Univision Launches OTT Network Flama

NEW YORK: Univision Communications has partnered with digital producer Bedrocket to launch Flama, an English-language OTT network aimed at young Latinos.

The joint venture marks Univision’s first dedicated OTT channel, which is available on TheFlama.com. The network will focus on discovering and sharing original and curated videos with stories made by, for and with Hispanic Millennials in mind.

Five new series are already scheduled to premiere this week on the online platform. That slate includes the mockumentary Super Accurate Soccer History; Left Unattended with D-stroy; the docuseries Drop the Mic with Becky G; Abuelita’s Reviews; and the short-clip series The Johnny Sanchez Show. A series sponsored by Trojan Brand Condoms is set to air this summer. The network’s programming will be available through its website, as well as on social channels such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

“Flama is working with talent and storytellers that connect with young Hispanics through a shared experience, a point of view, and sometimes simply a passion for llamas,” said Steven Benanav, the general manager of Flama. “We’ve created a network for our audience to discover and share great programming that includes original series and the best curated material from the Internet.”

“While other companies have set out to attract young Latinos and treat them like a homogenous group, from Flama’s inception, the network has been staffed by Latinos of all backgrounds who are making quality content for what is actually a diverse group,” said stand-up comedian Al Madrigal, an early adviser to the venture. “This more legit approach is what sets Flama apart and will lead to its success.”

Additionally, the network has hired Alexis Tirado, formerly of MTV Networks, as the site’s managing editor, along with Yamin Segal as director of programming and production for Flama. Segal is best known as the creator of the indie web series East Willy B.