Univision today announced the formation of a studio division to produce telenovelas in the U.S., a move that would eventually make the network less dependent on Televisa for its popular programming. While Univision and Televisa reached an out of court settlement back in January, its exclusive programming deal only has another 8 years left.
Luis Fernández was named Univision Studios president. Most recently, he ran RTVE in Spain. In 2005 he produced the short-lived drama “Al Filo de la Ley,” for Univision. Today is his first day on the job. He will report to Univision network president César Conde.
The studios will be based in Miami. The new division will also produce reality shows, dramatic series and entertainment specials for all of the company’s platforms, including its 3 TV networks – Univision, Telefutura and Galavision – as well as univision.com and Univision Móvil.
No word yet when the first Univision produced telenovelas will make air.
Telemundo has been producing their own soaps for several years.