NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, announced today the official production kick off for “El Vato,” the network’s first original scripted series created for the U.S. Hispanic market. Premiering this spring, Endemol Shine Latino and Boomdog are set to produce the 10 episode-long series starring Regional Mexican artist, El Dasa.
The scripted-drama, inspired by El Dasa’s incredible real life story, follows an aspiring singer, El Vato, as he navigates life in Los Angeles after landing a once-in-a-lifetime record deal. He risks it all, leaving his life in Mexico for the bright lights of Hollywood and a shot at stardom. With temptations at every turn, and his friends in tow, does he have what it takes to make it?
“We are excited to offer our growing audience, including our loyal regional Mexican music fans, fresh and vibrant programming,” said Bilai Joa Silar, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production, NBC UNIVERSO. “This series promises to showcase El Dasa’s versatility as an artist and his fans can expect to fall in love with his character El Vato, and his entourage, as they embark on their journey to stardom.”
Added Cris Abrego, Co-Chairman, Endemol Shine Americas and Co-CEO, Endemol Shine North America, “We are thrilled to be producing NBC UNIVERSO’s first scripted series alongside our colleagues at Boomdog. We’ve assembled an amazingly talented cast and El Dasa’s inspirational, true-life story and all the fun that ensues on his rise to stardom should make ‘El Vato’ quite a ride for the network’s viewers.”
“El Vato” stars Dasahev López (El Vato), Cristina Rodlo (Mariana), Gustavo Egelhaaf (El Pollo), Ricardo Polanco (Brandon), Itatí Cantoral (Wendy), Arcelia Ramírez (Tía Eli) and Mauricio Martínez (Marcos).
El Dasa was discovered in 2011 by mariachi legend, Vicente Fernández, when his band asked him to listen to his chauffeur sing. Fernandez was so impressed by the young singer’s talent that he invited El Dasa to join him on stage and sing a duet at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. The audience gave the pair a standing ovation and Fernández asked the spectators to support the young artist’s career. El Dasa has toured and shared the stage with major Regional Mexican bands including Banda el Recodo, La Arrolladora Banda el Limón, El Coyote y su banda, among many others.
Fans can start engaging on social media by using #ElVato on Instagram and Twitter. To learn more about El Vato and its cast visit: https://www.facebook.com/ElVato.
NBC UNIVERSO is currently available to 40 million households across the U.S. The network is telecast in HD nationwide on DirecTV; Western U.S. markets served by Comcast Xfinity TV; throughout Bright House Networks’ cable television footprint; and select Cox Communications markets.
To find NBC UNIVERSO on your satellite, telco or cable TV channel lineup, go to Channel 410 on DIRECTV; Channel 838 on DISH Network; Channel 3009 or 3010 on AT&T U-verse; and visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentra for the NBC UNIVERSO channel number on your local cable TV listings.