Vme Lines Up Dramas, Specials & More

NEW YORK: Vme is to present the Spanish-language premiere of the mini-series The Kennedys (Los Kennedy), along with the big-budget drama Piratas and a host of other new series and specials on the planner for 2011-12.

The Kennedys, starring Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes, is among the highlights announced by the U.S. Hispanic broadcasters at its Upfront presentation. Also headed to the networks is Piratas, with a production budget of more than $1 million per episode. The drama is set in the 18th century and charts the course of a pirate crew.

In partnership with 40 Principales, Vme is introducing GAME40, a weekly interactive show for gamers. The series will look at the hottest new releases in the video-game market. With Red Bull’s Cliptomaniacs, Vme presents unique extreme sports moments. E3 is a new original production coming this summer that will feature entertainment news and pop-culture happenings. Vme is extending its Nota Musical franchise, with five music specials premiering in July and August, profiling the likes of Shakira, Alejandro Fernandez and Miguel Bose.

For its daily cooking block, Vme Cocina, the network has added the original program Sazon para el Mundo, featuring Chef Hamlet Garcia taking the best of international cuisine and giving it a Latin flavor. A host of Vme originals are returning to the network this fall: TuBeBe, Planeta Feroz, Mi Mascota, Estelares Vme, Vme Noticias, Vme Deportes and Jorge Gestoso Investiga.

Vme’s returning prime-time dramas include Africa de mi Corazon, Cuentame Como Paso and Comisario Rex. The grid will also feature another season of Alerta Cobra, a cop show that launched in its first season on Vme last month. Also returning is Aguila Roja.

In the way of children’s programming, fresh preschool content is slated for six days a week. Vme serves as the exclusive Spanish-language home for Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina and Thomas & Friends.

Along with its original programming lineup, Vme is offering ten brand entitlements, where brands can organically integrate into the set, become part of the program and share in the name of the show. "In today’s landscape, brands are looking for content and properties that they can own and Vme has answered this demand with more entitlement opportunities than any other Spanish-language network," said Patty Marrero, the senior VP and director of sales. "With production studios in Miami, Vme also has the capability of doing branded integrations, customized vignettes, prommercials and hosted pitches all of which provide numerous branding options and value to our marketing partners."