredibly grateful to our amazing partners, the talented cast and crew, and especially to the audience, whose love and support have made this journey possible. It’s rare for shows centered on Latino stories to make it this far, and that makes this milestone even more meaningful.

He added, “Representation matters, and continuing to share these vibrant stories on a global stage is something Ben Odell and I are deeply proud of. Thank you for helping us break barriers and celebrate our culture. We can’t wait to dive back into Las Colinas for more fun, laughter, and heart with all of you!”

Acapulco is produced for Apple by Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions and The Tannenbaum Company.

In addition to starring in the series, Derbez serves as executive producer alongside Odell.

The series is created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman.

Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios Signs Multi-Year Production Deal with Audible

Posted on by
Reply

Eugenio Derbez is getting audible…

The 61-year-old Mexican actor, writer, director and producer’s 3Pas Studios, the entertainment company he co-founded with business partner Ben Odell, has signed a multi-year production deal with Audible.

Eugenio DerbezThrough their overall exclusive audio deal, 3Pas Studios will produce scripted and unscripted audio content for Audible in both English and Spanish.

“The partnering of Audible’s powerful medium with 3Pas’ culturally authentic stories is an exciting combination. We will be developing fiction and non-fiction stories in both English and Spanish in order to reach audiences with our storytelling pillars of the 3 H’s: Humor, Heart, and Humanity,” said Odell, CEO and co-founder of 3Pas Studios.

To lead these efforts, 3Pas has hired Cristy Marrero as Head of Podcast Content Development; Marrero will oversee all creative and physical production of 3Pas podcast content.

An award-winning bilingual journalist and media executive with over two decades of experience in the U.S. Latino and Latin American markets, Marrero has held leadership roles at Dotdash Meredith, Courier Newsroom, Hello and Hola. At age 30, she became the youngest Latina Editor in Chief, leading Meredith Corporation’s Siempre Mujer magazine.

3Pas brings culturally-inspired stories to life through feature films, scripted and unscripted television, podcasts, digital, and more. With first-look English language deals at Lionsgate for features, ABC Signature for television and TelevisaUnivision for Spanish language content, and Audible for audio content, 3Pas develops and produces English and Spanish language content for global audiences.

This collaboration joins Audible’s production and development deals with top industry creatives including President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street, and Lena Waithe and Rishi Rajani’s Hillman Grad Productions and Daniel Dae Kim’s 3AD Productions, to name a few.

Paulina Gaitán Starring in Comedy Series “Put@s Redes Sociales” for Prime Video

Posted on by
Reply

Paulina Gaitán is feelin’ influential…

The 30-year-old Mexican actress is starring in the comedy series Put@s Redes Sociales, from Eugenio Derbez and Ben Odell.

Paulina GaitánSet at Prime Video, the series also stars Azul Guaita.

Jorge Ulloa directs the series, which explores human relationships in the era of likes.

Put@s Redes Sociales tells the story of Amanda (Gaitán), a decadent YouTuber of children’s content who has just turned 30, which makes her “over the hill” on the internet. She’s willing to do anything to stay relevant on social networks, from filtering her own nude photo to risking her life (or, at least pretending to). She does all this to dethrone the number-one influencer of the moment: Vicky Moo (Guaita), who also happens to be her younger sister.

The cast also includes Hernán Mendoza, Jesús Zavala, Melissa Hallivis, Beng Zeng Wong, Hugo Catalán, Nataly Valencia, Bárbara Torres, Paola Fernández, and Jorge Enrique Abello.

“With this series, we confirm our commitment to new, successful creators in the digital world, like Jorge Ulloa from Enchufe TV—who is endorsed by the experienced executive producer Eugenio Derbez—joining forces in a comedy about our tragic addiction to likes,” said Alonso Aguilar Castillo, head of Original content for Mexico at Prime Video. “In Put@s Redes Sociales, our audience will discover an insolent provocation between two generations who, not understanding each other, prefer to laugh at each other.”

The series is an Amazon Studios and 3pas Studios production, made by Visceral.

It was shot in Mexico City in Fall 2022 and will be released in 2023, with Derbez, Odell, and Javier Williams executive producing, from a script by Jorge Ulloa, Valencia, Cynthia Fernández Trejo, and Juan Diego Aguilar. Pablo Calasso serves as co-producer.

“Eugenio and I are always looking for exciting new ways to bring comedy to the Spanish-speaking market and Put@s Redes Sociales is a perfect example of the kind of show that we get excited about— unique filmmakers and a story with humor and heart,” said Odell, CEO of 3pas Studios. “We want to congratulate our execs Jordan Rubio and Javier Williams, Jorge, and Nataly, the amazing cast and our production services team in Mexico, Visceral, for delivering such an exciting show.”

Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios Signs Multi-Year First-Look Deal with ABC Signature for English TV Content

Posted on by
Reply

Eugenio Derbez is hoping to develop new television projects in English…

The 61-year-old Mexican actor and comedian’s 3Pas Studios, which he runs will Ben Odell, has signed a multi-year first-look deal with ABC Signature for English-language television content.

Eugenio DerbezAs part of the deal, 3Pas will develop and produce English-language projects for the studio.

Reporting to Derbez and Odell, Sonia Gambaro, the vice president of 3Pas’ English-language television division, will oversee development, identify and source talent, ideas, and IP for ABC Signature across all platforms.

“Eugenio and Ben transcend culture through their diverse and inclusive storytelling, driven by their deep connection to talent and source material from Latin America,” said Jonnie Davis, president of ABC Signature. “We couldn’t be more excited to shepherd their next wave of brilliant and culture-defining English language projects at the studio.”

3Pas has been creating content in both English and Spanish with multiple studio and platform partners over the last several years.

Most recently, the company’s series Acapulco premiered its second season on Apple TV+. It stemmed from the television deal 3Pas previously had at Lionsgate.

On the film front, Hulu recently released 3Pas’ film The Valet following the success of other Derbez-led projects including Overboard and How To Be A Latin Lover.

Derbez’s workplace comedy series titled They Came At Night is in development at Vix+, a project that stems from 3Pas’ deal with TelevisaUnivision for Spanish-language film and TV projects.

Additionally, they recently premiered their first Vix+ series, La Noche Del Diablito which premiered on October 13.

3Pas also recently re-upped its first-look film deal with Lionsgate.

“For actors, writers, directors, and creators like myself, Disney has long been a leader in inclusive and diverse storytelling.  We are so grateful for this incredible opportunity to lift up new, diverse voices with ABC Signature,” said Derbez.

Added Odell, “At the heart of our stories we bring people together and celebrate our common humanity.  We have a treasure trove of incredibly diverse stories, talent, and creators across the United States and Latin America. We can’t wait to start the party with ABC Signature and their fantastic team.”

Vix+ to Premiere Mauricio Barrientos’ Reality Series “La Noche Del Diablito” This Week

Posted on by
Reply

Mauricio Barrientos is preparing for a devilish time…

Vix+ has set the premiere date for the reality series La Noche Del Diablito, starring the 45-year-old Mexican actor/comedian, for October 13.

Mauricio BarrientosThe reality series is the first project from the first-look deal with 3Pas Studios, the entertainment company co-founded by Eugenio Derbez and his producing partner Ben Odell. 

In La Noche Del Diablito, Barrientos, better known as “El Diablito,“ and Paloma Cedeño travel around the city to share the colors and culture of Mexico City with their guests. The conversations will revolve around life, relationships, and sex— specifically who, why, and how people ultimately connect with each other. The reality series delves into the exciting stories of provocative characters and closely explores taboo topics in a curious and fun way.

Celebrity guests will also appear in each 30-minute episode and will be seen dining with hosts and exchanging personal anecdotes and sexual experiences.

Special guests include Sofía Rivera Torres, Eduardo Videgaray, Michel Brown, Manu NNa, Rodrigo Murray, Fabiola Campomanes, Susana Zabaleta, and Pepe y Teo.

“We are very excited to launch our first production on Vix+ with a show that challenges conservative perceptions about sex in Mexico, done always with humor, heart, and humanity,” Odell tells Deadline in an exclusive statement. “3pas has become a leader in unscripted Spanish language content and La Noche del Diablito showcases the talents of both our 3pas Mexico team and our production services arm, Visceral, as well as the comedic wizardry of our host Mauricio ‘El Diablito’ Barrientos.”

Javier Williams, VP of Spanish content, served as executive producer and oversaw the development and production for 3Pas Studios; Derbez and Odell also EP.  The series is directed by Pipe Ybarra and produced by Mexico City-based Visceral, the arm of physical production of 3Pas Studios.

Paul Perez Signs Production Deal with Warner Bros.

Posted on by
Reply

Paul Perez has landed a new production deal…

The Cuban American film producer and former Warner Bros. development executive has agreed to a production deal at the Burbank, CA lot.

Paul PerezThe announcement comes as the Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan romantic comedy, Father of the Bride, a project Perez spearheaded and produced at the studio, hits HBO Max on Thursday, June 16.

During his time at Warner Bros, Perez was involved with the development of Ready Player One, Dune and Doctor Sleep. 

He came to Warner Bros. after a development executive stint at Lionsgate’s Pantelion where he worked on the Eugenio Derbez hit movie, Instructions Not Included, which wound up being Mexico’s highest grossing export of all-time with $100.5M WW, as well as Spare Parts and No Manches Frida. 

Perez initially cut his teeth in the industry reading scripts for producer Ben Odell (now Derbez’s production partner at 3Pas Studios) and working in the Miami William Morris offices.

Father of the Bride is a project close to Perez’s heart given his Cuban American Miami heritage. He came to the property while combing through the Warner library in a quest to develop revamped IP. The project’s momentum swelled after Perez discussed it at a Warner Bros. development exec retreat, with the studio’s President of Production Courtenay Valenti ultimately taking to Matt Lopez’s screenplay.

The fresh angle in this Latino take of Father of the Bride: the bride’s parents played by Garcia and Estefan are on the verge of a divorce. Perez married the package with burgeoning Mexican filmmaker Gary Alazraki.

While recent audiences are familiar with the Steve Martin–Diane Keaton–Martin Short 1991 Touchstone remake (a hit back then grossing over $89M and spawning a 1995 sequel), the film was originally an MGM title released in 1950, directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett and Elizabeth Taylor.

Warners had inherited the title in their acquisition of the pre-May 1986 MGM library via their absorption of Turner Films in 1995. Disney had licensed the title during the ’90s and in recent years Father of the Bride’s underlying rights reverted back to Warners.

Perez under his new deal is also shepherding the new Training Day prequel at the studio. That film is set around the time of the L.A. Riots that followed after the infamous Rodney King verdict.

“Warner Bros. is thrilled that Paul Perez will have a first look producing deal with the studio,” says Valenti. “Paul is a valued colleague who spent several years in development and production at WB. During that time he showed extraordinary creativity and strategic thinking looking to reinvent several classic library titles. One of those titles is Father of the Bride. We love Gaz Alazraki’s film of Father of the Bride and are very grateful to Paul for beginning the film process with his idea for how to reimagine this wonderful world.”

Hulu Releases Trailer for Eugenio Derbez’s “The Valet”

Posted on by
Reply

Eugenio Derbez is taking the keys this month…

Hulu has released the trailer for its original film The Valet, starring the  60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and Samara Weaving, which will premiere globally across Disney’s streaming services on May 20.

Eugenio Derbez, The ValetIn The Valet, world famous movie star Olivia (Weaving) faces a PR disaster when a paparazzi snaps a photo of her with her married lover, Vincent (Max Greenfield). The hard-working valet Antonio (Derbez) accidentally appears in the same photo and is enlisted to pose as Olivia’s new boyfriend as a cover-up. This ruse with Olivia thrusts Antonio into the spotlight and unexpected chaos. In this fish out of water romantic comedy, two worlds and cultures collide as both Olivia and Antonio start to see themselves more clearly than ever before.

The Valet is an English-language remake of the hit 2006 French film of the same name.

It also stars Betsy Brandt, Carmen Salinas Lozano, Amaury Nolasco, Marisol Nichols, Diany Rodriguez, Tiana Okoye, John Pirruccello, Ravi Patel, Noemí González and Lunay.

Richard Wong directed from a script by Rob Greenberg and Bob Fisher, with Derbez and Ben Odell producing for 3Pas Studios.

Hulu Releases First Look Photos of Eugenio Derbez’s “The Valet”

Posted on by
Reply

Eugenio Derbez is on valet duty…

Hulu has released the first photos from its original film The Valet, starring the 60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and Samara Weaving, which will premiere globally across Disney’s streaming services on May 20th.

The ValetEugenio Derbez, The Valet

Eugenio Derbez, The ValetIn The Valet, world famous movie star Olivia (Weaving) faces a public relations disaster when a paparazzi snaps a photo of her with her married lover, Vincent (Max Greenfield). The hard-working valet Antonio (Derbez) accidentally appears in the same photo and is enlisted to pose as Olivia’s new boyfriend as a cover-up. This ruse with Olivia thrusts Antonio into the spotlight and unexpected chaos. In this fish out of water romantic comedy, two worlds and cultures collide as both Olivia and Antonio start to see themselves more clearly than ever before.

The Valet is an English-language remake of the hit 2006 French film of the same name.

The remake also stars Betsy Brandt, Carmen Salinas Lozano, Amaury Nolasco, Marisol Nichols, Diany Rodriguez, Tiana Okoye, John Pirruccello, Ravi Patel, Noemí González and Lunay.

Richard Wong directed from a script by Rob Greenberg and Bob Fisher, with Derbez and Ben Odell producing for 3Pas Studios.

Eugenio Derbez & His 3Pas Studios Sign with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on by
Reply

Eugenio Derbez is getting creative…

The 60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and his production company 3Pas Studios have signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in all areas.

Eugenio DerbezDerbez has been on a hot streak following the announcement of multiple deals: a first-look deal with TelevisaUnivision’s streamer Vix, a development deal with Encantos for kids content, and a renewal of a first-look film deal at Lionsgate, to name a few.

The 3Pas Studios-produced bilingual series Acapulco for Apple TV+ was recently renewed for a second season.

Derbez is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, and philanthropist, who, along with former Pantelion Films executive and producer Ben Odell, built 3Pas Studios, a bilingual production company producing English and Spanish language content for global audiences.

3Pas has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, and Mexico City, where they also have its production services arm, Visceral. Composed of 22 employees, the studio services development and production across English and Spanish language movies, scripted and unscripted content, as well as entertainment for kids and families.

Next, 3Pas will move into podcasting, as well as new, non-media-related businesses.

In 2013, Derbez wrote, produced, starred in, and directed Instructions Not Included, which became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever, grossing more than $100 million on a $5 million budget.

Most recently, he starred in the Oscar-winning film Coda, which won Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards, in addition to Best Ensemble award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and three British Academy Film Awards, including Best Screenplay.

In addition to starring in and producing his own comedy shows throughout the past 25 years, Derbez has also starred in the 3Pas Studios’ hit movies How To Be A Latin Lover and Overboard as well as Miracles From Heaven, and Dora And The Lost City of Gold.

Up next, he will appear in The Valet, which 3Pas Studios developed and produced along with Lionsgate to premiere via Hulu on May 20th.

3Pas Studios’ other recent projects include Amazon’s De Viaje Con Los Derbez, and the Spanish-language version of LOL: Last One Laughing.

Hulu to Release Eugenio Derbez-Starrer “The Valet” in May

Posted on by
Reply

Eugenio Derbez is readying for Valet service this May…

Hulu will premiere its original film The Valet, starring the 60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and Samara Weaving, will premiere globally across Disney’s streaming services on May 20th.

Eugenio DerbezIn The Valet, world famous movie star Olivia (Weaving) faces a PR disaster when a paparazzi snaps a photo of her with her married lover, Vincent (Max Greenfield). The hard-working valet Antonio (Derbez) accidentally appears in the same photo and is enlisted to pose as Olivia’s new boyfriend as a cover-up. This ruse with Olivia thrusts Antonio into the spotlight and unexpected chaos. In this fish out of water romantic comedy, two worlds and cultures collide as both Olivia and Antonio start to see themselves more clearly than ever before.

The Valet is an English-language remake of the hit 2006 French film of the same name.

The film also stars Betsy Brandt, Carmen Salinas Lozano, Amaury Nolasco, Marisol Nichols, Diany Rodriguez, Tiana Okoye, John Pirruccello, Ravi Patel, Noemí González and Lunay.

Richard Wong directed from a script by Rob Greenberg and Bob Fisher, with Derbez and Ben Odell producing for 3Pas Studios.

Derbez recently won his first SAG Award for being part of the cast of CODA, which was named Best Picture at Sunday’s Academy Awards.