The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), the nonprofit offering programming and resources for Latino content creators and filmmakers, will hold its End of Year Celebration at the Sunset Room in Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 15.

Hosted by the Lopez Vs. Lopez actor and alum of The Daily Show, Al Madrigal the celebration which will be attended by Annie Gonzalez and Jesse Garcia (Flamin’ Hot), Chelsea Rendon (Vida), Vadhir Derbez (De Viaje Con Los Derbez), Clayton Cardenas (The Mayans), Harvey Guillen (What We Do in the Shadows), Marco Pigossi (Gen V), Omar Chaparro (No Manches Frida) among others.

As NALIP prepares for its 25th Anniversary in 2024, this event will pay tribute to trailblazers actively shaping the narrative for the Latino community. The event will recognize not only individual Latino milestones but also acknowledge the impact of diversity and inclusion on the entertainment industry.

“For the past 25 years, NALIP has established itself as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy for Latino creatives in the film and media industry. This year, amidst challenges like strikes that temporarily dimmed our jubilation, we recognize not just the hurdles but also the triumphs that emerged in their wake,” said Diana Luna, Executive Director of NALIP. “This End of Year Celebration aims to honor the remarkable progress and resilience of our talented community, a narrative shaped by overcoming adversity and embracing the enduring spirit of achievement.”

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Latino content creators and industry professionals who continue to inspire and shape our cultural landscape,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at NBCUniversal. “We also take pride in supporting NALIP’s mission to empower and provide opportunities for talented individuals, ensuring a thriving community of diverse voices in the film industry for years to come.”

For more information in attendence visit NALIP.ORG

The post NALIP’s End of Year Celebration Will Recognize Latino Excellence first appeared on .

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, the Showcase aims to showcase the next generation of Latino entertainment industry professionals, as well as to promote Latino-themed projects. In addition to the screenings of new filmmakers, this year’s featured speakers include George Lopez, Mayan Lopez and Selenis Leyva, stars of Lopez vs. Lopez.

Screening this year is the Official Selection short, Hoar directed by Jeanette Dilone, El Triste directed by Manuel De Valle, Inés Unfortunately directed by Anna Salinas, Fernanda directed by Mar Molina, The Lifers Network directed by Michael Steves, Soñadora directed by Stacy Pascal Gaspard, and Brownsville Bred directed by Elaine Del Valle.

“NBCUniversal and Telemundo are excited to partner with NALIP and the Latino Media Fest as it returns this year to an in-person celebration” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, NBCUniversal. “These festivals champion the work of artists from underrepresented groups telling diverse stories and we’re proud to help expand their opportunities.”

“NALIP is thrilled to be back in person with the Latino Media Fest! Through this platform, we promote the artists we’ve helped cultivate through our network of opportunities,” said Karla Pita Loor, chair of NALIP’s Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of enterprise inclusion and social responsibility at Banijay Americas.

For full agenda & program details at www.latinomediafest.com

Twitter (@nalip_org), Instagram (@nalip_org), and Facebook (Nalip Org)

The post ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’ Sneek peek at 8th Annual Latino Media Fest October 13 first appeared on .

“Our Stories to Own and Tell” Set Virtually For December 1-2

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) brings together a panel of Diverse Women in Media Forum led by top female trailblazers in the entertainment industry. The 6^th annual Diverse Women in Media Forum virtually, led by many of the top female trailblazers in the industry, is hosted by NALIP on December 1 and 2,

The virtual event will feature Bela Bajaria (Head of Global TV at Netflix), Kate del Castillo (Actress, Co-founder Cholawood Productions), Gloria Calderón Kellett (Creator of “With Love”), Carmen Cuba (Casting Director), Karen Horne (Senior Vice President Equity and Inclusion at WarnerMedia), LaToya Tonodeo (Actress “Power Book II: Ghost”), Marie Leguizamo (Managing Director, Banijay Mexico and U.S. Hispanic) and many more trailblazers.

“We are excited by the extraordinary slate of women executives who are providing leadership, mentorship, and opportunity across two days of programming for our DWIMF community of creators and professionals,” said Karla Pita Loor, chair of NALIP’s Board of Directors, “And it is thanks to the extraordinary outpouring of support from our industry partners for programs like DWIMF and NALIP’s Narrative Short Film Incubator for Women of Color, that we are able to share this extraordinary program with anyone who wishes to join.”

The Forum, which seeks to empower and help advance the careers of women through mentorship, guidance, and connections, will take place December 1st-2nd, 2021 fully online and complimentary for everyone who registers before November 28th on NALIP’s virtual platform

www.diversewomeninmedia.org. The 2021 virtual edition will have incredible special speakers, mentorship roundtables, and an inspirational, women and gender non-conforming, environment.

The 2021 Diverse Media Forum is sponsored by WarnerMedia, Sony Pictures Entertainment, STARZ, A+E Networks, Endemol Shine North America, 3Pas Studios, M88, and Variety.

With UCLA’s most recent Hollywood Diversity Report again highlighting the dramatic under-representation of women, who make up more than 50% of the US population, NALIP has reaffirmed its commitment to women creators and executives. By connecting emerging talent and mid-level creatives with dynamic industry leaders, this virtual gathering aims to advance more women to positions of influence within media. Recently, NALIP also launched a Narrative Short Film Incubator for Women of Color, in partnership with Netflix. The incubator provided 4 filmmakers with the opportunity to create short films, as well as resources and mentorship from NALIP and Netflix executives from pre-to-post production.  

There is still time to register now and receive a complimentary pass by visiting diversewomeninmedia.org.

The post Industry Trailblazers Headline NALIP’s Diverse Women in Media Forum first appeared on .

Early today NALIP announced the Latino Lens: Producers Pipeline Incubator which will be presented by NALIP and its founding sponsor, The Walt Disney Company, as well as the Motion Picture Association, Amblin Partners, and STARZ. The ground-breaking industry-wide incubator aims to mold and cultivate the next generation of executive producers – Latinos.

“It is important for our production companies to give access to diverse producers,” said Latondra Newton, Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company NALIP has proven to be a great source of talent and we hope to tap into their network and open more doors for the next Kathleen Kennedys and Lin-Manuel Mirandas.”

This incubator will train and expose individuals to the motion picture & television business divisions, distribution, provide opportunities to accelerate fresh inclusive perspectives, and learn the process of a Producer’s overall deal. This is a major step toward the old adage that Latinos are needed in the “greenlight” position to be able to get their project made.

“We’ve long been impressed with the opportunities that NALIP creates for talented young Latino producers, and we are honored to support the inaugural Producers Pipeline Incubator,” said Victoria Alonso , EVP Production, Marvel Studios. “Through this program, we look forward to introducing this exceptional group to our work at Amblin and sharing insights into producing film and television in an unprecedented period of change for the entertainment business.”

The stats of the power of the Latino consumer market are glaring. With 58.9 million Latinos across the nation that generate $2.6 trillion in GDP a year and an audience that brings in 20% of the box office, it is unfathomable that it has taken so long to get the attention of Hollywood. NALIP is an organization that has been working behind the scenes for over 20 years to bring the lack of Latinx executives into the conversation as it relates to the financial growth and future of this business. This incubator will also integrate forecasting in the technology sectors and platforms transforming the creation and distribution of content.

The pilot program will accept up to 12 participants in its first year to undergo an eight-week curriculum and mentorship program, which will be led by a cohort of successful producers with overall deals currently working in the industry. Following the mentorship, four participants will receive the opportunity for a six-month paid fellowship at The Walt Disney Company, Amblin Partners, and STARZ, and will be provided with further knowledge and experience to help craft their career. 

“The Producers Pipeline Incubator aligns perfectly with our #TakeTheLead initiative and our continued commitment to narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of STARZ. “This incubator program is an opportunity to further progress on our mission and commitment to representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout our organization.”

The program aims to cultivate, develop, and fortify the capabilities of executive producers through active, hands-on learning. Program participants will gain insights from industry professionals and mentors who can speak to the value of pursuing, developing, and ultimately overseeing the success of a slate of projects and IP. With the support of all the partners, the incubator will be scaled to introduce new studio partners, provide additional fellowships in the next edition, and support professional development opportunities for the fellows moving forward.

For more information please go to:  https://www.nalip.org/producers_pipeline_incubator

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) is a national membership organization that addresses the professional needs of Latino/a content creators. 

The post Executive Producer Pipeline Incubator Announced by NALIP first appeared on .

This year’s edition will feature a mix of pre-recorded and live sessions, most of which will also be available on-demand after the event.
Organizers have yet to announce panelists, guest speakers and topics to be discussed. But those interested in attending can already buy their virtual passes, which range from $10 to $20.

Also, the Diverse Women in Media Forum Mentorship Program is already accepting applications. “Selected mentees will be paired up with mentors to receive guidance and build connections with established women in the media and entertainment industries,” announces the forum’s website. Scholarships and waivers for the online forum are also available.

To register and to get more information visit www.diversewomeninmedia.org.

Check out this recap video of last year’s forum below.

The post NALIP’s Diverse Women in Media Forum Scheduled for December first appeared on .

Los Angeles, CA – Coming off the success of the first Virtual NALIP Media Summit, The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) has moved the remainder of their 2020 programmatic offerings online, including the upcoming Latino Media Fest.

Latino Media Fest is the unique presenter of the best U.S. based Latino content across all media platforms: narrative short films, TV/streaming pilots, digital content, virtual reality, augmented reality and documentary shorts. NALIP will host all sessions of its 2020 event virtually at LatinoMediaFest.com from October 14th to 16th.

The October event will feature conversations with industry experts, panels with creative professionals from across multiple verticals and the Latino Media Fest Official Selection program, featuring several projects by Latino creatives. Placing special emphasis on building the next generation of industry decision makers, the Latino Media Fest will also offer scholarships and financial assistance to ensure the event is made available to emerging creatives and professionals.

Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo has come onboard as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, continuing their ongoing support of NALIP’s programs and mission. Additional sponsors have also backed the event, including, but not limited to Sony Pictures, Warner Media, Netflix and Univision.

The NALIP team will continue to provide programming and resources to creatives and industry professionals impacted by the current circumstances. The organization leadership emphasizes that the utmost priority for all operations is maintaining the health and safety of all participants and attendees.

“NALIP is the pioneer and the bridge between Latinx creators and the entertainment industry. The organization aims to discover, inspire, uplift and nurture creatives and their voices in diverse media platforms.” Benjamin Lopez, Executive Director of NALIP stated. “NALIP is producing a pipeline of conscious Latinx creators that will definitely impact future generations in the entertainment industry and their first works are screened within our organization.”

More information will be announced in the coming weeks on the organization’s website nalip.org and social media platforms: Twitter (@nalip_org), Instagram (@nalip_org) and Facebook (Nalip Org).

The post 2020 Latino Media Fest To Go Virtual first appeared on .

Juan Gil is the first-place winner for his short film, Super Ma, which tells the story of a struggling single mother yearning for stability and purpose. Caught in a moment of peril, she must unleash her inner hero and get home safely to her son. 

Launched in 2018, Voces Nuevas was established to discover and celebrate emerging film talent while providing a new resource for content development. Filmmakers from throughout the United States submitted short films for consideration. Judges who reviewed the submissions include actor, producer, and activist Wilmer Valderrama (From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, That ‘70s Show); Coco cultural consultant and producer at Nickelodeon Lalo Alcaraz; The Book of Life director Jorge Gutierrez and Ana Bond, SVP & MD, International Production, Latin America and US Hispanic, Sony Pictures Television (SPT). 

“Voces Nuevas offers Latinx creatives a unique opportunity to showcase the amazing storytelling talent in our community,” said Bond. “It gives me great pleasure to participate as part of this contest and uplift our own narratives and stories.”

Super Ma will air in the U.S. on Cine Sony as part of interstitial programming on the channel later this year during Hispanic Heritage month.A Los Angeles-based writer/director, Gil has received recognition for his work at festivals including the Beverly Hills Film Festival, the Official Latino Film Festival and the New York International Film Festival, among others. He will receive a cash prize of $10,000, a NALIP scholarship and will participate in NALIP’s 2020 Media Summit which will be held virtually on June 25-30. 

“NALIP strives to continue to empower and elevate diverse content creators and their projects. Thanks to Cine Sony, we have been able to do just that. It was a pleasure to have taken part in the ‘Voces Nuevas’ competition. We would like to congratulate and honor Juan Gil and all of the filmmakers for their phenomenal work highlighting Latinx narratives,” said Ben Lopez, Executive Director, NALIP.

“It’s never been more important to tell the stories of people – with authenticity and honesty,” said Valderrama. “By supporting Voces Nuevas, I’m honored to help in some small way to provide a platform to highlight those stories and the often-overlooked talent within the Latinx community.”

For more information on the winning films and directors, please go to .

Follow CineSony on social media to get the latest on Voces Nuevas via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

The post Cine Sony & NALIP Announce Winner Of Voces Nuevas Short Film Contest first appeared on .

Los Angeles, CA – On on the most anticipated events of the year is once again brought to you by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) will host their annual Latino Media Fest presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, from October 2-4, 2019 at the AMC Century City 15. This three-day showcase of U.S.-based Latinx content and filmmakers will feature nine narrative shorts across two programs. 

“NALIP’s work on the ground-level, as well as its role as an industry partner, has successfully implemented programs and resources with the purpose of increasing inclusion and three-dimensional, authentic portrayals of this community,” says Benjamin Lopez, Executive Director of NALIP. “There is a well of untapped Latino talent in this industry that we are working to bring to the forefront, and our programs exist for that exact purpose.”

The Latino Media Fest works to advance the state of representation in the entertainment industry by featuring various speakers, workshops, panels, mixers, and an award ceremony highlighting Latinx excellence in the United States.

NALIP recently co-presented a new study with USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which highlights the lack of equal representation with 4% of 1,200 top-grossing films from 2018 were directed by Latinx. 

Latino Media Fest sessions include:

• How to Package, How to Produce: Sandra Condito (SVP of Production & Development | Sony Pictures International Productions)
• PARENT in HOLLYWOOD: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds (Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo): SJ Main Muñoz (Director | Tica Productions), Michael Perri (Writer | The Blacklist, State of Affairs, Teresa)
• Party of Five (Presented by SONY): Michal Zebede (Co-Executive Producer, Writer | Party of Five)
• Emerging Content Creators Workshop (Presented by Warner Bros.): Danny Fernandez (Writer | Love, Simon: The Series; Grand Hotel); Tania Lotia (Writer | Swamp Thing, The Dark Tower); Grasie Mercedes (Actress + TV Writer | Perfect Harmony)

To conclude the second day of programming, NALIP will honor the following awardees (more awardees to be announced soon):

• Best Latin American Filmmaker: Issa Lopez (Writer, Director) – Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017), Todo Mal (2018)
• Best Latinx Film: Ben DeJesus (Director, Co-Founder of NGL Studios) – John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway (2018), Raúl Júlia: The World’s a Stage (2019)
• Excellence in Entertainment Journalism: Carlos Aguilar (Film Critic/Journalist) – TheWrap, REMEZCLA
• Best Latinx TV Show: Gloria Calderon Kellett (Writer/Actress) – One Day at a Time (Season 3)

NALIP serves the needs of diverse content creators including, producers, performers, writers, directors, and industry professionals with the tools and mentorship they need to advance in their careers within the entertainment industry. 

The post NALIP Hosts Annual Latino Media Fest Oct. 2-4th first appeared on .