Univision, Endemol Team Up for Webnovela

NEW YORK,
December 4: Univision Online and Endemol are partnering with Amistad
Productions to produce an interactive web-based novela, Vidas Cruzadas (Crossed Lives),
which will premiere exclusively on Univision.com in 2009.

This project features 15
three- to five-minute episodes that will be available to Univision.com users
free of charge. Vidas Cruzadas will
have a dedicated microsite featuring behind-the-scenes videos, photos and other
interactive features such as blogs, live chats and forums. Other features
include a sweepstakes where users can act out a scene and upload their video
for a chance to win a cameo appearance.

The webnovela,
created by Estela Sainz, will be produced by award-winning executive-producer
Carlos Sotomayer. It stars Kate del
Castillo and Guy Ecker. Vidas Cruzadas,
as well as its mobile extension, will
be developed with extensive product placement and organic integration options
for advertisers.

"We are thrilled to
partner with first-class content producer Endemol and superstars Kate del
Castillo and Guy Ecker to bring Univision.com users a one-of-a-kind interactive
webnovela experience," said Cesar Conde, the executive VP and chief
strategy officer for Univision Communications. "This project is yet
another example of Univision's commitment to providing our online users with
original, premium content which creates innovative ways for our advertising
partners to connect with this audience."

"At Endemol, we are
committed to bringing quality entertainment to viewers in unique and
groundbreaking ways not experienced before," added Joerg Bachmaier, the
senior VP of digital media and business development for Endemol USA. "It
is with great enthusiasm and support that we have partnered with such a respected
name as Univision and together we look forward to bringing online audiences
closer than ever to their favorite programming."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski