or


[02/13/07 - 12:28 PM]
Smits' El Sendero Productions Carves a Path with Three New Projects
Among them: Jimmy Smits will star and executive produce Cynthia Cidre's drama pilot for CBS.

[via press release from El Sendero Productions]

Smits' El Sendero Productions Carves A Path With Three New Projects

BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 13 -- Jimmy Smits' El Sendero Productions Inc. forges a new trail with the announcement of its first three projects. Smits previously inked a production pod deal with ABC/ABC Television Studio (formerly known as Touchstone), which enables him to work both sides of projects -- as a starring vehicle and producing, while also developing and producing shows without being attached to star.

First on the slate is "The Inside," a co-production with El Sendero Productions, ABC Television Studio and FX. The project originated with Todd Robinson, whom Smits immediately contacted after seeing his upcoming feature "Lonely Hearts," which he wrote and directed. Robinson is lined up to write and exec produce the project with Smits. The story is about a former Special Forces Operative who agrees to give up his identity and his family to go undercover and infiltrate a dangerous drug cartel, not knowing who he can trust, but determined to complete his mission and protect his family.

Next is an untitled epic mini-series to be written and directed by Gregory Nava about U.S. immigration told through interconnected stories. This project originated with Gregory Nava, who first worked with Smits on "My Family/Mi Familia" and had wanted to collaborate again ever since. Nava sold the project to ABC/ABC Television Studio with Smits and El Sendero attached. Quinn Taylor, ABC's Sr. VP of Movies and Mini-Series is the creative exec for the project, which is a co-production with Smits' El Sendero Productions, Nava's El Norte Productions, along with Nava's partner Barbara Jitner-Martinez, and ABC Television Studio.

The third project will put Smits back in front of the camera, a CBS Paramount/ABC Television Studio co-production for CBS currently known as the "Untitled Cynthia Cidre Project" in which Smits and El Sendero Productions has agreed to come on board to both star and produce. Written by Cynthia Cidre ("Mambo Kings," "A Killing In A Small Town") who will also produce the pilot along with Jonathan Prince, this multi-generational, Latin family saga explores the evolution of the American Dream ... past, present and future, and the intense rivalry between two families who have built an empire in the sugar and rum industries. Also serving as producers are Cidre, Prince, Polly Anthony and Jimmy Iovine.

"Developing and producing with people as talented and insightful as those I'm working with is a privilege and an exciting opportunity ... I feel very ready at this point in my career to be actively involved both in front of and behind the camera," says Smits.

Smits will also be seen in the upcoming feature film "The Jane Austen Book Club," directed by Robin Swicord and starring Maria Bello, Amy Brenneman and Emily Blunt, scheduled for a 2008 release.

Deals were negotiated by attorney Tom Hoberman. Smits is also repped by Joe Cohen at CAA, and Danny Sussman at Brillstein-Grey.

SOURCE El Sendero Productions Inc.





  [february 2007]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
    


· CANE (CBS)
· INSIDE, THE (FX)
· UNTITLED GREGORY NAVA PROJECT (ABC)





[07/11/25 - 12:45 PM]
ABC Concludes September to May Season with Top Five Shows Among Adults 18-49 Including "High Potential," "Abbott Elementary," "The Rookie," "Shifting Gears" and "9-1-1"
Continuing to lead among broadcast series, ABC's "High Potential" stood as the No. 1 new drama among Total Viewers (16.41 million) and No. 1 new show among Adults 18-49 (3.85 rating).

[07/11/25 - 11:28 AM]
"Big Brother: Summer of Mystery" Premiere Up +10% from Last Summer
Last night, season 27 premiered to nearly 3 million viewers.

[07/11/25 - 10:01 AM]
FX's "Alien: Earth" Takes Fandom to New Heights with Premium Exclusive Content Including a Companion Podcast and Innovative Immersive Experiences
"Alien: Earth," a new drama series from Noah Hawley inspired by the acclaimed feature film franchise, will premiere on Tuesday, August 12.

[07/11/25 - 10:01 AM]
CBS Unveils Fall Primetime Premiere Dates for the 2025-2026 Season
Highlights include an early return for "Watson" on Monday, October 13 in place of the previously announced "FBI" spin-off "CIA."

[07/11/25 - 10:00 AM]
The "Outlander" Universe Expands in Hall H, as Starz Returns to San Diego Comic-Con
Look for can't miss panels for "Outlander" and "Outlander: Blood of my Blood" in Hall H on Friday, July 25 and an in-depth preview of the newest saga in the Spartacus franchise, "Spartacus: House of Ashur" on Saturday, July 26 in the Indigo Ballroom.

[07/11/25 - 10:00 AM]
Adult Swim Returns to San Diego Comic-Con with "Pirate Purrrty on the Green," Must-See Panel Events, and Exclusive First Looks and Giveaways
Adult Swim will bring its famed pirate ship outside the San Diego Convention Center (5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way), this time with a feline twist!

[07/11/25 - 09:01 AM]
HBO Max to Host Fan Experiences for Upcoming Seasons of "Peacemaker" and "It: Welcome to Derry" in San Diego
The festivities include a panel in Hall H, where showrunner/writer/director and Co-Head of DC Studios James Gunn and the cast of "Peacemaker" will share new details about the upcoming season and premiere the global trailer for season two.

[07/11/25 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" - Official Trailer - HBO Max
There's always a message in the music.

[07/11/25 - 06:00 AM]
"Love Island (UK)" 10th Anniversary Special Date Announcement
The special premieres in the US on Friday, July 11.

[07/11/25 - 02:01 AM]
Netflix Will Release "Death Inc." Seasons 1, 2 and 3
The series is a comedy centered around a family-run funeral home and the relationships between the eccentric characters who inhabit it.

[07/11/25 - 12:01 AM]
"Too Hot to Handle: Italy" Is Coming on July 18 Only on Netflix
A special guest will guide the contestants in the first Italian edition of the reality show.

[07/10/25 - 07:01 PM]
Video: "The Winning Try" - Official Trailer - Netflix
After his career fell apart, a disgraced rugby star finds purpose coaching his old school's team - driving them and himself toward growth and redemption.

[07/10/25 - 07:01 PM]
Video: "The Nice Guy" - Teaser Trailer #3 - Disney+
He wants out for good. But the past comes with strings.

[07/10/25 - 05:03 PM]
Meagan Good Returns to Lifetime to Executive Produce and Star in the Alluring New Thriller "I'll Never Let You Go" Alongside Antonio Cupo and Thomas Cadrot, Premiering August 16 on Lifetime
Good stars as Emily Westover, a poised and successful art gallery director whose life takes a dark turn after a brief, impulsive affair with a magnetic Italian artist, Carlo (Cupo).

[07/10/25 - 12:01 PM]
"Virgin River" Is Returning for Season 8
"On behalf of myself and the whole 'Virgin River' family, we're eternally grateful to Netflix and to the fans for allowing us to continue on this journey with these beloved characters," said showrunner Patrick Sean Smith.