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Hollywood Reporter (12/21)

Los Angeles--It was announced today that actor Edward James Olmos will be presented with the Diversity Award from The Caucus of Television Producers, Writers and Directors, for his career achievements and advocacy work on behalf of Latinos. The 12^th annual awards dinner will be held January 13, 2005 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

MEXICO

WOOS RUNAWAY PRODUCTION
The Hollywood Reporter (Dec. 21, 2004) by John Hecht

MEXICO CITY -- Touting its solid production infrastructure, competitively priced location opportunities and proximity to the United States, Mexico is stepping up its efforts to attract Hollywood runaway production. According to the National Film Commission, the number of runaway productions shot in Mexico increased this year to nine features, up from a year-earlier five. Currently in production are "Legend of Zorro," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and "Bandidas," featuring Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz.

Film commissioner Sergio Molina said recently that he expects the upward trend to continue into next year as many foreign producers learn about new production incentives that can translate into big savings.

As a general rule, producers can save about 30% of their budgets by shooting in Mexico, Molina says, and those savings, coupled with a new value added tax rebate, make Mexico a far more attractive option for filmmakers looking to cut costs. The VAT rebate allows producers to save as much as 15% of their budgets, providing they use several local services on a shoot. Molina said he believes the sorely needed tax break will not only help producers but also make Mexico more competitive on an international level. Churubusco, which operates far below its stated maximum production capacity of 40-50 pictures a year, would have much to gain from a production boost. So too would Fox Studios Baja, which has provided settings for such major U.S. productions as "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," "Pearl Harbor" and "Titanic."

A third studio is being built in the central state of Guanajuato. Known as the Film Colony, the studio complex is slated to open in 2007. The $48 million undertaking, headed by New Zealand-born filmmaker Francesa Fisher, is a 50-acre full-service lot that will include a film school for local technicians.

Guanajuato state film commissioner Sarah Hoch said she expects the opening of the Film Colony to set off a production boom in her territory. In the meantime, if Guanajuato is any indication of what's in store for next year, it's shaping up to be a busy year for Mexico's location business. Hoch has five international films circling, one of which she described as a major Hollywood production. Even still, Hoch agreed with Molina that Mexico must continue to look toward production incentives if it is to compete on a larger international scale.

TOPICS AS HOT AS THE FOOD ON SiTV

Chicago Tribune Sun. Dec 19, 2004 5:10AM PST

To actress Idalis DeLeon it is a talk show that moves around. To radio personality Neil Saavedra it is good meals interrupted by really good conversation.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/chitribts/20041219/ts_chicagotrib/topicsashotasthefoodonsitv

'SPANGLISH' SPEAKS VOLUMES OF CAST, DESPITE CONCLUSION

Detroit News Sat, 18 Dec 2004 11:35 PM PST

Actress Paz Vega shines among film's talent, but a shoddy story tarnishes its many successes.

http://www.detnews.com/2004/screens/0412/19/H03-35590.htm

ADVERTISERS WAITING FOR #'s ON HISPANIC CABLE MARKETS

CableWorld (12/21)

Advertisers are seeking hard data before committing to buy time for local spots on Hispanic stations through local cable, but so far Nielsen does not meter enough homes with Spanish-speaking viewership to collect ratings. Analysts suggest that 2005 is going to be a big year for Spanish-language cable, with car companies, fast-food chains and pharmaceutical companies looking to increase brand awareness and sales in Latino households.

http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/zrCcfXwsexdVGiZt

PEDRO MARTINEZ BRINGS MEDIA ATTN TO METS CABLE VENTURE

The New York Times (12/21)

The signing of baseball pitching legend Pedro Martínez by the New York Mets bodes well for the team's cable-television venture. Martínez, from the Dominican Republic, will be the first Mets player with massive appeal in New York's Hispanic community. His move to New York has proved a public-relations bonanza for the cable channel the Mets are building with partners Comcast and Time Warner.

http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/zrCcfXwsexfZxQkf