News

Mauricio Ochmann, one of the biggest stars in the Latino world, has signed a multiyear first look deal with Pantaya, the leading premium Spanish-language streaming service.

Under the terms of the deal, actor-producer Ochmann will develop and executive produce a slate of original films and TV series for the company. Films developed as part of the deal will be produced in tandem with Pantelion Films, Pantaya’s partner company.

Announced Monday by Paul Presburger, CEO of Pantaya and Pantelion, the deal allies the two companies with the star of Telemundo Super Series “El Chema,” a spin off from “El Señor de los Cielos” – in which Ochmann also had a main character role. Aired over 2016-17, “El Chema” ranked as the No. 1 broadcast program at 10 pm in the U.S. regardless of language, among 18-34s.

The Pantaya-Pantelion deal builds on an already highly successful relationship between Ochmann and the two companies.

Exclusive: Lionsgate bought a whopper of a spec package in Wayland. In competition, Lionsgate took the spec script by Simon Kinberg off the table with a progress to production commitment to make the movie. Jessica Chastain will produce, and her The Eyes of Tammy Faye helmer Michael Showalter will direct. Production is eyed for next year.

Wayland is an ensemble drama thriller that has shades of A Simple Plan and Knives Out. Kinberg will produce with Audrey Chon (who runs his Genre Films shingle), and Chastain and Kelly Carmichael (who runs her Freckle Films shingle). Showalter will be executive producer. Chastain would certainly be welcomed to be among the ensemble cast if she wants, but right now her commitment is as producer.

This is only the second spec Kinberg wrote in the last 20 years since he broke on the scene with his spec Mr. & Mrs. Smith and then got busy writing and producing blockbusters.