Philip Anthony-Rodriguez The Hot DA in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"

TeleVISION by Julio Martinez

This week’s TeleVISION column spotlights Brooklyn-born Nuyorican actor Philip Anthony-Rodriguez, who is looking forward to expanded airtime with his recurring role as Ruben Enriquez when The Secret Life of the American Teenager returns June 7 for its third season on the ABC Family Channel. “So far, the good news for me is they are using me a lot more.”

Anthony-Rodriguez’s character was introduced last season when series regular bad girl, Adrian Lee (Francia Raisa), set out to find her biological father and discovers he’s a hot shot Assistant District Attorney. “I’m going to be on a whole lot more this season,” he affirms. “They are really expanding Ruben Enriquez’s story line, along with the character of his daughter Adrian, played by Francia. The upcoming season is going to be really good with some surprising plot twists and some jaw dropping moments. Next week, we shoot episode nine of the season and so far, I’ve been in every episode but one.”

When Secret Life, which focused on the life and times of pregnant teen Amy Juergens (played by Shailine Woodley), made its debut in July 2008, most of the mainstream press doubted it would last one season let alone reach a third. But despite the negative reviews from the TV critics, the pilot episode broke the record for the highest rated debut on ABC Family, later eclipsed by the second season premiere which aired June 22, 2009, garnering 2.82 million viewers.

“This show has found its audience,” says Anthony-Rodriguez. “Its popularity among teens has given its creator, Brenda Hampton, the freedom to venture into a wide variety of topics and situations. I’m glad to be part of its expansion.”

One might say Anthony-Rodriguez, who is the son of Puerto Rico-born parents, has had an ever-expanding career since he made his Broadway debut, portraying Mexican American rock idol, Richie Valens, in the musical, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. “I was twenty and I ran the gamut with that show, at the Schubert Theatre in New York, the first national tour and even in London in the West End. That was two-and-a-half years of my life.”

Since then, he has enjoyed an active stage career, including the Tony Award-Winning Broadway production of Tennessee Williams' Not About Nightingales, the musical, 4 Guys Named Jose and Una Mujer Named Maria, a revival of Man of La Mancha, and a nomination for a Kevin Kline Award in the Best Actor Category for his portrayal of Darren, a star baseball player who decides to reveal that he’s gay, in Take Me Out, at St. Louis Repertory Theatre.

Anthony-Rodriguez’s television career has been just as varied, ranging from guest star appearances on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana to FOX’s cutting edge, 24, highlighted by his series regular stint as NSA agent, Kyle Duarte, on the UPN sci-fi drama, Jake 2.0. His big screen credits include the starring role in the independent film, Ode, based on the novel, Ode to Lata, and co-starring in the feature action/thriller, Undercurrent.

“I am delighted to be this busy,” he says. “During the hiatus of Secret Life, I’ve guest starred on CSI New York and Numbers, as well what I call my bread-and-butter work, voiceovers for CD ROM video games like X Box and PlayStation 3 and others. I’ve done work in the past for Sesame Street in Spanish and a number of voiceover campaigns. I’ve been very blessed.”

The Secret Life of the American Teenager, which also co-stars  Molly Ringwald, premieres June 7 (9pm) on the ABC Family Channel.

LATIN HEAT welcomes breaking news, especially if you have landed a role on the little screen. Send submissions to submissions@latinheat.com and interview requests to Julio@juliomartinez.net.

Almodovar and Banderas Re-Team For "Piel"

Pedro Almodovar and Antonio Banderas are teaming up again for the Spanish director's new film La Piel Que Habito twenty-one years after their last collaboration (Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!). They have also worked together on Labyrinth of Passion (1982), Matador (1986), Law of Desire (1987), and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988).

According to Variety, Piel will loosely adapt Thierry Jonquet's 1995 novel "Mygale". Almodovar describes it as "a horror story without screams or shocks." Since announcing Piel in 2002, the film has now gone through nine re-writes which can no longer accommodate for such a big star as Penelope Cruz, which was Almodovar's original choice for one of the characters in the film.

"The film will be a terror film, without screams or scares," Almodovar told the Spanish daily El Pais. "It's difficult to define and although it comes close to the terror genre -- something that appeals to me that I've never done -- I won't respect any of its rules. It's the harshest film I've ever written and Banderas' character is brutal." It centers around a plastic surgeon who avenges the brutal rape of his daughter.

La Piel Que Habito will shoot this summer over the course of ten weeks. 

Film News Update by Luis Reyes

Four Independent Films Showcase Latino Talent 

Mother and Child is a beautiful and delicate woman’s film from the accomplished director/ writer Rodrigo Garcia that opens in theatres on Friday May 7th. It brings together the various stories revolving around a teenage mother who is forced to give up her daughter for adoption and what happens 37 years later when that child grows up. It is a film of insight, feelings and strong human emotions and the cycle of life. Annette Benning is sure to be nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress for her nuanced and raw portrayal of Karen and Jimmy Smits give a performance in so few words and emotions as Paco, a man who awakens deep emotions in Karen, that should earn him an Oscar nomination for Best supporting actor. The melodramatic film presents an ethnic cross-section of fully realized character that offers a contemporary realistic portrayal of America today that is rarely seen on screen. The ensemble all star cast also includes Naomi Watts, Samuel L. Jackson, Elpidia Carrillo (in a strong supporting role) young child actress Simone Lopez and Elizabeth Pena. The beautiful and artful cinematography is from Xavier Perez Grobet. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu serves as one of the producers.

Princess Kaiulani opening on May 14th is the inspiring true story of the Hawaiian princess who was forced to flee her homeland for Victorian England as the kingdom she was to inherit faced civil unrest. Actress Q’orianka Kilcher secured the title role of Princess Kaiulani after the production auditioned over 60 candidates in Los Angeles for the adult Kaiulani role. Kilcher had previously portrayed Pocahontas in the The New World, opposite Colin Farrell. Kilcher’s origins are part Huachipaeri and Quechua Indian on her father’s Peruvian side and she was born in Germany to a Swiss mother but lived in Hawaii until she was 10 years old. Kilcher recently said she believes she was cast as Kaiulani as much for her activism as her acting. Kilcher stars in Princess Kaiulani alongside Barry Pepper (Flags of Our Fathers, The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan), Will Patton (A Mighty Heart, Armageddon) and Shaun Evans (Being Julia, Cashback).

There are four independent modest budget films in theatres that are showcasing Latino talent in front of and behind the camera including Petter Bratt's La Mission, Andy Garcia's City Island, the aforementioned Mother and Child and Princess Kaiulani. Celebrate these artists filmic accomplishments by going to see their films. The commercial and artistic success of these films will allow for more Latino talent and stories to flourish on the screens. 

Jimmy Smits Portrays Chief Justice in new NBC Series Pilot

By Luis Reyes

Jimmy Smits will play Cyrus Garza, a by the book Supreme Court Justice who excuses himself from the bench to go into private practice and fight constitutional injustices in an untitled one hour NBC legal drama. Veteran Mexican actor Pedro Armendariz has also been cast as his political activist father who inspires him. Smits will also serve as a producer on the series.

The pilot is currently shooting on location in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Atlantic City.

Smits most recently headlined the short lived CBS Latino family drama Cane. He also co-starred on NBC’s The West Wing and did a season long arc on Showtime’s Dexter. which earned him his 12th Emmy Nomination (He won in 1990 for L.A. Law). The former NYPD Blue star is coming off a Broadway run in Gods of Carnage and next appears in Rodrigo Garcia’s upcoming theatrical feature to be released in May, Mother and Child.

The NBC drama is being developed by John Eisendrath, Universal Media Studios and Conan O’Brien’s production company.

Let’s hope this pilot makes it to series. It would be an important step forward to see a major Latino actor as a series lead in such a positive role as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and lawyer.

MTV's NEW FACE; LATINO TALENT FOR WORLD CUP

TeleVISION by Julio Martinez

DESI SANCHEZ IS THE FACE OF MTV2…Distributed in nearly 80 million homes, super macho MTV2 is launching a slew of brand defining original programming while tagging on-air personality Desi Sanchez as the face and voice of the all-new channel. With the highest concentration of men 12-34 on TV today, MTV2’s new shows include a mix of hip-hop, guy lifestyle and action sports programming with new series, Rock N Jock, Funk Flex Full Throttle, Nacho Libre, Ball Out Comedy Fridays and Sucker Free Sundays.

Sanchez, a NYC-born and bred TV host, visual artist and musician, feels right in her element. “I'm super psyched and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of MTV2! I've always been a tomboy at heart, and love all things tech, gaming, sports and music. Plus, at MTV2 I can just be myself and I get to interact with so many talented people. I'm looking forward to bringing my high energy and flavor to the channel. It’s going to be an awesome ride!”

Named by MAXIM as one of the “15 Hottest Latinas in Music,” Sanchez is also a classically trained pianist and is working on her first album, a blend of hard rock, pop and Latin that balances Sanchez’s soothing keyboard work with some decidedly non classical guitar riffs. But MTV2 is counting on Sanchez’s more visible talents to keep the boys attention between episodes of Jock and Funk. For specific MTV2 programming, check local listings or visit www.mtv2.com.

MTV TR3S GOBBLING LATINO TALENT FOR WORLD CUP SPECIAL…When it comes to knowing who to concentrate high level attention on during the advent of World Cup soccer, MTV Tr3s has the ready answer…the Latino Male. The Network is bringing together renowned soccer stars and leading Latino entertainers for a unique celebration of the world’s most popular sport. Set for filming on March 31st at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, the 2-hour ROCK N’ GOL special will center around four not-ready-for-primetime teams (No Se Puede United, AC Pitch Smackers, Locura United and Deportivo Cansados), featuring athletes and celebrities that will take to the field for a unique 4x4 tournament fusing traditional soccer with some very non-traditional twists. The big game, sponsored by T-Mobile, Subway and Toyota is set to air on June 3rd, and an additional MTV2 broadcast post premier.

Already confirmed celebrity participants for the taping include: crossover urban sensation Pitbull, actress Michelle Rodriguez, actor Jesse Garcia, comedian Carlos Mencia, Spanish artist David Bisbal, actor Walter Perez, singer/songwriter Debi Nova and legendary singer Jenni Rivera. They will be joined by famed soccer stars Marcelo Balboa, Brandi Chastain, Tony Meola and Tab Ramos. Additional participants are to be announced.
“The World Cup is one of the most anticipated games in the world especially among soccer fans in the Latino community, including myself,” proclaims Pitbull. Rock N’ Gol is guaranteed to add some flavor to the World Cup excitement. I’m looking forward to this event, because only MTV Tr3s can put a group of talented artists in cleats to compete with the pros.”

“MTV Tr3s is embracing the World Cup fever with our own irreverent twist on the world’s most popular sport,” says José Tillán, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the network. “Expect to see some top notch action, fun moments and great ‘performances’ with our version of fútbol…MTV Tr3s style. I was trying to be the referee, but did not make the cut.”

LATIN HEAT welcomes breaking news, especially if you have landed a role on the small screen.  Send info to:  submissions@latinheat.com

ANA ORTIZ FROM "UGLY" TO "TRUE BLUE"; CROSS-CULTURAL WEDDINGS ON MTV Tr3S

TeleVISION by Julio Martinez

ORTIZ SURVIVES THE DEMISE OF ‘UGLY’…Despite ABC unceremoniously booting Ugly Betty off the air this Spring, the network is not casting off Ana Ortiz, who is staying on ABC, starring in the network's cop drama pilot, True Blue. The cop show centers on a group of San Francisco homicide detectives reunited to solve the murder of one of their own. Ortiz plays a civilian secretary at the precinct. Poppy Montgomery co-stars. Exec producing are Jon Feldman, Chris Brancato and Bert Salke; Peter Horton is directing the pilot. There are a lot of pilots hatched during the Spring with no guarantee of finding a nesting place in the Fall primetime lineup. Ortiz has proven she has the star quality to make memorable any show she is in. Other pilot casting coups include Oswaldo Castillo being nabbed for NBC's untitled Adam Carolla comedy pilot. The pilot stars the comedian as a divorced contractor rebuilding his life. Castillo, a frequent collaborator of Carolla, will play his roommate and co-worker. Also in the works, Carmen Ejogo has taken a role in CBS drama pilot, Chaos.

THE COLORFUL... POLITICS OF ‘I DO’…With Quiero Mi Boda, MTV Tr3s takes an inside look at cross-cultural weddings and the hustle and bustle surrounding them. Producer Jorge Talon affirms, “Weddings are a special event in the life of a couple, a day where not only two people join in matrimony but also a day when two families unite. Now imagine these two families being from completely different cultural backgrounds, tastes, traditions, religion and sometimes even different languages.” Having premiered in on January 18 (10pm EST), Quiero Mi Boda shows what happens when you intermingle Mexicans with Cubans, Dominicans con Gringos, or even Puerto Ricans with Chinese! The final two Monday episodes air March 15 and 22 (9pm, EST).

INDEPENDENT LENS FOCUSES ON THE ‘LOST SOULS’…The Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Independent Lens, is premiering Lost Souls (“Animas Perdidas”), Tuesday, March 23rd at 10 PM (check local listings). Monika Navarro, a young Latina filmmaker born and raised in Ventura County, set out to make a documentary about her troubled uncle Augie, who was deported to Mexico after serving time for drug dealing, even though he was raised in the States and had served in the military. Navarro relates, "I found myself telling a different story -- about the kind of exile that has nothing to do with the government." Turning the camera on her parents, uncles and cousins, Monika shines a light on her family's dark history of abuse, addiction and abandonment as well as achievement and strength.

Finally, Carlos Gomez (Shark, Sleeper Cell) and Kiele Sanchez have landed co-starring roles on A&E's drama pilot Sugarloaf. More about that in next week’s TeleVISION.

LATIN HEAT welcomes breaking news, especially if you have landed a role on the little screen. Send submissions to submissions@latinheat.com and interview requests to Julio@juliomartinez.net.

Garcia Plays Pregnant; Latino Reality; Crew List

TeleVISION by Julio Martinez

The television pilots are beginning to hatch all over the primetime dial.
TeleVISION has the radar out to identify the highs and the lows of emerging viewer fare. One perennial Latina may have finally found a promising sitcom home.

GARCIA ON THE MOVE…That blond bombshell of a Latina, Joanna Leanna Garcia, emerged as a potential star from the WB series, Reba (2001-2007). But despite displaying considerable on-camera charisma and laudable comedic timing, Garcia’s talents were ill-served on two lamentable short-lived comedy series, Welcome to The Captain (CBS) and Privileged (CW). Her prospects are looking up. Garcia has been tabbed to co-star in an untitled comedy pilot for ABC from Shana Goldberg-Meehan. The plot focuses on two sisters in different stages of their romantic relationships and is produced by Warner Bros. Television. “I play the less secure sis who gets pregnant and ends up marrying her beau,” says Garcia. The comedy is being ear-marked for the upcoming 2010 Fall season. When she is not on the set, Florida-born Garcia, who speaks Spanish fluently, is a volunteer English-as-a Second-language teacher for children in Los Angeles.

LATINOS ON REALITY…Two of the hottest current reality shows on TV, American Idol (FOX) and Project Runway (Lifetime Cable), have been showcasing some impressive Latino talent this winter. The monstrously popular Idol showcase is down to the Top 24 pop vocalists. Included in the countdown is Ashley Rodriguez (22, Chelsea, MA), Andrew Garcia (24, Moreno Valley, CA) and Joe Munoz (20, Huntington Park, CA). Two ladies and two men will be eliminated this week. Hopefully, these vocally adroit Latinos will make the cut….Over on the Runway, fashionistas Jesus Estrada, Maya Luz and Emilio Estrada have all been impressive. Julio Estrada was eliminated from the competition a few weeks ago but that has not stopped the San Diego based designer from pursuing his dreams. He will be showing at LA Fashion Week in a few weeks. Luz and Emilio Estrada are both in the competition and both have impressed the judges each week with their designs. Additionally, Emilio was the winner of the first challenge this season. American Idol airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays (FOX, 8pm E/P). Project Runway can be seen Thursdays (Lifetime, 10pm (E/P).

LATINO CREWS…Much attention is paid when a Latino actor rises to the status of series regular of prominent guest star on primetime TV. But for every burgeoning America Ferrera, there are hundreds of talented, behind-the-scenes chicos and chicas laboring to put that primetime show on the small screen. Upcoming on the FX Channel is the crime series, Justified (premieres Tuesday, March 16, 10pm E/P), starring Timothy Olyphant as rural Kentucky U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens. Helping to put words in Givens’ mouth is staff writer Benjamin Daniel Lobato, whose credits include The Unit (CBS). A screenwriter/playwright, Lobato’s stage work, Soldier in the Eclipse, was a winner of the Fifth Annual Hispanic Playwriting Festival. Working as Technical Advisor on the series is Charlie Almanza, retired after 30 years U.S. Marshal Service, including Chief Deputy in Los Angeles. Serving as Key Grip is Mike Reyes. Justified was developed by Executive Producers Graham Yost, Elmore Leonard, Michael Dinner, Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly. 

LATIN HEAT welcomes breaking news, especially if you have landed a role on the little screen. Send submissions to submissions@latinheat.com and interview requests to Julio@juliomartinez.net.