Emilio Estefan, the Cuban-born music producer, filmmaker and author who created the Miami Sound Machine and shepherded the careers of Marc Antony, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jon Secada and Gloria Estefan, has signed a development deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television to create his first drama series for network television, it was announced today by the studio’s Chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman. Under the pact, Estefan will work with a writer to create a Latino-themed series which he will executive produce. The deal begins immediately and the Estefan project is targeted for network television development this fall.
“Emilio Estefan’s eye for talent, taste in material and brilliant creative instincts have made him one of the most accomplished producers of our times, and we are excited to be in business with him” commented Newman and Walden. “Reaching out to all audiences, including the Latino audience, is a critical priority for this studio as we look for that next big international hit. Emilio has a vision for a dramatic series that combines great storytelling with an authenticity in terms of Latino culture that we think every network will want on their schedule. We can’t wait to begin the development process with him.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining forces with Twentieth Century Fox Television,” remarked Estefan. “Over the course of my music career, I’ve had the opportunity to introduce new and exciting sounds and fusions to the world. Through that, I was fortunate to work with, and launch the crossover careers of many incredible artists including Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. As I now wholeheartedly delve into the world of television and film, I look forward to working with the creative team at Twentieth to develop multi-ethnic programming that will showcase our new and growing diverse landscape.”
Estefan is an internationally renowned music producer famous for shaping, developing and directing the careers of his wife, Gloria as well as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jon Secada, Alejandro Fernandez, Thalia, Carlos Vives, and Jennifer López, among many others. With over 30 Grammy nominations and 19 Grammy Awards, Estefan has produced television events for audiences worldwide, including the Latin Grammy’s on CBS, The Hispanic Heritage Awards on NBC and Nuestra Navidad on Univision, as well as high profile musical productions on HBO and Showtime.
In 2010, Estefan penned his autobiography The Rhythm of Success – How an Immigrant Produced his own American Dream, which became an instant best seller. In 2008, he produced and directed his first full-length documentary film, “90 Millas,” based on the pioneers and history of Cuban music. The film received critical accolades after premiering in the Tribecca Film Festival, Dubai Film Festival and the Miami
International Film Festival. In 2009, he became the first Cuban-American to become a minority share-holder in an NFL franchise by purchasing a stake in the Miami Dolphins. He was named by President George W. Bush to the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center, and served on his Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Most recently, he was appointed , by President Barack Obama, to the committee that will create the first National Museum of the American Latino. Estefan holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from Barry University, University of Miami, Florida International University and Berkley School of Music. He also received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the BMI Songwriter of the Year award and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
